Understanding the dimensions of a padel court is critical for professionals involved in sports facility development. Whether you’re sourcing for a public recreation complex or a private club, knowing the exact layout, measurements, and compliance criteria is not just helpful—it’s non-negotiable. This guide breaks down the official dimensions, materials, structural specifications, and regulatory requirements for padel courts. You’ll also find clear explanations, practical tables, and a handy FAQ at the end to clarify any lingering questions.
Let’s get right into the measurements and see what makes a padel court truly fit for international play.
1. Understanding the Basics of Padel Courts
What sets padel apart from other racket sports? The dimensions and enclosed playing environment shape its fast-paced style and strategic gameplay. It blends elements from tennis and squash, but operates within a much smaller footprint.
But here’s the kicker… Most people think a padel court is just a downsized tennis court. That’s far from accurate. The enclosed walls, fixed dimensions, and surface materials are all engineered for a very specific type of sport.
Padel originated in Mexico and rapidly gained popularity across Europe, especially in Spain. It’s now one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Clubs and facility developers are scrambling to build compliant courts to meet surging demand.
From a buyer’s perspective, knowing what you’re getting—down to the millimeter—ensures you’re sourcing compliant infrastructure. This becomes even more vital when you’re dealing with international shipments or local inspections.
So let’s start with what exactly defines a standard padel court. The next section covers all the numbers you need to know.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Court Length | 20 meters |
| Court Width | 10 meters |
| Playing Area | Fully enclosed |
| Glass Wall Height | 3 meters |
| Mesh Height | Up to 4 meters |
| Net Height | 88 cm (center), 92 cm (posts) |
2. Official Padel Court Dimensions
Now to the core specs. An official padel court must measure 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width. These are not flexible numbers. Deviating from them can render your court non-compliant under International Padel Federation (FIP) guidelines.
This is where it gets interesting… These dimensions include both the playing area and the perimeter. The perimeter must be enclosed—using tempered glass and mesh fencing. This enclosure isn’t optional. It’s a part of the gameplay.
The walls at the back are typically 3 meters high in tempered safety glass, while the mesh fencing on the sides may go up to 4 meters. The net in the center is fixed at 88 cm in height and 92 cm at the posts.
Padel courts also require sufficient free space around the structure for player movement, safety, and equipment installation. You can’t cram a court into a tight corner and expect optimal play.
Why does this matter? Many developers overlook the space needed for light fixtures, fencing supports, and drainage systems, which can add another meter or more to the total required footprint.
| Component | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Standard Court | 20m x 10m |
| Glass Wall Height | 3m |
| Side Fence Height | 4m |
| Net Height (Center) | 88 cm |
| Net Height (Posts) | 92 cm |
3. Layout & Court Zones Explained
Let’s walk through how the court is structured. Every padel court includes several fixed zones: the service boxes, baseline, net line, and the surrounding safety zone. These aren’t optional—they’re foundational.
Ready for the good part? A properly zoned padel court enhances both player safety and competitive fairness. Courts are split down the middle by the net. Each side has two service boxes, created by a perpendicular line from the center to the side walls.
The distance between the service line and the net is 6.95 meters. The service boxes are symmetrical and clearly marked to meet game rule requirements. You’ll also find space outside the court lines, usually 0.5 to 1 meter, for players to move freely without injury.
Professional installations often use contrasting colors or textures in the turf to delineate zones. This isn’t just about aesthetics. It aids referees, players, and spectators in interpreting play.
| Court Zone | Function | Dimension |
|---|---|---|
| Service Box | Serve area | 6.95m x 5m |
| Back Zone | Return area | 6.95m x 5m |
| Net Line | Divide play sides | Full width |
| Side Zone | Safety run-off | 0.5–1m |
4. Glass Walls: Dimensions and Material Standards
Here’s a part many suppliers get wrong—glass wall specs. If your glass panels aren’t compliant with European standards, you’re asking for problems.
What’s the real story? The back walls and partial sides of a padel court are constructed using tempered safety glass, usually 10–12 mm thick. This material must comply with EN12150-1 standards for thermal treatment and shatter-resistance.
The height? Standard is 3 meters. But make sure the glass edges are polished to reduce injury risk, especially near entryways. Some clubs opt for curved corner glass, but that’s a design preference, not a compliance factor.
Load resistance is key. Courts exposed to strong winds or rough play must be structurally reinforced. Professional-grade courts use anchor bolts and rubber pads to absorb vibration and stress impact on the glass.
| Glass Feature | Spec |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 meters |
| Thickness | 10–12 mm |
| Type | Tempered Safety Glass |
| Certification | EN12150-1 |
| Installation | Bolt-fixed with rubber buffers |
5. Padel Court Fencing and Enclosures
Mesh fencing does more than just keep the ball in play—it protects spectators, enhances player safety, and ensures regulatory compliance.
