Comprehensive Guide to Padel Tennis Court Dimensions

Have you ever heard of the quirky sport that blends the best of tennis and squash? Padel tennis is rapidly gaining popularity among racquet sports enthusiasts for its dynamic gameplay, strategic depth, and strong social appeal. At the heart of this exciting sport lies its uniquely designed court.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or curious newcomer, understanding the standard dimensions of a padel court is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about padel court measurements—from layout and fencing to lighting and entry gates.


Court Size and Layout

According to the International Padel Federation (FIP), the official padel court dimensions are:

  • Length: 20 meters (65.6 feet)

  • Width: 10 meters (32.8 feet)

  • Total Playing Area: 200 square meters

These dimensions are for doubles play, which is the standard format in padel. The size strikes a perfect balance between agility, speed, and tactical movement.

For singles padel, a smaller version is occasionally used:

  • Length: 20 meters

  • Width: 6 meters


Net Specifications

The net divides the court into two equal halves. Its dimensions are:

  • Height at center: 88 cm (34.6 inches)

  • Height at sides: 92 cm (36.2 inches)

  • Length: 10 meters (32.8 feet)

The net is supported by posts with a maximum allowable height of 1.05 meters, placed outside the court to avoid interfering with play.


Walls and Fencing

A defining characteristic of padel is the use of walls, allowing the ball to bounce and stay in play, adding a squash-like element to rallies.

  • Back Walls: 4 meters high

    • Lower 3 meters are solid (usually glass or concrete)

    • Upper 1 meter is metallic wire mesh

  • Side Walls:

    • Solid portion up to 3 meters high (starting from the back corner for at least 2 meters)

    • The remainder is typically wire mesh, sloping down toward the net area

This unique enclosure design promotes longer rallies and creative shot-making.


Clearance and Vertical Space

To ensure safety and playability:

  • Perimeter clearance: Minimum 0.5 meters around the outer edge

  • Indoor court height: Minimum 6 meters vertical clearance from surface to ceiling

This overhead space ensures that lobs and high returns aren’t obstructed.


Entry Gates

Padel courts feature open gates on either side of the net to:

  • Allow smooth access and exit

  • Enable “play-out” rules (where players may chase balls outside the court in professional games)

Gates are typically 0.8–1 meter wide and 2 meters high, though specific configurations may vary depending on court type and safety regulations.


Service Lines and Playing Zones

The court includes clear service and central lines that define the playable zones:

  • Service lines are 6.95 meters from the net on both sides

  • Each service box is split by a central line and must be at least 20 cm wide

  • Serves are executed underhand and must land diagonally in the opponent’s service box

This compact, marked space increases the need for precise control and quick reflexes.


Lighting and Visibility

For indoor courts or nighttime use, proper lighting is critical. The International Padel Federation recommends:

  • Minimum light intensity: 300 lux (recreational) to 500 lux (competitive)

  • Lighting fixtures height: At least 6 meters

  • LED lighting systems are preferred due to:

    • Low energy use

    • Minimal glare

    • Uniform brightness

This improves player visibility and enhances the experience for spectators.


Design Considerations

When building a padel court, consider:

  • Extra space for benches, storage, and players

  • Viewing areas for spectators

  • Accessibility features such as non-slip flooring and ramp entries

A well-designed layout contributes to both safety and enjoyment.


Global Popularity

Padel is especially popular in Spain, Italy, Argentina, and growing rapidly in regions like the Middle East, USA, and Northern Europe. With more than 40,000 courts worldwide, the demand for quality padel facilities is higher than ever.


Explore Padel Court Options

At Arturf, we offer everything from high-performance padel turf to complete padel court kits that meet international standards. Whether you’re planning a private court or a commercial sports complex, we have a solution for you.


Conclusion

Understanding the precise dimensions of a padel court is the first step toward building or playing on a professional-grade surface. From net height to wall structure, every aspect of the court is designed to support fast-paced, strategic gameplay.

Whether you’re stepping onto the court as a seasoned athlete or exploring the sport for the first time, a strong grasp of these measurements will improve your play and appreciation of the game.

So gear up, step onto that 20×10 meter court, and experience the thrilling world of padel.

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