Are you building or renovating a padel court? Then you need more than just the outer lines drawn on a floor. A standard padel court must measure exactly 20 meters long by 10 meters wide, as defined by the International Padel Federation (FIP). This rectangular structure contains a net with a center height of 88 cm (92 cm at the posts), walls of 3–4 meters high, and precise spatial tolerances of ±0.5%. The internal lines, fence height, lighting systems, playing surface materials, and buffer space around the court also follow strict standards to qualify for official competition use. In this complete guide, we explain every required dimension and technical attribute from service boxes to entrance width. We also give you, step-by-step, the build specifications and materials you need for proper construction. Whether you’re designing a private padel field or planning the layout for multiple courts, this guide helps you ensure full compliance with regulations.
What are the official dimensions of a standard padel court?
A standard padel court measures 20 meters in length and 10 meters in width, forming a rectangle. These dimensions are officially regulated by the International Padel Federation (FIP) for standard doubles play.
- Length: 20 meters (65.6 feet)
- Width: 10 meters (32.8 feet)
- Playing surface area: 200 square meters
- Tolerance: ±0.5% deviation allowed
These measurements apply only to doubles courts, which are the primary competition format. Singles padel or recreational variants for children may use different proportions.
What are the dimensions of a singles padel court?
A singles padel court measures 20 meters in length and 6 meters in width. This reduced width limits lateral movement and is used mostly for 1-versus-1 play or practice.
How much space does a padel court require including buffer zones?
Including the mandatory clearance zones, a single padel court requires a minimum area of 24 meters by 14 meters, totaling 336 square meters.
How high are the walls and fences on a padel court?
The vertical enclosure consists of glazed walls and metal mesh fencing with regulated heights. These boundaries play an active role in gameplay.
- Back walls: 3 meters high
- Side walls: 3 meters up to the service zone
- Metal fencing: Adds up to 1 meter extra to reach total height of 4 meters
What is the standard thickness of padel glass walls?
Glass walls are made of tempered safety glass between 10 and 12 mm thick. These walls are shock-resistant and designed to withstand constant ball and body impacts without fracturing.
What is the function of the mesh fencing?
Mesh fencing prevents balls from flying out and maintains a visual boundary while allowing air and light flow. The structure is usually made of galvanized steel.
How high should the net be in a padel court?
The standard net height on a padel court is 88 cm at the center and 92 cm at the sides where it connects to the posts. The net spans 10 meters across the court width.
What kind of posts support the net?
Steel or aluminum fixed posts securely hold the net tension. Adjustable anchors maintain the regulation height across varied temperatures and playing conditions.
Is the net height adjustable?
Yes, advanced tensioning systems allow minor height adjustments to ensure compliance with specified heights at both the center (88 cm) and the posts (92 cm).
What are the dimensions of the service lines and boxes?
Service areas are divided using two main lines: the service line and the central service line.
- Service line distance from net: 6.95 meters
- Central service line: Runs perpendicular to the net, splitting the service box into two equal rectangles
Each half of the court contains two service boxes measuring 4.325 m by 5 m.
Why is the central service line important?
The central service line determines the left and right service boxes. Correct use of this line facilitates proper serve placement and ensures fair gameplay.
Are the service boxes symmetrical?
Yes, each side mirrors the other. All service boxes must be exactly equal in size and position to meet regulatory compliance.
What is the total surface area of a padel court including spacing needs?
The effective surface space required for installing a padel court is at least 24 meters by 14 meters, totaling 336 square meters. This includes:
- Playing area: 200 square meters
- Perimeter clearance of 2 meters on all sides
Is more spacing required when building multiple courts?
Yes, the minimum required distance between side walls of adjacent padel courts is 4 meters to avoid ball and player interference.
What materials are recommended for constructing the court floor?
An official padel court uses a high-quality surface that supports ball bounce & player movement. The most used base materials are:
- Reinforced concrete slab
- Asphalt with sub-drainage
- Synthetic turf with silica sand infill
What color is used for the padel playing surface?
Surface colors must be different from wall colors. FIP accepts:
- Green
- Blue
- Terracotta/Brown
Why is silica sand added to artificial turf?
Silica sand infill stabilizes synthetic grass, slows down ball bounce slightly, and helps retain turf fiber orientation for better traction.
What other structural elements are needed in a professional padel court?
Essential secondary components ensure optimum playing conditions and accessibility.
- Symmetrical door entrances: 1 meter wide by 2 meters high
- Lighting: 6–8 meter tall LED poles placed strategically
- Drainage: Proper slope or drainage channels under base slab
Why is symmetry essential for entrances?
Symmetry ensures fair access and equal visual structure on both sides of the court, a requirement under FIP regulations.
What lighting setup is allowed for nighttime play?
Lighting must avoid glare and maintain uniform intensity. Most courts use high-efficiency LED lights mounted on 6 to 8 meter poles.
How does maintenance affect usability of padel courts?
Consistent surface brushing, sand levelling, and wall inspection keep padel courts safe and fair for all skill levels. Key maintenance checks include:
- Turf wear and tear
- Drainage integrity
- Net tension and condition
- Glass panel stability
What happens if courts don’t meet official standards?
Court certifications from national federations rely on measurement accuracy. Deviations cancel eligibility for official tournaments and insured events.
What are the differences between padel courts and tennis courts?
A standard tennis court is 23.77 meters long by 10.97 meters wide, making it significantly larger than padel courts, which measure 20 meters x 10 meters.
Feature | Padel Court | Tennis Court |
|---|---|---|
Length | 20 m | 23.77 m |
Width | 10 m | 10.97 m (doubles) |
Surface Area | 200 m² | 260.9 m² |
Walls | Yes (3–4 m) | No |
Net Height | 88–92 cm | 91.4 cm |
Can a padel court be installed indoors?
Yes, indoor installations require a minimum ceiling height of 6 meters to allow for free ball trajectory. Ventilation and lighting regulations may vary by region.
What are the advantages of indoor versus outdoor padel courts?
- Indoor: Weather protection, year-round play, consistent lighting
- Outdoor: Natural ventilation, lower initial cost
A padel court must meet strict international measurements to be eligible for official games. With standard dimensions of 20 x 10 meters, padel courts also require appropriate spacing, materials, and safety regulations. Every feature from the 3–4 meter high walls, 6.95-meter service line, symmetrical entrances, to 88–92 cm net height serves an exact purpose. Whether you are planning a new installation, considering variations such as singles courts, or comparing to tennis courts, these specifications ensure fairness, performance, and player enjoyment. Proper construction and regular maintenance preserve court integrity and qualify the site for sanctioned events. Find a nearby certified padel court at Padel N Play, or use this guide to help plan your own installation.