But here’s the deal… Not all fencing is created equal. The fencing typically extends 4 meters above ground, combining with the glass to enclose the play area.
The upper 1-meter section is usually angled slightly inward to prevent balls from flying out. This metal mesh must be anti-corrosive, often hot-dip galvanized and powder-coated for outdoor durability.
Make sure mesh spacing doesn’t exceed 50mm x 50mm. Larger gaps pose a safety risk and might not meet local codes. Mesh is installed in a steel frame anchored to the foundation.
| Fencing Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Height | 4 meters |
| Mesh Size | 50mm x 50mm |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Coating | UV-stable powder |
| Angle | Optional inward curve |
6. Surface Materials and Turf Dimensions
Let’s talk turf. It’s more than just fake grass. Padel court turf must meet specific playability, safety, and durability criteria.
This is where it gets technical… The standard turf height is between 10–13 mm, often made of polyethylene or polypropylene. Some manufacturers pre-fill the turf with sand to increase friction and control ball bounce.
Make sure the turf carries a certificate of play—usually certified by ITF (International Tennis Federation) for classification. Color options include blue, green, and clay tones, with blue being most popular for televised matches.
Drainage also matters. Courts should include a sub-base slope of at least 0.5% to channel water away from the turf surface.
| Turf Type | Spec |
|---|---|
| Height | 10–13 mm |
| Fiber Material | PE or PP |
| Infill | Silica sand |
| Certification | ITF, EN15330-1 |
| Color Options | Blue, Green, Clay |
7. Indoor vs Outdoor Court Dimensions
Here’s a question that throws many project managers off balance: do indoor and outdoor padel courts follow the same dimensions?
Well, not exactly. While the playable area remains consistent—20 meters by 10 meters—the surrounding structure, particularly the vertical clearance, changes significantly depending on location.
This is where it gets interesting… Indoor courts must meet a minimum vertical clearance of 6 meters throughout the entire playing area. This ensures balls can be lobbed without interference. Any support beams, lighting systems, or roof installations must be placed above this clearance to comply with regulations.
Outdoor courts don’t face these overhead restrictions, but they must withstand environmental exposure. That means using anti-corrosive components, UV-resistant coatings, and reinforced anchor systems to stabilize against wind and shifting ground conditions.
Clubs or operators in colder climates also need to consider frost resistance in foundation materials. Meanwhile, those in coastal zones must invest in rust-proof stainless steel or marine-grade materials.
| Feature | Indoor Court | Outdoor Court |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Clearance | 6 meters minimum | No roof restrictions |
| Environmental Tolerance | Controlled | Must withstand weather |
| Lighting | Integrated into roof | Pole-mounted or freestanding |
| Materials | Lightweight, thermal-insulated | UV, water, and corrosion-resistant |
8. Lighting Standards for Padel Courts
Lighting is one of the most overlooked yet vital components of a padel court. Why does it matter so much?
Because poor lighting kills gameplay, frustrates players, and leads to injury. That’s why regulations specify the number, placement, and intensity of lighting units for both indoor and outdoor courts.
Ready for the good part? A compliant padel court must offer an average illuminance of at least 300 lux for amateur play and up to 500 lux for televised or competition use. Light poles are usually positioned at the corners or center-sides of the court, standing 6–8 meters high.
Use LED fixtures with symmetrical light distribution and anti-glare shields. LEDs provide better brightness, lower maintenance costs, and superior energy efficiency compared to halogen systems.
Lights should never cast shadows on the playing surface. A uniform lighting grid is critical to avoid uneven visibility during night matches or indoor play.
| Lighting Element | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fixture Type | LED preferred |
| Average Lux | 300–500 lux |
| Mounting Height | 6–8 meters |
| Glare Control | Required |
| Uniformity Ratio | ≥ 0.7 |
9. Doubles vs Singles Court Variations
Most padel courts are designed for doubles—but singles is gaining traction. Here’s how the dimensions shift.
You might be wondering… What’s the difference in layout?
Singles courts are typically 20 meters long and just 6 meters wide—narrower by 4 meters than standard doubles courts. The walls and fence lines follow this tighter footprint but retain similar height specs.
This condensed size creates a faster-paced, high-intensity game. It’s particularly useful for training, compact installations, and private use. However, very few tournaments are hosted on singles courts.
Operators often opt for portable net systems and adjustable fence posts to allow courts to convert between singles and doubles formats.
| Game Type | Court Size | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Doubles | 20m x 10m | Tournaments, clubs |
| Singles | 20m x 6m | Private, training |
| Hybrid/Convertible | Varies | Multi-purpose installations |
10. Customization Options Based on Space
Not every venue has the luxury of unlimited space. That’s where customizations come into play—but only within boundaries that won’t compromise compliance or playability.
But here’s the deal… You can’t shrink the court dimensions. What you can do is optimize the surrounding area. This includes reducing side run-off zones, integrating courts into pre-existing enclosures, or using compact fencing systems that hug the court perimeter.
