Pickleball net height is 36 inches (91.4 cm) on the sidelines and 34 inches (86.4 cm) in the middle of the court for both men’s and women’s games.
Did you know that there is a reason for these measurements? In this guide, I will explain why and other information you should know about pickleball net dimensions.
If you are looking for a pickleball net, I will also provide some great options to help you get the perfect fit for your court.
Quick Glance-Top 3 Pickleball Nets
Here’s a snapshot of the best pickleball nets available, chosen for their durability, and ease of assembly.
- Weight: 17 lbs.
- Size: 22 ft.
- Durable construction
- Built using recycled materials
- Weight: 24 lbs.
- Size: 22 ft.
- Solid construction
- Roomy carrying case
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- Size: 22 ft
- great price
- Easy set-up and take-down
Pickleball Net Height
The official pickleball net height is 36 inches on the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle.
The net is lower in the middle to encourage playing down the middle of the court, while the higher ends make the game more challenging.
Pickleball Net Dimensions
Pickleball net dimensions can vary depending on the manufacturer, but the official size should be at least 21 feet 9 inches from one post to the other.
The net height from the top of the net to the bottom edge should be at least 30 inches.
Common Pickleball Net Sizes
Pickleball nets come in a few different sizes. This is to accommodate different court sizes where limited space is available.
For instance, many families like to play pickleball on their driveways, where using a regulation pickleball net might be too big.
Popular Pickleball Net Sizes:
- 10 ft
- 14 ft
- 17 ft
- 22 ft (regulation pickleball net size)
Did you know you can get a pickleball set with a net, paddles, and balls? Check out my article for some great options!
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliate sites.
SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System
The SwiftNet 2.1 Portable Pickleball Net System is the best-performing portable pickleball net on the market.
It features a true catenary design with a shock-corded tensioning boom and adjustable locking net cord, meaning that it always has accurate net height and no center post hump.
Additionally, the top band is twice as taught as other portable nets. The under-net gap also makes ball return easier.
The SwiftNet 2.1 is also one of the lightest full-size nets and is very simple to set up, taking only half the time as other portable pickleball nets. It is made from carbon fiber and aluminum, making it very durable and rust-resistant.
The net frame is made from recycled high-grade aerospace carbon fiber, making it an eco-friendly choice. In addition, the net frame is designed and built in the USA in partnership with Composite Recycling Technology Center.
If you are looking for a high-quality portable pickleball net, the SwiftNet 2.1 is the perfect choice for you.
What We Like:
- The top cord has better tension than most nets which keeps it from sagging.
- Lightweight compared to other nets.
- You can register with the manufacturer for the warranty.
- The manufacturer sells replacement parts.
- Quick and easy set-up.
- Eco-friendly, manufactured with recycled materials
- Fantastic customer service.
What Could Be Better:
- This net is a little pricey compared to others. However, this wouldn’t stop me from purchasing this quality net system.
Pickle-Ball 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System
The 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System is the highest-rated and best-reviewed pickleball net on Amazon. With an amazing 89% 5-star and 9% 4-star rating, giving this net a 98% positive overall rating, it is no wonder why this net is so popular.
This all-in-one system comes with a carrying case and sets up in minutes, thanks to the easy-snap-together metal frame.
The powder-coated frame is designed to be durable and weather-resistant, while the wide legs and raised cross bar provide added stability – perfect for outdoor games.
Plus, the net tension straps make it easy to get just the right amount of tension on the net.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the 3.0 Portable Pickleball Net System has everything you need for hours of fun on the court.
What We Like:
- Solid construction makes this net system very sturdy.
- Weighs only 24 pounds making it easy to move and transport.
- Easy set-up and takedown.
- End straps keep the net nice and tight.
- The roomy carrying case has extra space for storing other items.
What Could Be Better:
- Net tends to tip over on windy days.
- Would like to see extra padding at the ends of the carrying case to protect the bag from the poles.
ZENY Portable Pickleball Net
The ZENY Portable Pickleball Net Set System is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, durable pickleball set.
The steel support frame and all-weather net are built to last, while the fiberglass middle post provides extra stability. The easy connection design makes the set quick and easy to assemble and disassemble, and the carrying bag ensures that everything can be easily transported to and from the courts.
With its excellent construction and portability, the ZENY Portable Pickleball Net Set System is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a top-quality pickleball set.
What We Like:
- The price!
- Sturdy construction.
- East set-up and take-down.
- Easy to follow set-up diagram is provided.
What Could be Better:
- Some have reported that the center pole is too long and had to be cut to the right size
- Would like to see the mesh pocket that holds the center pole in place be a little thicker to keep it from wearing out.
Boulder Badminton And Pickleball Net
The Boulder Badminton and Pickleball Net can be set up in just minutes, and can be used for a variety of games including badminton, pickleball, and soccer tennis.
The net is made from durable nylon mesh and is adjustable from 34 to 60 inches high, so you can easily switch between games.
