Quick Answer
A standard tennis court measures:
- 78 ft (23.77 m) long
- 27 ft (8.23 m) wide for singles
- 36 ft (10.97 m) wide for doubles
The same court is used for both singles and doubles, with the doubles alleys determining the extra width used in doubles matches.
Although these measurements remain the same from local clubs to Grand Slam tournaments, understanding what each line is used for can be confusing for new players.
Official Tennis Court Dimensions
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) specifies the following dimensions.
| Measurement | Feet | Metres |
|---|---|---|
| Court Length | 78 ft | 23.77 m |
| Singles Width | 27 ft | 8.23 m |
| Doubles Width | 36 ft | 10.97 m |
| Service Line Distance from Net | 21 ft | 6.40 m |
| Centre Service Line | Splits each service box equally | Splits each service box equally |
| Net Height (Centre) | 3 ft | 0.914 m |
| Net Height (Posts) | 3 ft 6 in | 1.07 m |
Singles Court Dimensions
Singles matches use only the inner sidelines.
This makes the playing area:
- 78 feet long
- 27 feet wide
The doubles alleys are ignored.
This narrower court places a greater emphasis on accuracy and court coverage.
Doubles Court Dimensions
Doubles matches use the full width of the court.
The only difference is the addition of the doubles alleys on each side.
That increases the total width from:
- 27 feet
- to 36 feet
The court length remains exactly the same.
Understanding the Court Lines
Every line on a tennis court has a specific purpose.
Baseline
The baseline runs across each end of the court.
Players stand behind it when serving, and the ball must land inside it during rallies.
Singles Sidelines
These are the inner sidelines.
They mark the boundaries for singles matches.
Doubles Sidelines
The outer sidelines create the wider doubles court.
They are only in play during doubles.
Service Line
Located 21 feet (6.40 m) from the net, the service line marks the back of each service box.
A legal serve must land inside the correct service box.
Centre Service Line
This line divides the service boxes into left and right halves.
It determines where each serve must land.
Centre Mark
The small line in the middle of each baseline helps players position themselves correctly before serving.
Tennis Net Height
The net isn’t the same height all the way across.
Official measurements are:
- 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) at the posts.
- 3 ft (0.914 m) at the centre.
The centre strap pulls the net down to the correct height. Read more about the Tennis Net Height here.
How Much Space Does a Tennis Court Need?
Although the playing court is 78 × 36 feet, clubs leave additional space around the court for safe movement.
A typical full-size tennis facility measures approximately:
- 120 ft (36.6 m) long
- 60 ft (18.3 m) wide
This includes the run-off areas behind the baselines and beside the sidelines.
Common Mistakes
Confusing Singles and Doubles Lines
Many beginners accidentally use the doubles alley during singles matches.
Remember:
- Singles uses the inner sidelines.
- Doubles uses the outer sidelines.
Assuming Every Court Is Different
Whether you’re watching Wimbledon, the Australian Open or playing at your local club, the court dimensions remain exactly the same.
The surface changes—but the measurements do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a tennis court?
An official tennis court is 78 feet (23.77 metres) long.
How wide is a singles tennis court?
A singles court is 27 feet (8.23 metres) wide.
How wide is a doubles tennis court?
A doubles court measures 36 feet (10.97 metres) wide.
Is every tennis court the same size?
Yes. All regulation tennis courts follow the same official dimensions, regardless of the tournament or playing surface.
What is the height of a tennis net?
The net is 3 feet (0.914 m) high at the centre and 3 feet 6 inches (1.07 m) high at the posts.
Final Thoughts
Every regulation tennis court in the world shares the same dimensions, whether it’s at a neighbourhood club or Centre Court at Wimbledon. Once you understand the purpose of each line and measurement, the court becomes much easier to navigate and the rules begin to make far more sense.
Learning the official dimensions is also the foundation for understanding serving, scoring and court positioning, making it one of the first topics every new player should master.
Continue Reading
- Tennis Scoring Explained
- The Ultimate Tennis Glossary: 60 Tennis Terms Every Fan Should Know
- What Is Topspin in Tennis?
- What Is a Let in Tennis?
- The Complete Guide to Tennis Equipment
Read more of our instructional articles here.
Read more of our player focus articles here.
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