You’ll also find modular court systems that allow faster assembly and disassembly, perfect for multi-use gyms or seasonal outdoor installations.
Just remember, customization must be cosmetic—not structural. Don’t cut corners on regulated dimensions, wall heights, or safety zones, or you’ll end up with an unusable product.
| Custom Element | Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Perimeter Clearance | Minimize to 0.5m |
| Lighting Mounts | Use wall or roof mounts |
| Modular Frames | Pre-fabricated steel |
| Turf Panels | Seamless compact zones |
11. Court Foundation & Base Construction
Without a solid base, you’re building a problem—not a court. Let’s get serious about sub-structure.
This is where it gets technical… The ideal padel court base starts with a concrete slab, at least 15–20 cm thick, reinforced with rebar. Beneath that, a compacted gravel layer improves drainage and stability.
Some projects opt for modular steel structures, especially where foundation work is restricted or temporary installations are needed. These systems are quicker to install but may have shorter life cycles.
Drainage is critical. The base should slope gently—around 0.5%—to direct rainwater away from the turf without causing surface pooling or turf deformation.
| Base Layer | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Surface | Concrete | Structural stability |
| Middle | Crushed stone | Drainage support |
| Bottom | Geotextile fabric | Prevents subsoil movement |
12. Accessibility & Safety Compliance
Let’s be clear: a padel court isn’t complete if it’s not safe and accessible.
But what’s the real story? Many clubs fail inspections because of narrow entry points, slippery surfaces, or non-compliant safety zones.
ADA (or equivalent local regulation) compliance requires minimum 90 cm entryways, anti-slip turf or flooring, and proper signage. Courts used for wheelchair sports should allow at least 1.2-meter turning radius zones behind each baseline.
Safety nets, protective padding, and emergency exits are also required for indoor venues. For outdoor courts, drainage and surface hardness must meet local sport facility codes.
| Safety Feature | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entry Width | 90 cm min |
| Turning Radius | 1.2 m (wheelchair) |
| Surface Type | Anti-slip certified |
| Emergency Exits | Clearly marked |
| Turf Infill | Silica sand (non-abrasive) |
13. Common Construction Errors to Avoid
Even seasoned contractors mess up padel court builds. Let’s walk through what not to do.
This is where it gets painful… Common mistakes include uneven net height, poorly aligned walls, incorrect turf laying, and subpar drainage systems.
Cutting corners on glass anchoring or using non-certified turf might save upfront costs—but it leads to long-term headaches: injuries, surface warping, or disqualification from tournaments.
Always demand supplier documentation for materials, certifications, and installation procedures. Use checklists during installation and always inspect before final payment.
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Misaligned net | Game imbalance |
| Wrong turf install | Ball bounce errors |
| Low-quality glass | Risk of shattering |
| Inadequate drainage | Turf deformation |
| Missing documents | Legal liability |
14. Cost Breakdown for Building a Regulation Padel Court
So how much does it cost? Short answer: it depends. Long answer? Let’s break it down.
But here’s the kicker… Skimping on key materials will cost you more in the long run. A full-sized, high-specification court typically ranges from $18,000–$35,000 depending on location, features, and shipping.
Glass walls are one of the most expensive components. Custom logos, colored turf, or advanced lighting systems push costs higher. Labor, freight, and site preparation are major additional factors.
Some suppliers offer all-in-one packages. But always double-check what’s included—foundation, lights, and turf might be billed separately.
| Cost Component | Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Structure & Fence | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Turf & Infill | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Glass Walls | $4,000–$7,000 |
| Lights & Electrical | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Installation | $3,000–$6,000 |
15. Who Sets the Standard Court Dimensions?
Regulations don’t write themselves. Every dimension, material, and spec comes from official bodies.
You might be wondering… Who actually creates these rules?
Globally, the International Padel Federation (FIP) is the leading authority. They provide detailed diagrams, updates, and compliance standards. Regionally, national sports federations may issue supplementary guidelines depending on climate, legal codes, or funding frameworks.
Always reference the FIP manual during planning and check whether your country’s federation has unique requirements.
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| FIP | Global regulation |
| National Padel Federations | Regional compliance |
| Local Governments | Construction permits |
| Manufacturers | Material specs |
FAQ Section
Q1: What is the standard size of a padel court?
The official dimensions are 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, with walls enclosing the court.
Q2: How does the net system work on a padel court?
The net is positioned at 88 cm high in the center and 92 cm at the sides, dividing the court into two equal playing areas.
Q3: Are there different padel court sizes for singles and doubles?
Yes. Singles courts are narrower—typically 6 meters wide—while doubles courts maintain a 10-meter width.
Q4: Can I build a padel court on uneven terrain?
Yes, but the surface must be leveled and layered properly with a solid foundation to meet playability standards.
Q5: Do padel court dimensions differ in various countries?
Generally, most follow FIP guidelines, but local building codes may influence structural and material choices.