Tennis Court Dimensions
Also known as: court dimensions, tennis court dimensions, tennis court size, size of a tennis court, dimensions of a tennis court, net height, height of the net, tennis net height, court measurements, service box size, doubles alley
A tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 m) long. It is 27 feet (8.23 m) wide for singles and 36 feet (10.97 m) wide for doubles. As a result, each doubles alley adds 4.5 feet. The net is 3 feet (0.914 m) high at the center and 3.5 feet (1.07 m) at the posts. The service lines are 21 feet (6.40 m) from the net.
The ITF Rules of Tennis set the court size in Rule 1. The full court is a rectangle 78 feet (23.77 m) long. Singles uses a width of 27 feet (8.23 m). Doubles adds an alley on each side, for a width of 36 feet (10.97 m). All measurements go to the outside of the lines, so the lines are part of the court.
The net crosses the middle of the court. It hangs 3.5 feet (1.07 m) high at the posts and is held down to 3 feet (0.914 m) at the center by a white strap. That dip is why a shot over the middle has more room than one down the line. The posts sit 3 feet (0.914 m) outside the doubles court. For singles on a doubles net, singles sticks hold the net up 3 feet outside the singles sidelines.
The service lines are 21 feet (6.40 m) from the net on each side. The center service line splits that space into two equal service boxes. A short center mark, 4 inches (10 cm) long, splits each baseline in half. Most lines are 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide. The center service line and center mark are 2 inches (5 cm) wide, and the baseline may be up to 4 inches (10 cm).
Smaller red and orange courts are approved for 10-and-under competition.
Tips by skill level
Remember three numbers: 78 feet long, 27 feet wide for singles and 3 feet high at the center of the net.
Use the shape of the net. Rally over the lower center when you need margin, and go down the line when you can clear the higher net near the posts.
Example
Marking out a practice court, Ava measures 78 feet from baseline to baseline and 27 feet across for singles. She sets the net so it is 3 feet high at the center strap.
Why it matters
Knowing the court helps with tactics. The net is lowest in the middle, the service boxes set your serving targets, and the alleys change how much court you cover in doubles.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the net is the same height all the way across
- Forgetting that the doubles alleys are out in singles
- Measuring to the inside of the lines instead of the outside
Frequently asked questions
How big is a tennis court?
78 feet (23.77 m) long and 27 feet (8.23 m) wide for singles, or 36 feet (10.97 m) wide for doubles. Measurements go to the outside of the lines.
How high is a tennis net?
3 feet (0.914 m) at the center and 3.5 feet (1.07 m) at the posts.
How far is the service line from the net?
21 feet (6.40 m). The baseline is 39 feet (11.885 m) from the net, half the court's length.
Are the doubles alleys in for singles?
No. A singles court is 27 feet wide, inside the singles sidelines, so a ball that lands in the alley is out.
Sources
Related terms
- Ball on the Line (Line Rule)A ball that touches any part of a line is in. Under ITF Rule 12, the line counts as part of the court it marks. In matches without officials, The Code says a ball is good unless you clearly see space between where it landed and the line.
- Depth ControlTo hit deeper, aim higher over the net instead of hitting harder. Swing low to high, extend the racquet toward the target and let topspin bring the ball down near the baseline. Short balls often clear the net too low or come from a cut-off follow-through.
- Doubles PositioningDoubles positioning is how two partners split and cover the court. Usually one is at net and one at the baseline, shifting together as the point develops.
- Tennis Court SurfacesTennis is mainly played on clay, hard courts and grass, and each plays differently. Clay is the slowest: the ball bounces high, rallies run long and players slide. Hard courts sit in the middle, with a true, predictable bounce. Grass is the fastest, with a low, skidding bounce that rewards big serves and net play.
- T-ServeA T-serve is aimed at the center service line. It uses the shortest path for speed and takes away the returner's easiest angles.
Related guides & benchmarks
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