Are Pickleball and Tennis Courts the Same?

Short answer: Nope. But they do have a lot in common.

Pickleball and tennis are like cousins at a family BBQ—same energy, different sizes, different vibes.

Here’s the quick breakdown:

• Pickleball courts are smaller. Think: fun-sized. They're 20x44 feet, while tennis courts are 36x78 feet.

• Net height is different. Pickleball nets are 2 inches lower in the center (34" vs. 36").

• Lines and zones matter. Pickleball courts have a “kitchen” (a no-volley zone) that tennis courts don't. ***If you’re playing doubles, the court size stays the same in pickleball—it doesn’t in tennis.

Good news? You can play pickleball on a tennis court—just add some lines or find a multi-use court near you. (And maybe make peace with a few confused tennis players wandering around.)

Bottom line: Not the same, but they get along great.

The Full Breakdown

Size Matters: Pickleball vs. Tennis Court Dimensions

• Tennis Court:

  • Singles: 27 ft wide x 78 ft long

  • Doubles: 36 ft wide x 78 ft long

• Pickleball Court:

  • 20 ft wide x 44 ft long (same for singles and doubles)

That means a pickleball court is about a quarter the size of a tennis court. Smaller court, faster rallies, less running—but just as competitive (and arguably more fun).

Net Height: Close, But Not the Same

• Tennis Net: 36" at the center

• Pickleball Net: 34" at the center (36" at the posts)

That 2-inch difference doesn’t seem like much, but it changes the dynamics of the game. In pickleball, low shots and net play are a bigger deal.

Court Layout: The Kitchen Is Where the Magic Happens

Pickleball has a unique feature: the non-volley zone, aka the kitchen.

• It’s a 7-foot area on both sides of the net.

• You can’t volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in it.

• This rule adds a layer of strategy and helps reduce dangerous net crashes—especially important for casual or older players.

Tennis? No kitchen. Volley all day if you’ve got the net game.

Can You Play Pickleball on a Tennis Court?

Yes—but with some adjustments.

• You’ll need to tape or paint pickleball lines onto the tennis surface.

• You can fit up to four pickleball courts on one tennis court, depending on the setup.

• Portable pickleball nets are available if the court doesn’t already have one.

Many public parks and rec centers are now creating multi-use courts to serve both tennis and pickleball players. Just be prepared to share—and maybe explain “the kitchen” once or twice.

Final Serve: The Courts Aren’t the Same—But That’s the Fun of It

Tennis and pickleball courts may look similar at first glance, but the differences are what make each sport unique. Pickleball’s smaller size, lower net, and strategic kitchen zone create a game that’s fast, social, and surprisingly intense.

Whether you’re converting a tennis court or finding a dedicated pickleball spot, one thing’s for sure: once you start playing, you’ll never look at a tennis court the same way again.