A regulation tennis net is 3 feet high at the center and 3 feet 6 inches high where it meets the net posts. That difference is deliberate: the net dips slightly in the middle, creating a familiar shape that affects serves, passing shots, and volleys.
If you are checking a court or setting up a net, measure from the playing surface to the top of the net—not to the cable or the top of a post cap. Here are the official dimensions, how to measure them, and what to check if the net seems too high or too low.
Official Tennis Net Post Height
The top edge of the net should be 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 metres) above the court at the net posts. At the centre of the court, the net should be 3 feet (0.914 metres) high. The centre strap holds it at that lower height.
| Where you measure | Regulation height | Metric height |
|---|---|---|
| At the net posts | 3 ft 6 in | 1.07 m |
| At the centre strap | 3 ft | 0.914 m |
These are standard tennis court dimensions used in singles and doubles. The net’s centre is lower than its ends, so the top edge slopes gently down from each post toward the middle.
Why the Net Is Lower in the Centre
The centre strap keeps the net from hanging in a deep curve. Without it, the net might sag well below regulation height, making it easier to hit a ball over the middle and changing the feel of the court.
That three-inch drop from the posts to the centre matters during play. A player trying to hit a passing shot often has more room over the net in the middle than near the sideline. On the other hand, a shot aimed close to the line has less clearance, so aiming there requires more control. Players also need to account for net height when choosing whether to hit a low, flat shot or add topspin for extra safety.
Where the Net Posts Go
For a doubles court, the net posts are positioned with their centres 3 feet (0.914 metres) outside the doubles sidelines. The posts support the net at the prescribed 3-foot-6-inch height.
Singles uses the same net heights, but the support setup depends on the court. If a singles match is played with a net stretched between posts set for doubles, singles sticks support the net at the singles sidelines. If the court has a net set up specifically for singles, the posts are placed outside the singles sidelines instead.
This is why you may see thin sticks supporting the net during a singles match, even though there are larger posts farther out. The sticks raise the net to the correct height at the singles sidelines. They do not change the 3-foot height at the centre.
How to Check Tennis Net Height
A net can look right and still be slightly off, especially if its cable has loosened or the court has been used heavily. A simple net-height measuring stick is the easiest tool for checking it.
- Check the centre first. Measure from the court surface to the top of the net at its midpoint. It should be 3 feet high.
- Check both ends. Measure at the points where the net meets the posts or singles sticks. The net’s top edge should be 3 feet 6 inches high.
- Look at the centre strap. It should be snug enough to hold the middle at the correct height, without pulling the net unevenly to one side.
- Check the cable and tension. A loose cable can let the net sag. Tighten it evenly, then measure again at the centre and ends.
Measure from the actual court surface, not from the bottom of a post socket or a nearby patch of ground. This is especially important on outdoor courts, where the surface around a post may not be level with the playing area. If the readings differ noticeably between the two ends, check the post heights and the cable tension before adjusting the centre strap.
Common Net-Height Problems
The centre is too low
This usually means the cable is loose or the centre strap is not doing its job. Tighten the cable evenly and reset the strap so the net measures 3 feet at the middle. Avoid simply hauling the centre strap tighter while leaving a slack cable; that can create uneven tension across the net.
The centre is too high
The strap may be overtightened, or the net cable may have been adjusted too far. Ease the tension and recheck the height. A centre that is even a little high can make low shots catch the tape more often than players expect.
The net is uneven from side to side
Check that both ends are supported at the same height and that the net is centred between the posts. A tilted net can change the clearance for shots hit down either side of the court. If the hardware is fixed in place, ask the court manager to inspect it rather than forcing a post or anchor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is a tennis net post?
The net is supported 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 metres) above the court at the posts. The post or its hardware may extend above the net, so measure the height of the net’s top edge rather than the entire post.
Is the tennis net the same height for singles and doubles?
Yes. The net is 3 feet high at the centre and 3 feet 6 inches at its supports for both formats. Singles sticks may be needed to support the net at the singles sidelines when using a doubles setup.
How high is a tennis net at the centre?
It is 3 feet (0.914 metres) above the playing surface. The centre strap holds it at that height.
Can I play on a court with a net that is slightly too low?
You can still rally, but the net will not match regulation conditions. If you are practising for a match or organising a club game, check the centre and both ends and adjust the net before play.
Final Thoughts
The key measurements are easy to remember: 3 feet at the centre and 3 feet 6 inches at the posts. Check the net from the court surface, make sure the cable is evenly tensioned, and use singles sticks when the setup calls for them. A correctly set net gives both sides the same playing conditions—and makes practice feel closer to match play.
