Badminton is one of the most widely played indoor sports in the world, loved for its speed, precision, and competitive spirit. Whether you're setting up a backyard court, an indoor sports facility, or preparing for tournaments, understanding the exact badminton court measurements is crucial for fair play and professional standards.
In this article, we’ll explore in detail the standard dimensions, layout markings, net specifications, and space requirements as per Badminton World Federation (BWF) regulations.
🏸 1. Standard Badminton Court Size
A badminton court is a rectangular surface used for singles and doubles play. The overall size of the court does not change, but the width used during play depends on whether it's a singles or doubles match.
📐 Dimensions:
SpecificationMeasurementTotal Length13.40 meters (44 ft)Total Width (Doubles)6.10 meters (20 ft)Width (Singles)5.18 meters (17 ft)Diagonal~14.72 meters
These dimensions apply to the playing area and do not include additional clearance required around the court.
🧭 2. Key Court Areas & Their Measurements
🔹 A. Net Line
- Positioned in the middle of the court.
- Divides the court equally into two halves.
- Distance from baseline to net: 6.70 meters (22 ft)
🔹 B. Service Courts
Each side of the court is divided into:
- Left service court
- Right service court
These are separated by the center line, which runs perpendicular from the short service line to the back boundary line.
🔸 Service Line Markings:
LineDistance from NetShort Service Line1.98 meters (6 ft 6 in)Long Service Line for Doubles0.76 meters (2 ft 6 in) inward from the back boundaryLong Service Line for SinglesCoincides with the baseline (back boundary)
🕸️ 3. Net Dimensions & Specifications
A tightly stretched net plays a crucial role in the game.
🏷️ Net Size and Height:
FeatureMeasurementNet Height at Posts1.55 meters (5 ft 1 in)Net Height at Center1.524 meters (5 ft)Net Width6.10 meters (20 ft)Net Depth (Vertical)0.76 meters (2 ft 6 in)Mesh SizeNot more than 20 mmNet ColorDark (usually black) with a white tape border at the top
🧱 4. Badminton Court Layout Markings
Proper court markings ensure the game is played by the rules.
✏️ Marking Specifications:
- Line Width: 40 mm (1.57 inches)
- Color: White or yellow (high contrast with floor)
- Material: Paint or synthetic tape for temporary courts
🔍 Important Lines:
- Baseline: Marks the end boundary
- Sidelines: Different for singles and doubles
- Short Service Line: Minimum shuttlecock reach during service
- Long Service Line: Max allowable distance for serve (varies for singles and doubles)
- Center Line: Divides left and right service courts
🏟️ 5. Court Surface & Surroundings
A regulation badminton court is more than just accurate dimensions—it also requires appropriate surface quality and surrounding clearance.
⚙️ Flooring Recommendations:
- Material: Wooden (sprung) or synthetic (PVC, PU, Acrylic)
- Properties: Anti-slip, shock absorption, durable
🚧 Space Around the Court:
AreaMinimum ClearanceSides of Court1.5 metersBack of Court2.0 metersCeiling Height7.5 meters (ideal)
These clearances are necessary to accommodate movement and overhead shots.
⚖️ 6. Singles vs Doubles Court Comparison
While the court remains the same, the playable area and service lines vary:
FeatureSinglesDoublesCourt Width5.18 m (inner sideline)6.10 m (outer sideline)Service Area LengthFull lengthShorter (due to long service line)Sideline UsedInner sidelineOuter sideline
🔧 7. Installation Tips
When building or marking a badminton court:
- Always measure diagonals to ensure rectangular accuracy.
- Use laser levels or professional tools for line straightness.
- For indoor courts, ensure lighting is even and not directly above the net.
- Consider using modular synthetic flooring for faster installation and maintenance.
📊 8. Badminton Court Measurement Summary Table
FeatureMeasurementCourt Length13.40 meters (44 ft)Court Width (Doubles)6.10 meters (20 ft)Court Width (Singles)5.18 meters (17 ft)Net Height (Center)1.524 meters (5 ft)Short Service Line from Net1.98 meters (6 ft 6 in)Long Service Line for Doubles0.76 meters from baseline inwardLine Width40 mm (1.57 in)Clearance on All Sides (Ideal)1.5–2 metersCeiling Height (Minimum)7.5 meters
🧠 Conclusion
Precise badminton court measurements are vital to ensure fair play, avoid injuries, and maintain international standards. Whether you're a school, sports academy, interior contractor, or sports flooring company, following BWF guidelines ensures your court is tournament-ready and safe for play.
Comments