
Badminton is a racquet sport that is played with a shuttlecock instead of a ball. The sport is played on a rectangular court that is divided into two halves by a net. The court dimensions vary slightly depending on whether a singles or doubles game is being played. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) dictates that the length of a standard badminton court is 13.40m (44 feet) for both singles and doubles matches. However, the width of the court differs, with singles courts measuring 5.18m (17 feet) and doubles courts measuring 6.10m (20 feet).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length | 44 feet (13.4 m) |
| Width (doubles) | 20 feet (6.1 m) |
| Width (singles) | 17 feet (5.18 m) |
| Short service line | 6.5 feet (1.98 m) from net |
| Long service line | 2.5 feet (0.76 m) from back boundary |
| Clearance | 2 feet (0.61 m) around the court |
| Net height | 5 feet (1.55 m) at ends, 5 feet (1.52 m) in middle |
| Net width | 6.1 m (20 feet) |
| Pole placement | Outside sidelines for doubles |
| Court area (doubles) | 786 sq. ft. (878 sq. ft. or 79.6 sq. ft.) |
| Court area (singles) | 746 sq. ft. |
| Court area (total) | 880 sq. ft. |
| Junior court length | 34 feet |
| Flooring | Wood, synthetic mats, rubber, vinyl |
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What You'll Learn

The badminton court is 13.4m long and 6.1m wide
The badminton court's dimensions vary slightly depending on the type of game being played, with different width requirements for singles and doubles matches. For doubles matches, the badminton court is 6.1m wide, while for singles matches, the width is reduced to 5.18m. This adjustment in width caters to the different dynamics of the game variants, ensuring fair and competitive play.
The length of the badminton court remains consistent at 13.4m for both singles and doubles competitions. This standard length is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game, allowing players of varying styles and strategies to compete on a level playing field. The length of the court influences the pace and intensity of the game, challenging players' stamina and agility.
The badminton court's dimensions are established by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and are applicable to both singles and doubles matches. These standardised measurements ensure uniformity across different playing facilities, promoting fairness and consistency in the sport. The BWF's guidelines specify the court's length, width, and other markings, such as service lines and net height, contributing to the overall structure and rules of the game.
The badminton court's size and markings are carefully designed to accommodate the unique characteristics of the sport. The court's rectangular shape and dimensions allow for the fast-paced nature of badminton, where swift movements, precise strokes, and strategic shot placements are crucial for success. The court's dimensions also consider the safety of athletes and spectators, with clearances around the court to facilitate unhindered movement and provide unobstructed viewing.
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Singles court width is 5.18m; doubles court width is 6.1m
The dimensions of a badminton court vary depending on whether a singles or doubles game is being played. The length of a standard badminton court is the same for both types of competitions, measuring 13.4m (44 feet). However, the width of the court differs. For singles play, the court width is 5.18m (17 feet), while for doubles, the width is extended to 6.1m (20 feet). These differences in width provide a wider playing area for doubles matches, accommodating two players on each side.
The badminton net is an integral part of the court setup and should be placed directly in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline. The net should be 1.55m (5 feet 1 inch) high at the ends and dip slightly to 1.52m (5 feet) in the middle. The net's width should match the width of the court, covering the full width of the doubles court at 6.1m (20 feet). Proper pole placement is crucial, with poles positioned outside the sidelines for doubles matches and on the boundary lines for singles matches.
The service courts are split by a center line that divides the width of the court. The short service line, located 1.98m (6.5 feet) from the net, is used for both singles and doubles matches. However, the long service line, placed 0.76m (2.5 feet) from the back boundary line, is unique to doubles games. This line is used to mark the service area in doubles, providing a larger area for serves compared to singles.
The total playing area or full court for singles measures 746 square feet, while for doubles, it is 786 square feet. These dimensions ensure that badminton players have sufficient space to move and execute their shots effectively during matches. It is important to note that while the court dimensions may vary slightly between singles and doubles, the length and width of the playing area are standardized to ensure fair and competitive gameplay.
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The net is 1.55m high at the ends and 1.52m in the middle
The net is an integral part of a badminton court. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) outlines the official badminton court measurements, which include the height of the net. The net should be placed directly over the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline.
The net stands at a height of 1.55 metres (5 feet 1 inch) at each end. However, in the middle, the net dips slightly to a height of 1.52 metres (5 feet). This slight dip in the middle is important to ensure the net is taut and meets regulation standards.
The height of the net is a crucial aspect of the court's design. The net's height, in conjunction with its width and placement, defines the playing space for both singles and doubles matches. The net acts as a central dividing line, creating two equal playing areas on either side.
The net height is also significant for the game's dynamics. It influences the trajectory and speed of the shuttlecock during play. The height at which the net is placed can impact the difficulty level of the game, affecting the angle and force required for shots.
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The short service line is 1.98m from the net
The short service line is a crucial component of a badminton court, and its positioning plays a significant role in the strategy and dynamics of the game. The line is located 1.98 metres (or 6.5 feet) from the net, and it serves as a marker for the service courts on either side of the net.
The short service line is one of the key factors that distinguish the service courts from each other. In a game of badminton, the service courts are the two areas on opposite sides of the net, separated by a centre line running down the width of the court. This centre line, along with the short service line, defines the boundaries of each service court.
The short service line is essential for serving in badminton. During a singles game, the server must ensure that the shuttlecock passes beyond the short service line on the opponent's side of the court and also stays within the boundary lines. This rule adds a layer of complexity to the game, as players must carefully calculate their shots to achieve the right depth without hitting long.
For doubles matches, the short service line also comes into play. While there is an additional 'long service line' in doubles, the short service line still serves as a crucial reference point. The service must be delivered beyond the short service line, but the long service line becomes the marker for the backcourt.
The distance of the short service line from the net is standardised across both singles and doubles matches. This consistency in court dimensions ensures that players can rely on established techniques and strategies, regardless of the type of match they are playing.
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The long service line is 0.76m from the back boundary
The long service line in badminton is an important concept to understand, especially when playing doubles. This line is located 0.76m (2.5 feet or 2 feet 6 inches) from the back boundary line. It is used specifically for doubles service and marks the rear end of the playing area.
The long service line is one of two service lines on a badminton court, the other being the short service line, which is 1.98m (6.5 feet) from the net. These service lines are crucial in determining the valid areas for serving during a badminton match. The service must be done diagonally and the shuttlecock must be below 1.15m from the court surface when struck by the server's racket.
The dimensions of a badminton court are standardised, with a length of 44 feet (13.4m or 13.41m) and a width of 20 feet (6.1m or 6.10m) for doubles matches, while singles matches have a reduced width of 17 feet (5.18m or 5.10m). These measurements create a rectangular playing area that is divided into two halves by a net. The net is placed directly in the centre of the court and is 5 feet (1.52m or 1.55m) high, with a slight sag in the middle.
The badminton court also requires a clearance area or perimeter around it for safety. The official distance mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) is 2 feet (0.61m), but some organisations may require a larger clearance, such as 6.56 feet (2m) as specified by Sport Scotland. This clearance ensures the safety of athletes and spectators during play, allowing for unrestricted movement.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4m (44 feet) and the width is 6.1m (20 feet), as mandated by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
A singles badminton court has the same length as a doubles court, but the width is reduced to 5.18m (17 feet).
The net in a badminton court is 1.55m (5 feet 1 inch) high at the ends and 1.52m (5 feet) high in the middle.











































