Since pickleball is often played on tennis courts, “how high is a pickleball net” is a common question.
Pickleball nets differ from tennis nets in height and width, so the regulation height of a pickleball net can be confusing even among experienced players.
In the article we'll provide brief, easy answers to the following common questions:
- How high is a pickleball net (it’s shorter in the middle and at the posts than a tennis net!)
- How to measure the height of a pickleball net
- What is the width of a pickleball net
We’ll even point you in the right direction for using a tennis net for pickleball (and how to adjust it to be regulation pickleball height)!
Ready? Lets go!
What is the Height of a Pickleball Net?
A pickleball net is 36” high at the posts, 34” at the center, and 22 feet wide. Tennis nets, by contrast, are 6 inches higher at the posts and 2 inches higher in the middle than a pickleball net.
How to Measure the Height of a Pickleball Net
So, how do you actually measure a pickleball net? A pickleball net is always measured from the top of the net all the way to the ground, not just to the bottom of the net. To get regulation height, you will need to measure and adjust the net in the middle to 34" and at the posts to 36'. Most temporary and permanent nets can be adjusted to the right height for pickleball, and it is always helpful to have a small tape measure with you to verify pickleball net height.
If you’re working with a narrower net that isn’t 34 inches from top to bottom, you can position it so that the top of the net is 34 inches from the ground.
Remember: the posts of a pickleball net are 36 inches (or exactly three feet) high, and the center is only 34” high.
Pickleball Net Width
Pickleball nets are usually 22 feet across. The pickleball court is only 20 feet wide, which means the nets will extend around 1 foot on either side of the court.
The width of the net is important for competitive games where ATPs (around the posts) are more common.
If you’re working with a makeshift net, then missing the extra two feet of net across the court won’t break your game. However, the closer you can get to the official 22 feet, the better!
Are a Pickleball and Tennis Net the Same Dimensions?
No, a pickleball and a tennis net are not the same dimensions.
The Differences Between Pickleball and Tennis Nets
As we’ve covered, a pickleball net is 34 inches from the ground at its center, 36 inches from the ground at the posts, and 22 feet wide with one foot over the edge of the court at either side.
In contrast, a tennis net is larger – as is a tennis court! A tennis court is 27 feet wide for singles and 36 feet wide for doubles, and a tennis net is 3 feet 6 inches (42”) high at the posts and three feet high (36”) at its center.
Also, tennis net posts are usually placed three feet outside the court, which brings the total net length to 42 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pickleball Net Height
Can You Play Pickleball Using a Tennis Net?
Absolutely! While the dimensions of a tennis net and a pickleball net are different, you can play casual pickleball matches over a tennis net.
If you’re interested in using a tennis net for games of pickleball, you can check out our article, “Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court”. This article discusses not only setting up a pickleball court on a tennis court but also how to adjust a tennis net to make it regulation height for pickleball.
How Much Taller is a Tennis Net Than a Pickleball Net?
Tennis nets are 2 inches higher in the center (36” high) and 6 inches higher at the posts (42” high) than pickleball nets.
Can You Use a Tennis Net for Pickleball?
Yes - as mentioned above, tennis nets can be used for pickleball. The most common options are to use the tennis net as is, meaning the net will be a bit higher than normal for pickleball.
The other option is to use straps or weights to lower the tennis net to regulation height for pickleball.
How Tall is a Tennis Court Net?
Tennis nets are 3 feet 6 inches (42”) high at the 2 posts and three feet high (36”) at the center.
What is a Tennis Court Net in Feet?
Tennis nets are 3’6” high at the posts, 3’ high at the center, and 42’ wide.
What are the Pickleball Court Dimensions?
Pickleball courts are 20’ wide from sideline to sideline, and 44’ long (22’ on each side of the net) from service line to service line. The kitchen extends 7’ from the net on each side of the court.
If you are curious about pickleball court and line dimensions and how to set-up a pickleball court on a tennis court, check out our pickleball court guide here.
