
Badminton is a racket sport that can be played in singles or doubles formats. The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4 metres or 44 feet for both singles and doubles matches. However, the width of the court differs depending on the type of match. For singles matches, the width is 5.18 metres or 17 feet, whereas for doubles matches, the width is 6.1 metres or 20 feet. The net height is typically 1.55 metres or 5 feet at the sides, slightly lower in the middle at 1.52 metres or 5 feet. The court dimensions are crucial for ensuring fair and competitive gameplay, and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets the official standards for court measurements.
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What You'll Learn
- A standard badminton court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide
- Singles courts are narrower, measuring 17 feet in width
- The net is 5 feet high in the centre and 5 feet 1 inch high at the edges
- Junior badminton courts are shorter, measuring 34 feet in length
- The outer sidelines are marked 17 feet apart and run parallel to each other

A standard badminton court is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide
A badminton court is a rectangular playing area used for the racket sport of badminton. The standard court measures 44 feet in length and 20 feet in width, for a total area of 880 square feet. The court is divided in half by a net placed directly in the middle and is usually marked for both singles and doubles matches.
For singles matches, the court measures 17 feet in width, shrinking by 1.5 feet on both sides. The service court is set back from the net by a "short service line" of 6.5 feet. A "long service line" is also used and is placed 2.5 feet from the back boundary line.
For doubles matches, the court is expanded to its full width of 20 feet. The long service line is placed 2.5 feet from the back boundary line. The net spans the width of the court, measuring 6.1 metres or 20 feet, and stands at 5 feet in height.
The official border or "surround" of a badminton court is 2 feet around the perimeter, providing clearance for athletes and spectators. This ensures that movement is not limited and that the game is safe.
Badminton courts are usually indoors, and it is recommended that there is 30 feet of vertical clearance to prevent shots from hitting the roof. For major tournaments, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) states that there must be a vertical clearance of 39 feet.
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Singles courts are narrower, measuring 17 feet in width
A badminton court is a rectangular surface used for the racket sport of badminton. The court's dimensions vary depending on whether a singles or doubles game is being played. The length of a standard badminton court remains the same for both types of competitions, measuring 44 feet (13.4 metres) long. However, the width of the court differs. For singles matches, the court is narrower, measuring 17 feet (5.18 metres) wide, while for doubles matches, the width is extended to 20 feet (6.1 metres).
The narrower width of the singles court is achieved by shrinking the court by 1.5 feet (0.46 metres) on both sides compared to a doubles court. This means that the playing area for singles matches is reduced in size, requiring players to cover less ground than in doubles matches. The smaller width of the singles court also affects the positioning of the service lines. In singles, the service line is marked 6.5 feet (1.98 metres) from the net, while in doubles, there is also a "long service line" that is placed 2.5 feet (0.76 metres) in from the back boundary.
The dimensions of a badminton court are crucial to ensure fair and competitive play. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) sets the official badminton court measurements, which apply to both singles and doubles games. The BWF guidelines specify the length and width of the court, as well as the height and placement of the net. Adhering to these standards is essential for sports facility operators when constructing badminton courts.
The size of a badminton court also includes a clearance area around the perimeter. This clearance is recommended to be at least 1 metre (3.3 feet) on the sides and 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the back boundary line. This clearance area ensures the safety of athletes and spectators during play, providing unrestricted movement. While the width of the court differs between singles and doubles matches, the length remains consistent, ensuring that players can utilise their skills and strategies effectively within the defined space.
In summary, the narrower width of a singles badminton court at 17 feet (5.18 metres) impacts the playing area and service line positioning. This distinction in court dimensions between singles and doubles matches is designed to accommodate the different gameplay dynamics and strategies inherent in each format. The standardised measurements outlined by the BWF contribute to the overall enjoyment, fairness, and fluidity of the game for players and spectators alike.
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The net is 5 feet high in the centre and 5 feet 1 inch high at the edges
The net plays a pivotal role in any net sport, and badminton is no exception. The standard height of a badminton net is 5 feet (1.52 metres) in the centre, with a slight increase to 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 metres) at the edges or poles. This slight difference in height is due to the net sagging a little in the middle.
The height of the net is essential to the game as it dictates the speed and trajectory of the shuttlecock during play. A higher net will cause the shuttlecock to slow down and descend faster, while a lower net will allow for faster shots and a more dynamic game. The standard height of a badminton net ensures that the game is played at an optimal pace, testing the skill and precision of the players.
