Width Of Badminton Court: An Easy To Understand Guide
Many people play badminton, but few know the exact size of the court.
The width matters more than it seems. It decides where you stand, where you hit, and whether a shot is in or out.
So, let’s break it down clearly, step by step, without confusion.
Standard Width of a Badminton Court:
A standard badminton court is 6.1 meters wide.
That equals 20 feet.
This width applies to doubles matches. It is the full court width, measured from one outer sideline to the other.
However, this changes slightly for singles play.
Court Width for Singles Badminton:
In singles badminton, the court is narrower.
The width becomes 5.18 meters, which is 17 feet.
Why does this happen?
Because singles matches use the inner side lines, while doubles matches use the outer side lines.
This small difference changes how the game is played.
Singles players cover less side space. Doubles players must defend wider angles.
Simple Comparison of Court Width:
Let’s keep this easy to remember.
Singles court width
• 5.18 meters
• 17 feet
Doubles court width
• 6.1 meters
• 20 feet
It is the same court, but different boundary lines are used.
Why Court Width Matters in Badminton?
At first, a difference of a few feet may not seem important.
On court, it changes everything.
A wider court means more running, sharper side shots and greater coordination in doubles play.
In singles, players focus more on speed, control and precise placement rather than constant wide coverage.
In doubles, width creates pressure. Smashes travel wider, defenses stretch thinner and mistakes happen faster.
That is why correct court width matters.
Understanding the Side Lines Clearly:
Every badminton court has two side lines on each side.
The inner side line is used for singles matches.
The outer side line is used for doubles matches.
Many beginners get confused here, especially during casual games.
One wrong line leads to one wrong call. Knowing this rule removes half the confusion instantly.
Indoor vs Outdoor Badminton Courts:
Official badminton is played indoors. Wind affects the shuttle too much for outdoor play.
Even so, the court width never changes.
Whether the game is played in a school hall, a sports complex, or a professional arena, the width stays the same.
Standards are fixed.
How Professional Players Use Court Width?
Professional players use every inch of the court with intention.
In doubles, they stretch opponents wide, force weak returns, and open space in the middle.
In singles, players use width carefully. They wait, control rallies and attack only at the right moment.
Width is not just space. It is a tactical weapon.
Common Mistakes About Court Width:
Many casual players assume the court width is always the same. That is incorrect.
Others ignore side lines completely and play singles using the full doubles width.
This builds poor habits.
Learning the correct width early improves positioning, footwork, and shot accuracy. Even friendly games feel better when rules are clear.
Measuring a Badminton Court Yourself:
If you ever need to measure a court:
For doubles, measure 6.1 meters across.
For singles, measure 5.18 meters across.
Use proper tape and mark lines clearly. Good measurements improve practice quality.
Why Beginners Should Care About Width?
This may sound technical, but it is not.
Knowing the correct court width helps you place shots better, avoid line faults and understand match rules with confidence.
Clarity improves performance, and confidence grows from basics.
Final Words:
Summing it up, a badminton court is not just a rectangle. It is a carefully measured playing space.
For doubles, the court is 6.1 meters wide.
For singles, it is 5.18 meters wide.
Same court. Different play.
Once you understand the width, the game feels simpler, cleaner and more enjoyable.
That is how badminton should feel.