Pickleball Court Dimensions: What You Need to Know

Don’t Make the #1 Mistake When Planning Your Backyard Court

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when building a pickleball court? Not leaving enough space around the court lines. The official court dimensions aren’t that big — 20 feet wide by 44 feet long — but this only accounts for the playing surface itself. You actually need more room than you think around all 4 sides of the court move comfortable, return serves, or chase down shots.

What happens if you go too small?

• Your paddle hits the fence or shrubs on your serve backswing

• You can't step far enough back to return serves

• Around-the-post (ATP) shots become impossible

• You can’t move freely because you’re worried about hitting something or running off the court

To build a court that plays like the real thing, you need to go much bigger than the lines. Let’s walk through the actual space requirements based on your goals and budget.

📐 Court Size Options

❌ 1. Pickleball Court Lines (not playable)

20' x 44' = 880 square feet
This is the minimum required space for drawing the court lines — including the kitchen, baselines, and sidelines — NOT including any space to move around. These dimensions should only be used to draw your lines.

🟩 2. Bare Minimum for Backyard Playability

30' x 60' = 1,800 square feet
This is the smallest recommended footprint for a usable backyard court. It gives you a few feet of space beyond the baseline and sidelines — just enough to avoid feeling too cramped.

Pros:

• More affordable

• Fits in smaller backyards

Cons

• Still tight for serves/returns, ATPs, and high-level play

🏆 3. Pro Minimum Standard (Our Recommendation)

34' x 64' = 2,176 square feet
This is the ideal size for comfortable movement, realistic serves, and true pickleball feel.

Benefits:

• Room to step back on serves

• Space for around-the-post shots

• Less risk of hitting fences or obstacles

• Plays more like a regulation court

Most high-end backyard builds use this footprint (or slightly larger) for maximum enjoyment.

🚧 If You’re Adding a Fence

45' x 67'
If you're planning to install fencing, you’ll need extra buffer space between the court and the fence line. This allows room for:

• Safety zone (no one likes smacking into chain-link)

• Proper ball containment

• Gate installation and post layout

This footprint gives your court a fully enclosed, tournament-style setup.

🧩 What’s the best fit for your yard? Let’s Talk.

Choosing the right court size isn’t just about square footage — it’s about how you play, who you play with, and how long you want your court to last.

At Backyard Pickleball Builders, we help you:

• Understand your yard’s layout and limitations

• Match your play style and budget to the best court footprint

• Connect with a vetted contractor who can bring it all to life

👉 Book a free consultation today and we’ll help you figure out exactly what size court is right for you.