A regulation tennis court is 78 feet long, whether it is set up for singles or doubles. The main difference is width: singles uses a 27-foot playing area, while doubles uses the full 36 feet. The net, service lines and baselines stay in the same places.
Those are the dimensions of the marked playing court—not the full space needed to build one. If you are comparing local courts, planning a backyard court or simply trying to understand the lines, it helps to know where the extra playing space begins and what each marking is for.
Regulation Tennis Court Dimensions
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) sets the standard court measurements. The length is 78 feet (23.77 metres) from baseline to baseline. For doubles, the court is 36 feet (10.97 metres) wide; for singles, the playing width is 27 feet (8.23 metres).
| Measurement | Feet | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 78 ft | 23.77 m |
| Doubles court width | 36 ft | 10.97 m |
| Singles court width | 27 ft | 8.23 m |
| Doubles alley width, each side | 4.5 ft | 1.37 m |
A singles court is not a separate, shorter rectangle. It uses the same court length and the inner sidelines. The strips between the singles and doubles sidelines are called doubles alleys. They count as in during doubles, but are out during singles.
How the Court Lines and Service Boxes Are Measured
The baselines mark the ends of the court. The net sits halfway between them, so each baseline is 39 feet (11.885 metres) from the net. Service lines run parallel to the net, 21 feet (6.40 metres) from it on each side. The center service line divides the area between the net and each service line into left and right service boxes.
Each service box is 21 feet long and 13.5 feet wide (6.40 by 4.115 metres). That gives players a clear target for a serve: the ball must land in the diagonally opposite box. The center service line and service line are also important for footwork and positioning, especially when a player is trying to serve wide or down the T.
Court measurements are taken to the outside edges of the lines. Most court lines are between 1 and 2 inches (2.5 and 5 centimetres) wide. The baseline can be wider, up to 4 inches (10 centimetres). A wider baseline is easier to see, but it does not change where the court ends.
Net Height and Posts
The net is 3 feet (0.914 metres) high at the centre and 3.5 feet (1.07 metres) at the posts. It is supported by posts placed outside the playing area. In singles, singles sticks keep the net at the correct height when a doubles net is being used; the net between the sticks is lower than it is at the posts.
The net’s dip at the centre can affect a close shot. A ball that clears the net by a small margin is more likely to land safely than one struck too flat. Players often use topspin to create that extra clearance while still bringing the ball down inside the baseline.
Playing Court Size Versus Total Court Space
The 78-by-36-foot measurement describes the doubles playing area, not the full footprint of a tennis facility. Players need room beyond the baselines to chase lobs and room outside the sidelines to reach wide shots. Fences, benches and light poles also need to stay clear of that space.
A common planning size for a single court is 120 by 60 feet (36.58 by 18.29 metres). This gives a 78-by-36-foot playing area with about 21 feet behind each baseline and 12 feet beyond each doubles sideline. It is a useful reference for comparing facilities, but recommended clearances can vary by venue, level of play and local rules. A club or public court may have different space around the lines while still having regulation playing dimensions.
When checking a local court, look at more than its painted rectangle. A court with little room behind the baseline can make returning a high, deep ball awkward. Limited space along the sides can also make a wide shot harder to reach safely. For casual play, a smaller runoff area may be workable; for construction or competition, check the applicable facility requirements before settling on a footprint.
Why Court Dimensions Matter in Play
The extra 4.5 feet on each side of a doubles court changes more than the lines on the ground. In singles, a player can aim near the sideline to pull an opponent wide, but a ball landing in the alley is out. In doubles, that same alley becomes available, giving players more room to angle the ball and stretch the opposing team.
The service boxes also shape tactics. A wide serve can move a returner away from the middle, while a serve down the T can limit the return angle. Knowing the court’s measurements helps players picture those targets. For example, the service line is 21 feet from the net, so a return hit short of it leaves an opponent room to attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tennis court the same size for singles and doubles?
The length is the same: 78 feet (23.77 metres). Singles uses the inner sidelines for a width of 27 feet (8.23 metres); doubles uses the full 36-foot (10.97-metre) width.
How big is a tennis court in square feet?
The doubles playing area is 2,808 square feet (about 260.1 square metres). The singles playing area is 2,106 square feet (about 195.7 square metres). These figures exclude the space outside the court lines.
How high is a regulation tennis net?
The net is 3 feet (0.914 metres) high at the centre and 3.5 feet (1.07 metres) at the posts.
How much space do you need around a tennis court?
A common planning footprint is 120 by 60 feet, including the playing court and space beyond its lines. Requirements differ by facility and level of play, so confirm local standards before building.
Final Thoughts
A regulation tennis court is 78 feet long, 27 feet wide for singles and 36 feet wide for doubles. The service lines, net and baselines stay in fixed positions, while the doubles alleys provide the extra width for doubles play. Keep the playing dimensions separate from the overall court footprint, and the measurements are much easier to understand—whether you are reading a line call or sizing up a place to play.
