What Is Badminton Court Size For Singles And Doubles: A Simple Guide
It looks small. Then you play one real rally and suddenly the shuttle keeps landing just out of reach. That is when the size of a badminton court starts to matter.
Once, I was standing on a school court arguing with a friend. He said the shuttle was out. I said it touched the line. We both looked down at the faded chalk marks and laughed.
That small moment taught me something early. In badminton, the court size matters more than people realize.
So, let us clear it properly.
Standard Size of a Badminton Court:
A standard badminton court is rectangular.
The length of the court is 44 feet.
This length is the same for both singles and doubles.
The width depends on the format.
For singles the width is 17 feet.
For doubles the width is 20 feet.
This small difference changes the entire game. Singles demand precision. Doubles demand coverage.
Badminton Court Dimensions in Meters:
Many indoor courts follow metric measurements.
Length is 13.4 meters.
Singles width is 5.18 meters.
Doubles width is 6.1 meters.
If you play in a professional hall these measurements are usually exact.
Why Singles and Doubles Courts Are Different?
This is where beginners often get confused.
In singles the side tramlines are out. Whereas, in doubles those same tramlines become active.
I remember losing points early in doubles because I kept aiming too narrow. The court felt suddenly wider. It takes time for the eyes and feet to adjust.
When you understand this difference, you improve your positioning instantly.
Service Court Dimensions Explained Simply:
The court is divided further for serving.
The short service line is 6 feet 6 inches from the net.
The center line divides left and right service courts.
In singles the long service line is the back boundary.
In doubles the long service line for serve is slightly shorter.
This rule alone decides many close games.
Net Position and Relation to Court Size:
The net stands exactly at the center of the court.
Net height is
5 feet 1 inch at the posts
5 feet at the center
This slight dip affects net shots and tight drops. Skilled players use it deliberately.
Lines That Define the Badminton Court:
Every line has meaning.
- Baseline marks the back boundary.
- Sidelines define width.
- Center line controls service direction.
- Short service line controls serve length.
If the shuttle touches any line, it is considered in.
That rule saves many arguments.
Space Needed Around the Court:
A playable court needs more than just the marked area.
Ideally you should have extra space around the court for movement and safety.
Professional halls leave space on all sides.
Casual courts often do not.
Even with limited space badminton can still be played. Just adjust your movement.
Indoor vs Outdoor Court Size
Court dimensions stay the same indoors and outdoors.
What changes is control.
Outdoor courts face wind and uneven surfaces.
Indoor courts offer consistency.
The size stays constant. The challenge changes.
Why Court Size Feels Different When You Play?
On paper the court looks small.
In play it feels larger.
Fast rallies stretch the court.
Clears push you back.
Drops pull you forward.
This constant movement is what makes badminton demanding and addictive.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make About Court Size
Many beginners stand too far back.
Some crowd the net unnecessarily.
Understanding court dimensions helps balance your position.
Once you know the size your footwork improves naturally.
Final Words:
A badminton court may look simple but its dimensions shape the entire game.
44 feet long.
17 feet wide for singles.
20 feet wide for doubles.
These numbers matter more than people think.
Once you understand the court, you stop guessing. Simply, you start placing shots with purpose.
And that is when badminton truly begins.