Padel Court vs Pickleball Court: Size, Surface and Setup
If you are thinking of building, booking or just understanding the two games, it helps to compare the courts. They look different and play differently.
At a glance
A pickleball court is 44 × 20 feet and open. A padel court is 20 × 10 metres and enclosed by glass and mesh walls.
Dimensions
| Pickleball | Padel | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 44 ft (13.4 m) | 20 m |
| Width | 20 ft (6.1 m) | 10 m |
| Area | about 82 m² | 200 m² |
| Net height (centre) | 34 in | 88 cm |
| Net height (posts) | 36 in | 92 cm |
A padel court covers roughly two and a half times the area of a pickleball court, so you can fit about two pickleball courts in the same space.
Court zones
Pickleball has a kitchen, the non-volley zone, extending seven feet from the net on both sides. Behind the kitchen are two service courts on each side. Read more in our kitchen rules guide.
Padel has a service line about seven metres from the net and a centre line splitting the service boxes. There is no kitchen. Instead, the walls are part of play. See wall play basics.
Surface
- Pickleball: hard acrylic over concrete or asphalt outdoors, and wood or sports flooring indoors.
- Padel: artificial turf filled with sand, which gives grip and a controlled slide.
Walls and fencing
Pickleball courts are usually surrounded by fencing for ball control, but the fence is not part of play. Padel courts have glass back walls and part-glass, part-mesh side walls that keep the ball in play.
Cost and space
Pickleball courts are cheaper and easier to add, even on a tennis court or a driveway with temporary lines. Padel courts need more space and a dedicated structure, which is why most are found in clubs.
Which one fits your venue?
- Small space or tight budget: pickleball.
- Club or sports centre with room: padel can be a draw.
- Both: many clubs now offer both sports.
Gear for each
Pickleball uses a paddle and a plastic ball, as explained in our paddle guide. Padel uses a stringless racket, as covered in our racket guide. For a wider comparison, read padel vs pickleball.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play padel on a pickleball court?
No. The sizes, surface and walls are different, so each sport needs its own court.
Can a tennis court be used for pickleball?
Yes, with the right lines and nets. Several pickleball courts can fit on one tennis court.