Padel Court Dimensions: Official Size & Measurements (2026 Guide)
Complete guide to padel court dimensions including official measurements, size comparison with tennis courts, wall heights, and space requirements. Updated for 2026 regulations.
Padel Court Dimensions: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re building a padel court, comparing it to tennis, or just curious about the game’s specifications, understanding court dimensions is essential. Here’s the complete breakdown of official padel court measurements.
Standard Padel Court Size
According to the International Padel Federation (FIP) regulations, a standard padel court measures:
| Dimension | Meters | Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20m | 65ft 7in |
| Width | 10m | 32ft 10in |
| Total Playing Area | 200m² | 2,153 sq ft |
The court is divided into two equal halves by a net, creating two 10m x 10m playing zones per team.
Tolerance Levels
Official regulations allow a tolerance of ±0.5% in either direction, meaning:
- Length: 19.9m to 20.1m
- Width: 9.95m to 10.05m
This flexibility accounts for construction variations while maintaining standardized play.
Wall and Fence Heights
Padel courts are unique because they’re enclosed by walls and fences. Here’s the breakdown:
Back Walls (Behind Each Baseline)
| Section | Height | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Section (Glass) | 3m (9ft 10in) | Tempered glass or solid wall |
| Upper Section (Mesh) | 1m (3ft 3in) | Metal wire mesh fence |
| Total Back Wall Height | 4m (13ft 1in) | Combined |
Side Walls
| Section | Height | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Section (Glass) | 3m (9ft 10in) | Tempered glass or solid wall |
| Upper Section (Mesh) | 1m (3ft 3in) | Metal wire mesh fence |
| Total Side Wall Height | 4m (13ft 1in) | Combined |
The side walls typically extend 6m from the back corners, with the remaining sections (toward the net) being 3m high mesh fencing.
Net Specifications
The net divides the court lengthwise and has specific height requirements:
| Position | Height |
|---|---|
| Center | 88cm (2ft 11in) |
| Posts (sides) | 92cm (3ft) |
The net is suspended from posts located outside the playing area, typically 0.5m from each sideline.
Service Lines and Markings
Service Box Dimensions
Each half of the court contains two service boxes:
| Measurement | Distance |
|---|---|
| Service Line to Net | 6.95m (22ft 10in) |
| Center Service Line Length | 6.95m (divides boxes) |
| Each Service Box | 5m x 6.95m |
All court lines are 5cm (2 inches) wide and typically white or yellow for visibility.
Singles Padel Court (Smaller Variant)
While doubles is standard, singles padel courts exist with different dimensions:
| Dimension | Meters | Feet |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 20m | 65ft 7in (same) |
| Width | 6m | 19ft 8in |
| Total Playing Area | 120m² | 1,292 sq ft |
Singles courts are rare and primarily used for training or space-constrained facilities.
Padel Court vs Tennis Court: Size Comparison
Many players come from tennis, so here’s a direct comparison:
| Court Type | Length | Width | Total Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Padel (doubles) | 20m (65.6ft) | 10m (32.8ft) | 200m² (2,153 sq ft) |
| Tennis (doubles) | 23.77m (78ft) | 10.97m (36ft) | 260.9m² (2,808 sq ft) |
| Tennis (singles) | 23.77m (78ft) | 8.23m (27ft) | 195.7m² (2,106 sq ft) |
Key Takeaways:
- Padel courts are about 23% smaller than tennis doubles courts
- Similar width to tennis, but 3.77m shorter
- Roughly the same size as a tennis singles court
This smaller size makes padel more accessible - you cover less ground, making rallies longer and more strategic.
Space Requirements for Building a Padel Court
If you’re considering building a padel court, you need more than just the 20m x 10m playing area.
Recommended Total Space
| Purpose | Minimum Size | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Court | 23m x 13m | 25m x 15m |
| Indoor Court | 23m x 13m x 7m height | 25m x 15m x 8m height |
Why the extra space?
- Clearance around the court (1.5m - 2.5m on each side)
- Safety buffer for players exiting the court
- Lighting fixtures (outdoor)
- Seating and viewing areas
Ceiling Height for Indoor Courts
Indoor facilities need a minimum ceiling height of 7 meters (23 feet), but 8 meters (26 feet) is recommended for:
- Professional play
- High lobs and defensive shots
- Adequate lighting installation
Court Orientation and Positioning
Outdoor Courts
For optimal playing conditions:
- North-South orientation is preferred
- Minimizes sun glare during play
- Reduces one player having sun in their eyes
Indoor Courts
- Ensure even lighting across the entire court
- Minimum 500 lux illumination at playing surface level
- No shadows or dark spots
Surface Materials and Specifications
While not technically a “dimension,” the playing surface affects court usability:
| Surface Type | Characteristics | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Turf | Most common, sand-filled | Outdoor/Indoor |
| Concrete (painted) | Durable, low maintenance | Budget outdoor |
| Asphalt | Rare, used in older courts | Legacy courts |
| Acrylic | Smooth, tennis-like feel | High-end indoor |
The playing surface should have:
- Shock absorption for joint protection
- Adequate grip to prevent slips
- Consistent bounce across the entire court
Common Questions About Padel Court Dimensions
How big is a padel court compared to pickleball?
A padel court (200m²) is nearly 5 times larger than a pickleball court (44m² / 473 sq ft). Pickleball courts are 13.4m x 6.1m.
Can you fit 2 padel courts on a tennis court?
Almost! A standard tennis doubles court (260.9m²) can theoretically fit 1.3 padel courts, but in practice:
- You’d need to remove tennis fencing
- Add glass walls and mesh fencing
- Realistically, one tennis court = one padel court conversion
How much does it cost to build a padel court?
Depending on location, materials, and site prep:
- Outdoor basic court: €15,000 - €30,000
- Outdoor premium court: €30,000 - €50,000
- Indoor court: €40,000 - €80,000+
Costs vary significantly by region and installation complexity.
Why Court Size Matters for Your Game
Understanding court dimensions helps you:
- Positioning: Know exactly where you stand relative to walls
- Shot Selection: Gauge distances for lobs, drop shots, and volleys
- Court Coverage: Coordinate with your doubles partner
- Wall Play: Anticipate ball rebounds from different angles
The compact size of padel courts makes the game more social, accessible, and strategic compared to tennis. Less running, more thinking.
Key Takeaways
- Standard padel court: 20m x 10m (200m²)
- Wall heights: 4m total (3m glass + 1m mesh)
- Net height: 88cm center, 92cm at posts
- Service line: 6.95m from net
- Space needed: Minimum 23m x 13m, recommended 25m x 15m
- Smaller than tennis: About 23% less area than tennis doubles courts
Now that you know the dimensions, it’s time to find a court near you and start playing! Download the Padellog app to discover courts, track your matches, and connect with other players.
