Badminton Court Size: Official Dimensions Explained

By Sarah Miller · August 22, 2026

Badminton court size is 13.4 meters (44 feet) long and 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide for doubles play, while the width reduces to 5.18 meters (17 feet) for singles matches. The net height is 1.524 meters (5 feet) at the edges and slightly lower at the center due to sag, measuring 1.524 meters (5 feet). These standardized dimensions are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and apply to all professional and international competitions.

Understanding Standard Badminton Court Dimensions

The size of a badminton court is precisely defined to ensure fair and consistent gameplay across all levels of competition. Whether played indoors or outdoors, the court must adhere to strict measurements established by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Court Length and Width Specifications

Total length of the court: 13.4 meters (44 feet)
Width for doubles: 6.1 meters (20 feet)
Width for singles: 5.18 meters (17 feet)
Serve line distance from net: 1.98 meters (6.5 feet)
Back boundary line to back service line: 0.76 meters (2.5 feet) in singles

Key Markings on a Badminton Court

The court includes several critical lines that define legal play areas:

Baseline: The back boundary line; shuttle must land within this line during serves and rallies.
Side Singles Line: Inner side lines used only in singles matches.
Side Doubles Line: Outer side lines used during doubles play.
Short Service Line: Marks the front limit for legal serves.
Center Line: Divides the left and right service courts.
Long Service Line: Applies only in doubles rear court serving boundaries.

Metric	Singles (meters)	Singles (feet)	Doubles (meters)	Doubles (feet)
Court Length	13.4	44	13.4	44
Court Width	5.18	17	6.1	20
Net Height (edges)	1.524	5	1.524	5
Service Line to Net	1.98	6.5	1.98	6.5
Distance from Backline to Back Service Line	0.76	2.5	0.76	2.5

Table data source:1, 2

The table above highlights key differences between singles and doubles court configurations. Notably, the primary variation lies in the width of the court, with doubles utilizing the full 6.1-meter span. All other dimensions remain constant regardless of match type, ensuring consistency in serve depth and rally dynamics.

Net Height and Post Placement

The net plays a central role in defining gameplay and must be installed with precision. According to BWF regulations:

Height at the posts: 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch)
Height at the center of the court: 1.524 meters (5 feet), due to slight tension-induced sag
Net width: 6.1 meters (20 feet), matching doubles court width
Mesh size: Between 15–20 mm to prevent shuttle entanglement

Proper net installation ensures uniform clearance across the entire width, minimizing disputes over shuttle clearance during fast-paced rallies.

Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Courts

While standard indoor courts follow BWF guidelines strictly, outdoor or recreational setups may vary slightly due to space constraints or environmental factors. However, competitive play always requires adherence to official dimensions.

Indoor courts typically feature wooden or synthetic flooring with high traction.
Outdoor versions may use asphalt or concrete but still require accurate line markings.
Wind interference often makes outdoor badminton less common, though temporary pop-up nets exist for casual play.

Common Mistakes in Court Setup

Incorrect court dimensions can significantly affect player performance and fairness. Common errors include:

Using incorrect width—applying singles width in doubles games
Improper net height, especially if not measured at the center
Misaligned service lines leading to invalid serve calls
Omitting the center line, causing confusion in service rotation
Overlooking back service line placement in doubles

Frequently Asked Questions About Badminton Court Size

What is the standard size of a badminton court?

The standard badminton court measures 13.4 meters (44 feet) in length and 6.1 meters (20 feet) in width for doubles. For singles, the width narrows to 5.18 meters (17 feet), while the length remains unchanged.

How tall is the net in badminton?

The net height is 1.524 meters (5 feet) at the center of the court and 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch) at the supports. This slight dip in the middle is intentional and regulated by the BWF to maintain fair play.

Why is the doubles court wider than the singles court?

The doubles court uses the full lateral width of 6.1 meters because two players cover more ground and require additional space for coordinated movement. The outer side lines are active only in doubles matches.

Are backyard or recreational badminton courts smaller?

Yes, informal or backyard setups may use reduced dimensions due to space limitations. However, any game following official rules must use regulation-sized courts as defined by the Badminton World Federation.

Do Olympic and professional tournaments use the same court size?

Yes, all professional, Olympic, and international tournaments use identical court dimensions: 13.4m x 6.1m for doubles and 13.4m x 5.18m for singles. These standards are enforced globally by the BWF to ensure consistency in elite competition.