Understanding the volleyball court size in feet and meters is essential whether you’re a player, coach, or facility owner. Correct measurements ensure fair play, safety, and professional-level performance.
This complete guide explains standard court dimensions, layout details, marking steps, and different types of volleyball courts (indoor, beach, school, and sitting). You’ll also get marking tips, material recommendations, and a free printable layout guide at the end.
Standard Volleyball Court Dimensions
According to FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) regulations:
- Length: 59 feet (18 meters)
- Width: 29.5 feet (9 meters)
- Total Playing Area: 1,743.5 square feet (162 square meters)
The court is divided equally by a center line into two halves, each measuring 29.5 × 29.5 ft (9 × 9 m).
🧾 Conversion Table
| Measurement | In Feet | In Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 59 ft | 18 m |
| Width | 29.5 ft | 9 m |
| Attack Line Distance | 9.8 ft | 3 m |
| Service Area (minimum) | 9.8 ft | 3 m |
| Net Height (Men) | 7 ft 11 5/8 in | 2.43 m |
| Net Height (Women) | 7 ft 4 1/8 in | 2.24 m |
✅ Tip: Always allow at least 3 feet of free space around all sides for safety. For professional matches, extend this to 10 feet or more.
Volleyball Court Layout Overview
A volleyball court has the following key areas:
- Attack Line (3-meter line): Divides the front and back zones.
- Center Line: Splits the court into two equal halves under the net.
- Service Zone: Located behind the end line; players serve from anywhere in this area.
- Free Zone: Space surrounding the court (minimum 3 m, ideally 5 m).
- Overhead Clearance: Minimum 7 m; for official tournaments, 12.5 m.
Court Line Width: Every boundary line is 2 inches (5 cm) wide and counted as part of the playing area.
Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
Beach volleyball uses a smaller court to adjust for the slower movement on sand:
- Length: 52.5 feet (16 meters)
- Width: 26.2 feet (8 meters)
- Attack Line: Not used in beach volleyball.
- Free Zone: Minimum 9.8 feet (3 meters) on all sides.
The net height remains the same as indoor volleyball:
- Men: 2.43 m
- Women: 2.24 m
🏖️ Surface Tip: Use fine, clean sand about 40 cm deep, free from stones or shells.
Mini, Youth & Sitting Volleyball Court Sizes
School / Mini Volleyball
For training or school-level games, smaller courts are often used:
- Length: 42–49 feet (13–15 meters)
- Width: 21–25 feet (6.5–7.5 meters)
- Net Height: Adjustable from 6.5–7.5 feet based on age group.
Sitting Volleyball
- Length: 32.8 feet (10 meters)
- Width: 19.7 feet (6 meters)
- Net Height (Men): 3.77 ft (1.15 m)
- Net Height (Women): 3.43 ft (1.05 m)
This inclusive format is played by athletes with physical disabilities and uses a smaller court for faster gameplay.
How to Mark a Volleyball Court (Step-by-Step)
Creating an accurate layout ensures proper play and training. Here’s how you can do it:
You’ll Need:
- Measuring tape (at least 60 ft)
- Chalk or marking tape
- Stakes or pegs
- Rope or string line
- Level and marker paint
Step 1: Mark the Outer Rectangle
Use measuring tape to draw the full boundary — 59 ft × 29.5 ft (18 m × 9 m).
Step 2: Mark the Center Line
Divide the court into two halves (each 29.5 × 29.5 ft).
Step 3: Draw the Attack Line
Measure 9.8 ft (3 m) from the center line on both sides and draw parallel lines.
Step 4: Add the Service Zone
Extend 9.8 ft (3 m) behind each end line.
Step 5: Mark Line Width
Use 2-inch (5 cm) wide lines for all boundaries.
Recommended Court Surface Types (for India)
In India, volleyball courts are built both indoor and outdoor.
Here are the common surfaces:
| Surface Type | Ideal For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Synthetic (Acrylic / PU) | Indoor & Outdoor | Shock absorption, durability |
| Concrete | Outdoor | Low maintenance, budget-friendly |
| Wooden Flooring | Indoor | Professional play, smooth surface |
| Sand | Beach Volleyball | Soft impact, natural look |
| Grass / Turf | Recreational | Low cost, multi-use area |
🧱 Installation Tip: For outdoor courts, ensure proper drainage slope (1:100 ratio) to prevent water pooling.
Free Zone, Overhead Clearance & Lighting
- Free Zone: At least 3 m (9.8 ft) around all sides; 5 m for professional courts.
- Overhead Clearance: 7 m minimum, ideally 12.5 m in indoor halls.
- Lighting Level: Minimum 300 lux for training and 500 lux+ for professional play.
💡 Install LED floodlights at equal spacing to reduce glare and shadows.
Downloadable Layout & Diagram
For easy setup, download our Free Volleyball Court Layout PDF (feet & meters).
It includes:
- Top view diagram
- All major line markings
- Recommended safety zone