It also packs down small for easy transport – perfect for taking to the beach or park. With its easy set-up and portability, the Boulder Badminton Pickleball Net is sure to provide hours of fun for all.
What We Like:
- Available in 3 sizes: 10 ft, 14 ft, 17 ft.
- Versatile-can be used for badminton.
- Easy set-up and take down.
- Affordable
What Could Be Better:
- Not as stable or durable as other net systems.
A11N Portable Pickleball Net
The A11N Portable Pickleball Net system meets official pickleball guidelines at 22′ wide, 36” high at sidelines and 34” tall at the center. You’ll be able to set up your pickleball tournaments or casual games with ease.
Each part on the kit is labeled and no tools are needed for assembly, making for fast and straightforward set-up.
And when you’re finished, the entire net can be packed in the carrying bag and only weighs 20 pounds.
But durability and portability aren’t the only things that make the A11N Portable Pickleball Net great. It is also made with a sturdy interlocking metal frame, solid PE knotless net, and dual PVC fabric – making it more durable than the polyester used by other brands.
What We Like:
- Solid build.
- Esay and quick set-up.
- Great customer service
What Could Be Better:
- Carrying case could be better quality.
- Tends to blow over in windy conditions. However, this is common with most nets.
Picklenet - Portable Pickleball Net
The Oncourt Offcourt Portable Pickleball Net is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-set-up net that conforms to official Pickleball specifications.
The patented oval tubing makes for a faster set-up, and the proprietary elastic bottom net band helps to maintain consistent net tension. The Heavy-Duty Zippered Duffel Bag is perfect for easy storage and transport. Indoor and Outdoor Use.
What We Like:
- Official net of the USAPA
- Quality construction
- Easy set-up
What Could Be Better:
- The carrying bag does not have side mesh pockets which are shown in the pictures.
Franklin Sports Pickleball Net
Why buy the Franklin Sports Pickleball Net? Because it’s the perfect net for both indoor and outdoor play, it’s regulation size, and it’s easy to transport.
This net is 22 feet long, with 12 inches on either side, and 3 feet high, meeting official USA Pickleball standards. It’s made with powdered steel posts and heavy-duty nylon netting for durability and comes with a premium travel bag.
So if you’re looking for a top-quality pickleball net that will give you years of enjoyment, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Net is the perfect choice.
What We Like:
- Quick and easy to set up and take down
- Good quality and sturdy.
- Includes set-up instruction
What Could Be Better:
- A bigger carrying bag would make it easier to pack everything into it.
Onix Pickleball 2-in-1 Regulation-Size Portable Net
Why buy the Franklin Sports Pickleball Net?
Because it’s the perfect net for both indoor and outdoor play, it’s regulation size, and it’s easy to transport.
This net is 22 feet long, with 12 inches on either side, and 3 feet high, meeting official USA pickleball standards.
It’s made with powdered steel posts and heavy-duty nylon netting for durability and comes with a premium travel bag. So if you’re looking for a top-quality pickleball net that will give you years of enjoyment, the Franklin Sports Pickleball Net is a perfect choice.
What We Like:
- The carrying bag has rollers making it easier to transport.
- Net can be converted to 10 feet.
What Could Be Better
- The quality of the carrying bag could be better. To be fair, this seems to be the case for most carrying bags.
Pickleball Net Height vs Tennis Net Height
Pickleball net height is typically 34 inches (86 cm) at the center and 36 inches (91 cm) at the edges, while tennis net height generally is 36 inches (91 cm) at the center and 42 inches (106.7 cm) at the edges. The width of a pickleball net is 22 feet (6.7 m), while the width of a tennis net is 42 feet (12.8 m)
Can You Use a Tennis Net for Pickleball?
Yes, you can use a tennis net for pickleball if you don’t have access to a pickleball net.
However, using a tennis net for pickleball isn’t ideal, and there are a couple of things to make a note of.
The first is that the net height will be different. Tennis nets are higher than pickleball nets.
Second, the tennis net is wider than a pickleball net. This means that you’ll need to adjust your court markings accordingly.
However, if you are playing casually, you can use a standard-size tennis net for pickleball without making any adjustments.
Final Thoughts on Pickleball Net Height
I hope you found this article on pickleball net height helpful.
As you know, the pickleball net is 36 inches at the posts and 34 inches at the center.
As you have also learned, pickleball net sizes can vary, which is great for those who are setting up a court but don’t have enough space to accommodate a regulation-size net.
Are Badminton and Pickleball Nets the Same Height?
No, there is a difference in the height of a pickleball net and a badminton net.
The official pickleball net height is 36 inches (91 cm) on the sidelines and 34 inches (86 cm) in the middle, while badminton nets are typically set at 5 feet 1 inch (1.55 m) at the posts and 5 feet (1.52) at the center.
Why Is a Pickleball Net Lower in The Middle?
The pickleball net is lower in the middle to encourage players to hit shots down the middle of the court.
The higher sides make the game more challenging and require players to control their shots better.
This also makes playing pickleball more fun, as players can experiment with different shots and angles.
