A badminton court is 13.4 m (44 ft) long. It is 6.1 m (20 ft) wide for doubles and 5.18 m (17 ft) wide for singles. The net stands 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) high at the posts and 1.524 m (5 ft) at the center. The front (short) service line sits 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) from the net, and the doubles long service line sits 0.76 m (2 ft 6 in) inside the back boundary. All lines are 40 mm (about 1.5 in) wide and count as part of the area they mark, so a shuttle that lands on the line is in.
This guide gives every official measurement, explains which lines count in singles and doubles, shows how the service courts are shaped, covers space and ceiling height, and gives practical steps for marking out a court at a school, club, or home.
Official court measurements
| Measurement | Meters | Feet (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 13.40 m | 44 ft |
| Doubles width | 6.10 m | 20 ft |
| Singles width | 5.18 m | 17 ft |
| Net to front (short) service line | 1.98 m | 6 ft 6 in |
| Doubles long service line (in from back line) | 0.76 m | 2 ft 6 in |
| Side alley (tramline) width | 0.46 m | 1 ft 6 in |
| Line width | 40 mm | 1.5 in |
| Net height at posts | 1.55 m | 5 ft 1 in |
| Net height at center | 1.524 m | 5 ft |
| Net depth (top to bottom) | 0.76 m | 2 ft 6 in |
The net posts stand on the doubles sidelines, and this applies whether singles or doubles is being played.
Which lines count
| Situation | Side boundary | Back boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Singles rally | Inner (singles) sidelines | Back boundary line |
| Doubles rally | Outer (doubles) sidelines | Back boundary line |
| Singles serve | Inner sideline and center line | Back boundary line |
| Doubles serve | Outer sideline and center line | Doubles long service line |
In every case, the serve must also land beyond the front service line, in the service court diagonally opposite the server.
Service court shapes
Singles service court. Long and narrow. It runs from the front service line to the back boundary line, about 4.72 m deep, and from the center line to the singles sideline, about 2.59 m wide.
Doubles service court. Short and wide. It runs from the front service line to the doubles long service line, about 3.96 m deep, and from the center line to the doubles sideline, about 3.05 m wide.
These shapes explain why high serves are common in singles and low serves dominate doubles: the doubles service court is shorter, so a high serve lands close enough to the receiver to be smashed easily.
Space around the court and ceiling height
Run-off space. Players need room to move beyond the lines. Many guidelines recommend at least about 2 m of clear space around the court, and extra space between neighboring courts helps prevent collisions.
Ceiling height. High clears and lifts need plenty of height. Recreational halls often have ceilings around 7 to 9 m, while major international events require a much higher clear space above the court, commonly cited as around 12 m. Low ceilings restrict high shots, and some venues adopt local rules for shuttles that hit the ceiling.
Background and lighting. Dark, plain backgrounds and lighting that does not shine into players’ eyes make the shuttle easier to follow.
Floor surface. Wooden sprung floors or synthetic badminton mats offer good grip and some shock absorption.
How to mark out a badminton court
1. Check your space. Measure the area, allowing 13.4 m by 6.1 m for the court plus clearance around it.
2. Mark the outer rectangle. Lay out the doubles sidelines and back boundary lines first. Check the rectangle is square by measuring both diagonals; they should be equal, about 14.72 m.
3. Mark the net position. Find the halfway point along each sideline (6.7 m from each back line) and mark where the net will stand.
4. Add the singles sidelines. Measure 0.46 m in from each doubles sideline.
5. Add the service lines. Mark the front service lines 1.98 m from the net on each side, and the doubles long service lines 0.76 m in from each back line.
6. Add the center lines. Run a center line from each front service line to the back boundary, dividing the left and right service courts.
7. Set the net. Place the posts on the doubles sidelines and adjust the net to 1.55 m at the posts and 1.524 m at the center.
Use tape, chalk, or marking paint depending on the surface. For temporary courts, removable vinyl tape works well on gym floors.
Court size compared with other racket sports
| Sport | Doubles court size (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Badminton | 13.4 m by 6.1 m |
| Pickleball | 13.4 m by 6.1 m (same footprint as badminton) |
| Tennis | 23.77 m by 10.97 m |
Because pickleball and badminton share the same court footprint, many gyms mark both sets of lines on the same floor, although the nets and line layouts differ.
Backyard and home courts
Scale down if needed. A smaller court is fine for casual play; keep the net height close to standard so rallies feel realistic.
Watch the wind. Outdoor play is affected by wind. Heavier outdoor shuttles help.
Choose a level surface. Grass or level paving works; avoid slopes and hidden holes.
Common mistakes with court dimensions
Setting the net at tennis or volleyball height. A badminton net should be 1.524 m at the center, lower than a volleyball net and higher than a tennis net’s center.
Mixing up the service lines. Serving long in doubles to the back boundary line is a fault; the doubles long service line applies.
Forgetting the lines are in. Shuttles landing on any part of the line are in.
Using the wrong sidelines. Singles uses the inner sidelines for rallies; doubles uses the outer ones.
Too little space between courts. Courts placed too close together increase collision risk.
A note on the rulebook
These measurements follow the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Laws of Badminton, which set court and net dimensions for official play. Venue requirements such as ceiling height, run-off space, and lighting for sanctioned tournaments are set by the BWF and national associations and can differ by event level, so check the current regulations if you are building or certifying a court.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a badminton court?
A badminton court is 13.4 m (44 ft) long and 6.1 m (20 ft) wide for doubles, or 5.18 m (17 ft) wide for singles.
How high is a badminton net?
The net is 1.55 m (5 ft 1 in) high at the posts and 1.524 m (5 ft) at the center of the court.
Is the line in or out in badminton?
The line is in. A shuttle that lands on any part of a boundary line counts as inside the court.
