Tennis Court Dimensions in Feet: Official Size for Singles & Doubles
Understanding tennis court dimensions in feet is essential for players, coaches, architects, contractors, and sports facility owners. Whether you are planning to construct a new tennis court, marking an existing surface, or simply learning the official rules, accurate measurements ensure fair play and compliance with international standards. This complete guide covers official tennis court size in feet, including singles and doubles layouts, line markings, net height, and recommended total area. What Is a Tennis Court? A tennis court is a specially designed rectangular playing surface where the sport of tennis is played. It is marked with specific boundary lines and divided by a net in the center, allowing players to compete in singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side) matches under standardized rules. Basic Definition of a Tennis Court A tennis court is: Purpose of a Tennis Court The main purpose of a tennis court is to provide a fair and consistent playing surface so players can: Why Standardization Matters You might wonder why these specific numbers—78 feet, 27 feet, 21 feet—were chosen. Like many sports with British origins, the measurements evolved over time from older versions of court tennis. However, standardization is vital for the integrity of the sport. Official Tennis Court Dimensions in Feet According to the International Tennis Federation (ITF), tennis court dimensions remain the same worldwide, regardless of surface type (hard court, clay, or grass). Standard Tennis Court Size (Singles & Doubles) Feature Measurement (Feet) Court Length 78 feet Court Width (Doubles) 36 feet Court Width (Singles) 27 feet ✅ The length of a tennis court remains 78 feet for both singles and doubles matches. Singles Tennis Court Dimensions in Feet A singles tennis court is narrower than a doubles court but uses the same overall length. The singles sidelines are marked 4.5 feet inside the doubles sidelines on each side. Doubles Tennis Court Dimensions in Feet A doubles tennis court uses the full width of the court. Doubles alleys (tramlines) are 4.5 feet wide on each side of the singles court. Service Box Dimensions in Feet Each tennis court is divided into service boxes for serving. There are four service boxes on a tennis court—two on each side of the net. Tennis Net Height in Feet The tennis net height is carefully regulated for consistent gameplay. Location Net Height At the Center 3 feet (36 inches) At the Posts 3.5 feet (42 inches) The net posts are placed 3 feet outside the doubles sidelines on both sides. Tennis Court Line Measurements in Feet All court lines must be clearly visible and evenly marked. All measurements are taken from the outside edge of the lines. Total Tennis Court Area (Including Run-Off Space) For safe movement and professional play, additional space around the court is recommended. Minimum Recommended Area Area Type Dimensions (Feet) Recreational Play 60 × 120 feet Tournament / Professional 66 × 120 feet This extra clearance improves player safety and overall playing experience. Tennis Court Dimensions in Feet (Quick Summary) Court Length: 78 feet Singles Width: 27 feet Doubles Width: 36 feet Service Box: 21 × 13.5 feet Net Height (Center): 3 feet Total Area (With Clearance): Up to 7,920 sq. ft. Why Accurate Tennis Court Measurements Matter Correct tennis court dimensions in feet are crucial for: Incorrect measurements can lead to rule violations, uneven play, and costly corrections later. Final Thoughts Knowing the official tennis court dimensions in feet helps ensure accuracy, professionalism, and compliance with global standards. Whether you’re a player, coach, builder, or sports authority, following these measurements guarantees a regulation-ready tennis court that delivers the best playing experience.
