Badminton Court Size: Official Dimensions 2025

By Sarah Miller · June 24, 2028

The standard size of a badminton court is 13.4 meters (44 feet) long and 6.1 meters (20 feet) wide for doubles play, while the singles court is narrower at 5.18 meters (17 feet) in width. The net height is 1.524 meters (5 feet) at the center. These dimensions are regulated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and apply to all professional and international competitions.

Badminton Court Dimensions Explained

Understanding the exact measurements of a badminton court is essential for players, coaches, and facility managers. Whether setting up a court at home or preparing for competition, knowing the official specifications ensures fair and accurate gameplay.

Key Features of a Badminton Court

Symmetrical rectangular layout divided by a net
Different width for singles and doubles matches
Made up of boundary lines, service lines, and center lines
Requires flat, non-slip surface with adequate overhead clearance

Court Size for Singles vs Doubles

While the length remains constant, the width of the court changes depending on the format of play. This distinction affects player positioning and strategy.

Singles Court: 13.4 m × 5.18 m (44 ft × 17 ft)
Doubles Court: 13.4 m × 6.1 m (44 ft × 20 ft)
Overall Area: 81.74 m² (singles), 81.64 m² (doubles) — nearly identical due to line thickness

Net Height and Post Placement

The net plays a crucial role in defining playable space. Its height must be precisely maintained across the full span of the court.

Height at center: 1.524 meters (5 feet)
Height at posts: 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch)
Net width: 6.1 meters (20 feet) minimum
Net depth: 76 cm (2.5 feet)
Posts positioned outside the doubles sidelines

Detailed Line Markings and Zones

A badminton court includes several critical lines that define service areas and boundaries.

Service Lines Breakdown

Short Service Line: 1.98 meters from the net
Long Service Line (Doubles): 0.76 meters from the back boundary
Long Service Line (Singles): At the back boundary line
Center Line: Divides left and right service courts
Side Alleys: Used only in doubles play

Measurement	Singles (meters)	Singles (feet)	Doubles (meters)	Doubles (feet)
Length	13.4	44	13.4	44
Width	5.18	17	6.10	20
Diagonal (Back Corner)	14.37	47.1	15.39	50.5
Short Service Line to Net	1.98	6.5	1.98	6.5
Service Court Length	3.96	13	3.96	13
Net Height (Center)	1.524	5	1.524	5
Net Height (Posts)	1.55	5.1	1.55	5.1

Table data source:1, 2

The data confirms strict consistency in length and net height across formats, with width being the only variable. The side alleys add exactly 46 cm (18 inches) per side in doubles, significantly altering movement patterns and court coverage strategies compared to singles play.

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 badminton net at the center?

The net height at the center of a badminton court is 1.524 meters (5 feet). It is slightly higher at the poles—1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch)—due to tension.

Are singles and doubles courts the same size?

No, they differ in width. The doubles court uses the full 6.1-meter width including side alleys, while the singles court is limited to 5.18 meters, excluding the alleys.

Can a backyard badminton court be smaller?

For recreational play, courts can be smaller, but official matches require full regulation size. Reduced dimensions affect shuttle speed, player reach, and shot accuracy, so full size is recommended even for practice.

What is the minimum ceiling height for an indoor badminton court?

The recommended minimum ceiling height is 9 meters (29.5 feet) above the court surface to prevent interference with high clears and smashes. Lower ceilings can disrupt gameplay and increase injury risk.