Badminton is a fast-paced, skillful sport enjoyed by people of all ages around the world. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a school coach, or simply planning to install a court at home or a sports complex, understanding the correct badminton court measurements is essential.
This guide provides a comprehensive look into the official dimensions, zoning, marking rules, and space requirements of a standard badminton court as per BWF (Badminton World Federation) standards.
�� 1. Standard Badminton Court Dimensions (As per BWF)
➤ Overall Court Size
- Length:Â 13.40 meters (44 feet)
- Width:
- Singles:Â 5.18 meters (17 feet)
- Doubles:Â 6.10 meters (20 feet)
➤ Boundary Lines
- Lines must be 40 mm (1.57 inches) wide and are usually white or yellow for visibility.
- The outermost lines are for doubles play, and the inner side lines are for singles play.
| Area | Measurement |
| Court Length | 13.40 meters (44 ft) |
| Court Width (Doubles) | 6.10 meters (20 ft) |
| Court Width (Singles) | 5.18 meters (17 ft) |
| Distance from Net to Short Service Line | 1.98 meters (6 ft 6 in) |
| Distance from Center Line to Side Line (Singles) | 2.59 meters (8 ft 6 in) |
| Back Boundary Line to Long Service Line (Doubles) | 0.76 meters (2 ft 6 in) |
�� 2. Court Zones and Their Functions
A badminton court is divided into several zones, each playing a unique role in gameplay:
a) Service Courts
- Each side of the net is divided into left and right service courts.
- Service must land in the diagonally opposite service box.
b) Short Service Line
- Positioned 1.98 meters from the net, this line marks the minimum distance for a valid service.
c) Center Line
- Divides the service area into left and right courts.
d) Long Service Line for Doubles
- This line is closer to the net than the back boundary and restricts how deep a serve can go in doubles matches.
�� 3. Net Specifications
- Net Height at Edges:Â 1.55 meters (5 ft 1 in)
- Net Height at Center:Â 1.524 meters (5 ft)
- Net Width:Â Covers the full width of the court (6.10 meters)
- Net Depth:Â 0.76 meters (2 ft 6 in)
- Material:Â Typically nylon mesh with a white tape border on top
�� 4. Recommended Surrounding Space (Playing Area)
To ensure smooth gameplay and safety, additional clearance around the court is recommended:
| Area | Recommended Space |
| Behind Back Boundary | At least 2 meters (6.5 ft) |
| On Each Side | At least 1.5 meters (5 ft) |
| Ceiling Height | Minimum 7.5 meters (25 ft) |
�� Tip: For tournament-level indoor courts, a total area of 17m x 9m is ideal.
�� 5. Indoor vs Outdoor Courts
Indoor Courts:
- Controlled lighting and wind
- Ideal for competitive play
- Uses synthetic or wooden flooring
Outdoor Courts:
- Built in parks or homes
- Need weather-resistant flooring like acrylic
- Proper drainage and anti-skid surface required
�� 6. Line Marking Guide
- Use high-quality, non-slip paint.
- Lines must be clearly visible, ideally in white or yellow.
- Ensure perfect measurements using chalk lines or laser measuring tools before painting.
- Apply at least two coats of paint for durability.
�� 7. Cost Factors for Building a Court (India Estimate)
| Component | Cost Range (INR) |
| Site Preparation | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Flooring (synthetic/wood) | ₹180 – ₹600 per sq. ft. |
| Poles and Net | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Lighting (if indoor) | ₹15,000 – ₹70,000 |
| Line Marking | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
�� Total estimate: ₹2.5 Lakhs – ₹8 Lakhs+ depending on materials and features.
⚠️ 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect court dimensions or line placements
- Using slippery or uneven surfaces
- Insufficient space around the court
- Poor lighting (especially for indoor courts)
- Not accounting for ceiling height (minimum 7.5 m)
âś… 9. Maintenance Tips
- Regularly clean the surface (dust/dirt can affect grip)
- Repaint faded lines every 1–2 years
- Check net tension and pole stability
- Ensure lighting is functional and shadows are minimized
- Replace worn flooring patches immediately
Conclusion
Understanding and applying the correct badminton court measurements is critical for fair, professional, and enjoyable play. Whether you’re setting up a residential court, a school sports hall, or a commercial facility, following BWF guidelines ensures long-term performance and player safety.
With proper planning, quality materials, and precise measurement, your court will be tournament-ready — or simply the perfect place for an evening rally!
