How Big Is a Padel Court? (Official UK Dimensions Explained)
19 December 2025 · Padel Court Finder
Quick answer: a standard padel court is 20 metres long and 10 metres wide. It’s fully enclosed with glass and mesh walls, which are part of the game (see how padel works for beginners).
If you’re new to padel, the size is one of the reasons it feels so approachable. The court is big enough for exciting rallies but small enough that beginners can get involved quickly.
Below are the official UK dimensions, plus how padel compares to tennis and why the size works so well.
Official padel court dimensions
The official dimensions of a standard doubles padel court are:
- Length: 20 metres
- Width: 10 metres
- Total area: 200 square metres
The court is split into two equal halves by a net, just like tennis.
Each side measures:
- 10 metres long
- 10 metres wide
These dimensions are set by the International Padel Federation and used at clubs across the UK and worldwide.
Padel court wall height
One of the most unique features of padel is the walls.
The back walls are:
- 3 metres high (glass)
- With an additional 1 metre of mesh above
The side walls vary:
- Glass near the back
- Mesh towards the front
These walls are part of the game, allowing players to rebound shots off them, similar to squash.
How big is a padel court compared to tennis?
Padel courts are significantly smaller than tennis courts.
| Court type | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Padel court | 20m | 10m |
| Tennis court (doubles) | 23.77m | 10.97m |
| Tennis court (singles) | 23.77m | 8.23m |
Padel courts are:
- Slightly shorter than tennis courts
- Slightly narrower than doubles tennis courts
- Fully enclosed
This smaller size makes padel easier to play and less physically demanding than tennis.
Why padel courts are smaller
The smaller court size is intentional and makes the sport more enjoyable. It allows for:
- Longer rallies
- Less running
- Easier learning curve
- More social play
Even beginners can quickly have fun rallies within minutes of playing. This is one reason padel is growing so fast in the UK.
Padel singles court dimensions
There is also a smaller version of the court designed specifically for singles.
A padel singles court measures:
- 20 metres long
- 6 metres wide
This narrower width makes singles matches more balanced and less exhausting. However, most UK courts are standard doubles courts.
Net height on a padel court
The net height in padel is slightly lower than in tennis.
Official net height:
- 88 cm at the centre
- 92 cm at the sides
This lower net helps create longer rallies and makes the game more accessible.
Total space needed to build a padel court
If you’re building a padel court, you need extra space around it.
Typical total space required:
- 24 metres long
- 14 metres wide
This allows room for access, fencing, and safety. Indoor courts may require additional ceiling height.
Minimum ceiling height is typically:
- 7 metres recommended
Why the enclosed design matters
Unlike tennis, padel courts are enclosed with walls. This creates a unique playing experience.
Players can:
- Use the walls strategically
- Continue rallies after rebounds
- Play creative defensive shots
This makes padel feel more dynamic and engaging.
How many players fit on a padel court?
A standard padel court is designed for four players — two per team. The court size is ideal for doubles, which is the most common format. Singles is also possible but less common.
Why padel court size makes it beginner-friendly
The dimensions make padel one of the easiest racket sports to learn. Because the court is smaller:
- You don’t need extreme fitness
- You can reach most shots
- Rallies last longer
Most beginners can enjoy padel immediately.
Final answer: how big is a padel court?
A standard padel court is:
- 20 metres long
- 10 metres wide
- Fully enclosed with walls
- 200 square metres total
This smaller, enclosed size makes padel easier to play, more social, and incredibly fun. It’s one of the key reasons why padel is becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK.