If you’re checking whether a court near you is regulation size, the key measurements are straightforward: a tennis court is 78 feet long, 27 feet wide for singles, and 36 feet wide for doubles. The playing lines stay the same whether the match is singles or doubles; the extra doubles alleys are simply used when four players are on court.
Those measurements describe the marked court, not all the space players need to move safely. Knowing the difference helps when you’re booking a court, planning a backyard build, or trying to understand why a court can feel cramped even when its lines are correct.
Regulation Tennis Court Dimensions
A standard court measures 78 feet from baseline to baseline. Its width is 27 feet between the singles sidelines and 36 feet between the doubles sidelines. In metric measurements, that’s 23.77 meters long, 8.23 meters wide for singles, and 10.97 meters wide for doubles.
| Measurement | Feet | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 78 ft | 23.77 m |
| Singles court width | 27 ft | 8.23 m |
| Doubles court width | 36 ft | 10.97 m |
| Doubles alley width, each side | 4.5 ft | 1.37 m |
| Net height at center | 3 ft | 0.914 m |
| Net height at posts | 3 ft 6 in | 1.07 m |
The court is symmetrical: the net divides its 78-foot length into two 39-foot halves. Each side has a baseline, two sidelines, a service line, and a center service line. In doubles, the space between the singles and doubles sidelines forms the alleys.
Service Boxes and Court Markings
The service line sits 21 feet from the net on each side. A center service line runs from the net to the service line, splitting that area into two service boxes. Each box measures 21 feet long and 13.5 feet wide. A legal serve must land in the diagonally opposite service box, so these markings define the target area for every serve.
The singles sidelines are 27 feet apart, while the doubles sidelines are 36 feet apart. That means each doubles alley is 4.5 feet wide. The alleys count in doubles but are out of bounds in singles, except when they’re used as part of the space a server stands in or serves from.
Line width matters, too. Most court lines are between 1 and 2 inches wide, while the baseline can be up to 4 inches wide. Measurements are taken to the outside of the lines, so the marked court’s full length and width include them. When a ball touches a line, it is considered in.
How High Is the Tennis Net?
The net is 3 feet high at the center and 3 feet 6 inches high at the posts. It sags slightly in the middle, where a strap holds it down. The posts sit outside the court’s playing lines: for doubles, they are 3 feet beyond the doubles sidelines. When a singles match is played with a net set up for singles, singles sticks support the net in the right position.
That small difference in net height can affect play. A ball hit close to the center has a little less net to clear than one hit near the posts. Players often aim crosscourt because the diagonal path gives them more room over the net and more court to work with.
The Court Is Not the Whole Playing Area
The 78-by-27-foot or 78-by-36-foot measurement covers only the marked court. Players also need clear space behind the baselines and beside the sidelines to chase shots and move safely. A court can meet regulation playing dimensions but still feel uncomfortable if its surrounding run-off area is tight.
For a new court, a commonly used planning footprint is about 120 feet long by 60 feet wide, or roughly 36.6 by 18.3 meters. That allows space beyond the lines for movement, though the best layout depends on the site, intended use, and facility standards. Existing community courts may have less clearance, so take a look at the space around the baselines before playing a fast match.
Why Court Dimensions Matter in Real Play
The 27-foot singles width shapes how players defend and attack. A crosscourt shot travels farther than a shot down the line, giving it more room to clear the net. But it also gives an opponent more time to reach the ball. In doubles, the extra 4.5 feet on each side opens up sharper angles and makes the alleys a useful target.
Court dimensions also explain why serving positions and footwork matter. A server must stay behind the baseline and within the imaginary extensions of the center mark and sideline until striking the ball. On a crowded court, poor spacing near the baseline can make it harder to serve or recover after a wide shot—even if the playing lines are regulation size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are singles and doubles tennis courts the same length?
Yes. Both are 78 feet long. The difference is width: the singles court is 27 feet wide, while the doubles court is 36 feet wide, including the alleys.
How far is the service line from the net?
The service line is 21 feet from the net on each side. The service boxes are formed by the service line, net, center service line, and singles sideline.
What is the full size of a doubles tennis court?
The marked doubles court is 78 feet long by 36 feet wide, or about 23.77 by 10.97 meters. That measurement does not include the extra clear space around the court.
How much space should be around a tennis court?
A frequently used overall planning footprint is about 120 by 60 feet. This gives players room outside the lines, but actual clearance can vary by facility and court design.
Final Thoughts
A regulation tennis court is 78 feet long, with a playing width of 27 feet for singles or 36 feet for doubles. The service lines, alleys, and net complete the layout, while additional space outside the markings gives players room to move. These measurements are useful whether you’re checking a local court, learning the rules, or planning a place to play.
