Volleyball is one of the most popular indoor and outdoor sports in the world, and its court dimensions play a crucial role in fair gameplay, training efficiency, and international competitions. Whether you are constructing a new court, renovating an existing facility, or simply learning the game, understanding the official length of volleyball court is essential.
This detailed guide explains the volleyball court length, width, zoning, playing area, standards for indoor and beach volleyball, and court measurements for schools and recreational setups.
What Is the Length of a Volleyball Court?
According to international standards, the official length of a volleyball court is 18 meters (59 feet).
| Court Type | Standard Length | Standard Width |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor Volleyball Court | 18 meters (59 ft) | 9 meters (29.5 ft) |
| Beach Volleyball Court | 16 meters (52.5 ft) | 8 meters (26.2 ft) |
So, the indoor volleyball court is slightly larger than a beach volleyball court.
Detailed Volleyball Court Measurement Breakdown
✔ Total Playing Area
The official playing area of an indoor volleyball facility should measure:
- 18 m (length) × 9 m (width)
✔ Free Zone Around the Court
Beyond the playing area, a free zone provides space for player movement:
- At least 3 meters on all sides
- Free playing space above the court must be at least 7 meters high
| Area | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 18 m |
| Width | 9 m |
| Free Zone (sides) | 3 m minimum |
| Free Playing Space (height) | 7 m minimum |
Volleyball Court Zones & Markings
🔹 Center Line
- Located beneath the net
- Divides the court into two equal courts of 9 × 9 meters
🔹 Attack Line (3-Meter Line)
- Drawn 3 meters (9.84 feet) from the center line on each side
- Separates front zone and back zone
- Outside hitters and setters frequently position near this line
🔹 Service Zone
- Located behind each end line
- 9 m wide along the back boundary
🔹 Boundary Lines
- All lines are 5 cm wide
- Lines are included within the court dimensions (not outside)
Net Height and Post Positioning
Although net height is not part of court length, it’s important for full-court planning.
| Category | Net Height |
|---|---|
| Men | 2.43 m (7 ft 11 ⅝ in) |
| Women | 2.24 m (7 ft 4 ⅛ in) |
| Boys (U16) | 2.24 m |
| Girls (U16) | 2.10 m |
Net support posts should be placed 0.5–1.0 meters outside each sideline.
Indoor vs Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
| Feature | Indoor Volleyball Court | Beach Volleyball Court |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 18 m | 16 m |
| Width | 9 m | 8 m |
| Surface | Wood/PU/Synthetic | Sand |
| Player Count | 6 vs 6 | 2 vs 2 |
| Attack Line | Present (3 m line) | Not marked |
Court Dimensions for Schools & Training Academies
Many schools and academies use adapted volleyball court sizes based on available space and age group:
| Age Group | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Under-12 Training | 12 m | 6 m |
| Under-16 Training | 16 m | 8 m |
| Senior / Tournament | 18 m | 9 m |
Why Court Length Matters
Understanding and maintaining proper volleyball court length ensures:
✔ Safe player movement
✔ Proper training and skill development
✔ Compatibility with tournament standards
✔ Accurate gameplay and fair rules
Incorrect court length can lead to:
❌ Tactical disadvantages
❌ Player crowding or injuries
❌ Ineligibility for events and league matches
Construction Tip – Leave Sufficient Run-Off Space
If building a new volleyball court, plan the minimum space requirement:
| Indoor Court + Free Area | 24 m × 15 m |
| Beach Court + Free Area | 20 m × 14 m |
This ensures safe run-off for professional play.
