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.
Table of Contents
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.
Explore Related Products
Enhance your padel court experience with Arturf's premium solutions. Choose from our durable padel court turf, engineered for optimal play, or select our comprehensive padel court package, which includes all essential components for a seamless setup.
Padel
Padel
You Might Also Like
Elevate your padel court experience with Arturf's knowledge and expertise.
