Every great rally starts with one thing most players overlook — the court beneath their feet.

Badminton is one of the several racket sports that is loved by people across the globe. However, just like any other sport, this game also thrives on precision — not just in skill but in the size and layout of the court.  

So, just like a court for pickleball or a padel court, every competitive and many recreational spaces for badminton must also follow exact measurements. This contributes a lot to ensuring fair play and consistency across locations.

The standard court isn’t just about lines on the floor — it creates the stage where thrilling rallies and match-winning points unfold. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the official badminton court dimensions, how the layout and markings work, and share insights into how these measurements shape gameplay.

Note: All court measurements mentioned here follow the Badminton World Federation (BWF) official standards, ensuring accuracy for both competitive and recreational play worldwide.

Official Badminton Court Dimensions

Badminton has two main game formats: singles (one player on each side) and doubles (two players on each side).

Court Length

This is the total distance from one baseline to the other and is the same for both singles and doubles play. The court length remains the same for the two types of game formats. 

• Measurement: 13.40 meters (44 feet)

Court Width 

The width of the court changes slightly depending on which format it is being played. 

• Singles: 5.18 meters (17 feet) — narrower width that creates a more focused court space. 
• Doubles: 6.10 meters (20 feet) — wider to accommodate more players and dynamic movement. 

This difference may seem small, but it plays a big role in how players move and strategize during matches. 

The Court Layout

Let’s break down the court into its key sections and explain each in clear terms for an accurate play. 

1. The Net 

The net runs across the center of the court, dividing it into two equal halves. The net height is crucial because it determines how high players must hit the shuttlecock to clear it without faulting. 

• Height at Center: 1.524 meters (5 feet) 
• Height at Posts: 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch) — net is slightly higher at the edges to keep it tight. 

Net Tension

Proper net tension ensures fair play, affects shot strategy, and is standardized in official singles and doubles matches.  

• For competitive play, net posts are typically placed 0.3 meters outside the sidelines, and nets are made of durable materials to withstand repeated impacts. 

2. Understanding Court Markings 

The court isn’t just an empty rectangle — it has specially placed lines that guide players and referees. All lines must be clearly visible and generally painted in white or yellow. 

Baselines 

These are the backmost lines on each side of the court. If a shuttlecock lands on or inside these lines during play, it’s considered in. 

Sidelines 

Sidelines mark the width of the court: 

• Singles sideline: Inner boundary used only in singles matches. 
• Doubles sideline: Outer boundary used only in doubles matches. 

Whether a shuttlecock is in or out depends on these lines, depending on which type of match is being played. 

3. Other Key Lines 

Other than the basic lines, there are lines that are equally important to mark in the court. 

• Short service line: Located 1.98 meters (6 ft 6 in) from the net; it defines the minimum distance for a legal serve. 
• Center line: Divides the service courts into left and right sections for proper serving. 

Service Courts and Service Lines 

When serving in badminton, players must serve in specific areas on the opposite side. That’s where service lines and center lines come into play. 

Short Service Line 

• This line is 1.98 meters (6.5 feet) from the net on each side of the court. A player’s serve must go beyond this line to be valid. 

Long Service Line for Doubles 

• In doubles play, there’s a special long service line that sits a bit inside the baseline — about 0.76 meters (2.5 feet) from the back boundary. 

Point to note: This line does not apply to singles’ play, where the serve is allowed to go all the way to the back boundary. 

Center Line 

This vertical line divides each side of the court into left and right service boxes. The shuttlecock must land in the diagonal opposite box when serving. 

Why These Dimensions Matter 

Now that you know the measurements, you might wonder why they matter so much. 

Fair Play 

Standardized court dimensions ensure that every match is played under equal conditions. A serve that is legal in Lahore should also be legal in international tournaments, which is why consistent measurements are critical for competitive fairness. 

Player Movement & Strategy 

Court size directly affects how players move and plan shots. 

• Singles players rely on deep clears and stamina because of the longer court coverage. 
• Doubles players focus more on fast drives, sharp angles, and side-to-side coordination due to the wider court. 

These dimensions are not arbitrary — they shape footwork, shot selection, and defensive positioning during real matches. 

Additional Considerations for Court Setup

While official standards give exact measurements, there are practical things to think about when setting up a court. 

1. Safety Zones 

Many sports facilities recommend a few extra meters of unmarked space around the court – a minimum clearance of 1.25–2 meters (4–6.5 feet). This helps players move safely without risking collisions with walls, seating, or equipment. 

2. Indoor vs Outdoor 

Badminton is often played indoors to avoid wind affecting the shuttlecock. A good indoor court also requires enough ceiling height, especially for high clears and lifts. Some rules recommend at least 9 meters (29.5 feet) of clearance above the court.

However, playing badminton indoors is not a definite rule. Just like padel, which has both indoor and outdoor courts, badminton is also played outside in enclosed parks and private club spaces, where there is a wind-free environment.

3. Court Cost 

The cost of setting up a badminton court varies depending on location and surface type. The court’s location determines the flooring material and additional equipment that will be used. 

• Indoor courts with wooden or synthetic flooring, proper lighting, and fixed net systems typically require a higher investment.
• Outdoor courts using cement or synthetic mats cost less but may need frequent maintenance. 

Additional expenses often include LED lighting, net posts, boundary painting, and safety padding, all of which affect long-term usability. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a competitive player, coach, or beginner, understanding the official badminton court size matters. These dimensions shape the way the game is played, how players move, and how matches are judged.

From the net height to the service lines and sidelines, every centimeter has a purpose and contributes to fair and exciting gameplay. By knowing these dimensions, you can better appreciate the thought behind this dynamic sport.

Frequently Asked Questions