The net's height is also crucial for player safety. A net that is too low may cause players to come into contact with it during play, leading to potential injuries or interference with the game. Conversely, a net that is too high could allow for dangerously fast play, particularly for beginners or younger players.
Badminton net height may vary in certain situations, such as junior badminton, where the net may be lowered to accommodate younger players. In these cases, the net height is reduced to 2.5 feet (0.76 metres), making it more accessible for children learning the game. This adjustment ensures that young players can develop their skills and technique without being overwhelmed by the full-sized court.
The standard height of a badminton net, at 5 feet in the centre and 5 feet 1 inch at the edges, is a carefully calibrated aspect of the game. It strikes a balance between pace, skill, and safety, contributing to the overall enjoyment and challenge of the sport.
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Junior badminton courts are shorter, measuring 34 feet in length
A standard badminton court is 44 feet (13.4 metres) long and 20 feet (6.1 metres) wide for doubles matches, and 17 feet (5.18 metres) wide for singles matches. The net should measure 5 feet (1.52 metres) in height and should be placed in the middle of the court, stretching from sideline to sideline.
However, junior badminton courts are shorter, measuring 34 feet in length. The net may also be lowered to 2.5 feet (30 inches). The width remains the same at 20 feet, but the service line and back boundary lines can be adjusted to suit the athlete's ability level. This type of court is suitable for children who are learning to play badminton or those who cannot reach all areas of a traditional-sized court.
Badminton is a fast-paced racquet sport that requires precise court dimensions to ensure fair play. The official badminton court measurements are set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and apply to both singles and doubles games. The length of a standard badminton court remains the same for both types of competitions, but the width differs. The service courts are split by a centre line dividing the width of the court and are set back from the net by a 'short service line' of 6.5 feet (1.98 metres).
The court dimensions for singles and doubles matches differ slightly. For singles matches, the court measures 17 feet in width and has a long service line located 22 feet from the net. Doubles matches are played on a court that measures 20 feet wide, with a long service line that is 2.5 feet from the back boundary line.
It is important to adhere to regulation badminton court dimensions to ensure a fair and competitive game. Working with a professional court designer can help create a badminton court that is enjoyable for all players.
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The outer sidelines are marked 17 feet apart and run parallel to each other
The outer sidelines of a badminton court, also known as the "outer tramlines" or "doubles sidelines", are marked 17 feet apart and run parallel to each other. These sidelines are an essential part of the court's geometry and play a crucial role in defining the playing area. They serve as the outer boundaries for singles matches, delineating the widest point of the court for this format of the game.
The distance between the outer sidelines is a key factor in determining the overall width of the badminton court. While the length of the court remains constant at 44 feet for both singles and doubles matches, the width varies depending on the format. For singles matches, the court is narrower, measuring 17 feet from sideline to sideline. This provides ample space for two players to move around and execute their shots effectively.
In contrast, during doubles matches, the court is expanded to its maximum width of 20 feet. This expansion is achieved by extending the outer sidelines outward, creating a wider playing area that accommodates four players. The additional space is crucial for doubles matches, allowing players more room for movement and enabling them to employ strategies that take advantage of the expanded court.
The outer sidelines are not only significant for defining the width of the court but also for demarcating the service courts. In both singles and doubles matches, the service courts are positioned within the boundaries formed by these sidelines. The left service court, for example, extends from the centreline to the outer sideline on the left side of the opponent's court. Understanding the relationship between the sidelines and service courts is essential for players to master their serve and adhere to the rules of the game.
The precise marking of the outer sidelines at 17 feet apart is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game. It ensures that players have a consistent and standardised playing area, promoting fair competition. This adherence to specific dimensions allows athletes to focus on their technique, strategy, and overall performance, knowing that the court dimensions provide a level playing field for all competitors.
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Frequently asked questions
The length of a standard badminton court is 13.4 metres or 44 feet.
The breadth of a badminton court for singles play is 5.18 metres or 17 feet.
The breadth of a badminton court for doubles play is 6.1 metres or 20 feet.
The net in a badminton court should be placed at a height of 1.55 metres or 5 feet at the sides, sagging slightly towards the centre to a height of 1.52 metres or 5 feet.
The short service line in a badminton court is 1.98 metres or 6.5 feet from the net.









































