I’ve been around badminton courts long enough to notice one thing, most people don’t actually know how big a badminton court is. They just grab a racket, set up a net, and start hitting. But once you start playing seriously, badminton court size in feet becomes a real factor. It changes everything, the way you move, the way you serve, even how you set up a shot.
When I first started coaching, I used to measure courts with old tape rolls. Trust me, a few feet off, and rallies start feeling weird. The rhythm breaks. You’ll see players overstep the service line or miss a clear shot because the width feels off. Court size may look like a technical detail, but it’s really the base of the whole game.
The Official Badminton Court Dimensions
Let’s get the basics straight. A standard badminton court size for doubles play is 44 feet long and 20 feet wide. For singles, it’s a bit narrower, 44 feet long and 17 feet wide.
That’s the playing space you see in international matches, whether it’s the Olympics, BWF tournaments, or national-level competitions.
Here’s a simple reference:
| Type of Play | Length (feet) | Width (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Singles | 44 | 17 |
| Doubles | 44 | 20 |
Now, if you prefer metric, that’s about 13.4 meters long and 6.1 meters wide for doubles. I’ve met players who train on makeshift courts where these sizes are off by a foot or two. It may not sound like much, but it throws timing off.
Why Feet Matter More Than Meters
Some people ask, “Why not just stick to meters since badminton’s global?” Fair question. But here’s the thing, in countries like the U.S., Pakistan, and Canada, sports facilities are built using imperial measurements. When you’re marking lines or setting nets, it’s far easier to measure in feet than converting from meters each time.
So, knowing your badminton court measurements in feet saves you time and mistakes. If you’ve ever tried converting 1.55 meters to feet mid-setup, you know what I mean.
Singles vs Doubles: The Real Layout Difference
Most people think doubles just adds more players, but it’s more than that. The badminton court layout actually changes. The singles court uses the inner side lines, while doubles include the outer ones.
Here’s how it works:
- Singles: Narrower width (17 feet). Uses inner side lines.
- Doubles: Full width (20 feet). Outer lines count in play.
- Service areas: Doubles service boxes are shorter. Singles are longer.
That slight change in badminton court width and length totally shifts your strategy. In singles, you’re covering more ground lengthwise. Doubles require faster reflexes side to side.
When coaching younger players, I used to tape off both versions and make them switch mid-drill. It helps them feel how spacing affects their footwork.
Markings and Lines: What Each One Does
A badminton court layout looks simple, but every line has a job. Miss one, and confusion hits fast during play.
- Center Line: Splits the service area in half.
- Short Service Line: The minimum distance your serve must cross.
- Back Boundary Line: Outer edge marking the end of the court.
- Side Lines: Define singles and doubles boundaries.
- Long Service Line for Doubles: Where the doubles serve must land before being out.
Most courts are painted white or yellow, usually around 40mm thick. The line width counts as part of the measurement.
The Net Height and Why It Matters
The badminton net height in feet is often misunderstood. Officially, it’s 5 feet (1.524 m) at the center and 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) at the posts. That one-inch slope helps keep tension even.
Beginners often hang nets too loose or too tight. I’ve played games where the shuttle skims the top edge every rally because someone pulled the net wrong. You can’t play proper drops or tight serves like that.
A small variation in height can totally change the game’s pace. If the net’s too low, smashes dominate. Too high, and clears look weak.
Badminton Court Area in Square Feet
If you’re planning to build a court, here’s something to note:
- Singles court area: around 748 square feet
- Doubles court area: around 880 square feet
That’s not counting run-off space. For proper movement, you need at least 2 to 3 feet of clearance on all sides. For indoor setups, 40 x 20 feet may fit, but without that extra space, it feels cramped.
In gyms, the total indoor badminton court size usually goes up to about 55 x 30 feet including safety margins.
Indoor vs Outdoor: Court Setup Challenges
An indoor badminton court gives you controlled conditions, no wind, even lighting, proper flooring. But outdoor or backyard badminton court dimensions vary a lot.
I’ve set up backyard courts with rope lines and grass surfaces. Fun, but far from official play. Grass courts are uneven, shuttle speed drops, and wind becomes your biggest opponent.
If you’re serious about the game, stick to wooden or synthetic flooring. Grass or concrete affects your knees long term.
The Service Line and Player Positioning
The badminton service line distance determines where players stand when serving or receiving. For singles, the service box is long and narrow. For doubles, it’s wide and short. This is why doubles players tend to serve shorter, quicker shots, while singles players push deep serves.
Positioning makes all the difference. Serve too far, and it’s out. Too short, and it’s an easy return. Getting that distance muscle memory takes time, which is why proper markings help.
Court Construction and Flooring Size
If you’re building a court, don’t ignore the badminton court flooring size and material. Standard options are:
| Flooring Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden | Great grip, bounce, professional feel | Needs upkeep, sensitive to moisture |
| Synthetic (PVC) | Durable, low maintenance | Slightly slippery at times |
| Cement | Cheap setup | Hard on knees, uneven bounce |
For clubs, wooden or PVC floors are ideal. Cement should be last resort.
Official Court Specifications (As per BWF)
According to official badminton court specifications by the Badminton World Federation (BWF):
- Total length: 44 ft (13.4 m)
- Total width (doubles): 20 ft (6.1 m)
- Net height: 5 ft at center
- Line width: 40 mm (included in measurement)
These standards keep play fair worldwide. I once played an inter-school match where the court was short by almost 2 feet. Every deep clear went long. After measuring, we realized why. Ever since, I carry my own measuring tape.
Setting Up Your Own Court
A quick badminton court setup guide:
- Find a flat surface (indoor is best).
- Measure out 44 ft by 20 ft for doubles.
- Mark inner singles lines (17 ft wide).
- Add service lines, 6.5 ft from net (short) and 2.5 ft from baseline (long doubles).
- Fix the net at 5 ft center height.
- Add boundary lines clearly visible.
That’s it. Nothing fancy, just accuracy and a steady tape measure.
Why Court Size Affects Play Quality
When the court’s built to the right badminton court size in feet, movement feels natural. You can control pace, angles, and rally flow better. A small difference, one foot short in length, can make smashes land out or serves clip the line.
Badminton’s a sport of inches, really. That’s why players practice corner-to-corner drills, to master spacing.
Respecting the Court Rules
Every sport has its code. In badminton, knowing your badminton court rules and layout is part of that respect. Whether it’s boundary lines, service line distance, or net height, precision reflects discipline.
I’ve seen players argue mid-match over where a line ends. It’s always the same story, poor markings. A well-laid court eliminates all that noise.
Quick Reference Table
| Measurement Type | In Feet | In Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Court Length | 44 ft | 13.4 m |
| Court Width (Singles) | 17 ft | 5.18 m |
| Court Width (Doubles) | 20 ft | 6.1 m |
| Net Height (Center) | 5 ft | 1.524 m |
| Net Height (Posts) | 5 ft 1 in | 1.55 m |
FAQs
1. What is the standard badminton court size in feet?
44 feet long and 20 feet wide for doubles, 44 by 17 for singles.
2. How high is a badminton net in feet?
It’s 5 feet high at the center and 5 feet 1 inch at the posts.
3. What’s the area of a badminton court in square feet?
A doubles court covers roughly 880 square feet.
4. Can I build a badminton court in my backyard?
Yes, but allow extra space around. Mark 44 x 20 feet and use ropes or paint for lines.
5. Why is court size important in badminton?
Because it changes the balance of play, the rhythm of movement, and the fairness of matches.
I’m Michael Green, bringing you player profiles, in-depth match analysis, key stats and records, tactical breakdowns, and the top plays that define every game.
