Badminton is one of the fastest indoor sports in the world, and a big part of playing it right comes down to understanding the badminton court dimensions and how the layout works. Whether you’re planning to build a court, run a sports facility, or simply want to know the game better, having a clear idea about the court’s measurements, markings, and badminton court flooring is extremely useful.

This guide breaks everything down in a simple, easy-to-follow way, just like a 10th-grade student would explain it. You’ll learn the exact measurements, layout rules, and practical insights to help you design or understand a badminton court the right way.

Why Badminton Court Dimensions Matter

The dimensions of a badminton court are not random, they’re designed to make the game fair, fast, and safe. Accurate measurements ensure:

• Proper gameplay for singles and doubles

• Correct shuttle trajectory and rally flow

• Safety for players

• Approval for competitions or events

• Durability and accuracy during training
  

A court built even slightly off-measurement can affect rallies, footwork, angles, and the overall experience. That’s why following the internationally recognized standards is important.

Standard Badminton Court Dimensions (As per BWF Rules)

Badminton courts follow the official rules set by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). These measurements are used worldwide, including schools, academies, stadiums, and professional arenas.

Below are the official court dimensions:

Full Court Dimensions

• Length: 13.40 meters (44 feet)

• Width: 6.10 meters (20 feet)
  

This is the total area used for doubles play.

Singles Playing Area

• Width for singles: 5.18 meters (17 feet)
  

Singles matches use a narrower court, but the length stays the same.

Service Court Dimensions

Each side of the net has two service courts (left and right).

• Service court length from net: 3.96 meters

• Service court width:
  • Singles: 2.59 meters

  • Doubles: 3.05 meters
    

Net Height

The badminton net has its own measurements:

• Height at edges: 1.55 meters (5 feet 1 inch)

• Height at center: 1.524 meters (5 feet)
  

This slight dip at the center is intentional and part of the standard design.

Lines and Markings

Badminton courts use 40mm (4cm) wide lines. These lines must always be part of the area they mark. For example, side-lines count as part of the playing area.

Understanding the Layout of a Badminton Court

Once you know the measurements, the next step is understanding how everything is arranged. A badminton court might look simple at first, but it’s designed with precision.

Here’s a breakdown of every important area.

1. The Center Line

This line divides the service court into the left and right service areas.

2. The Short Service Line

Located 1.98 meters from the net, this line marks the minimum distance the shuttle must travel during a short serve.

3. The Long Service Line

This line differs for singles and doubles:

• Singles: Long service line is the back boundary line.

• Doubles: The long service line is 0.76 meters inside the back boundary, making the service area slightly shorter.
  

This is why doubles players must serve slightly shorter than singles players.

4. Side Lines for Singles and Doubles

• Singles courts are narrower, so the inner side lines are used.

• Double courts use the full width, so the outer side lines apply.
  

This is why the same court can be used for both formats.

5. Back Boundary Lines

These are the last lines at each end of the court. They define whether the shuttle is in or out during rallies.

Recommended Space Around the Court

Official courts require extra space around the boundary lines for safe movement.

• Minimum free space: 1.5 meters on all sides

• Ceiling height: At least 7.5–9 meters

This ensures players don’t hit walls or ceilings during smashes and clears.

Many tournaments use even higher ceilings to allow full freedom of play.

Badminton Court Flooring: What Makes a Good Court?

Court flooring is one of the most important elements, especially in indoor facilities. Choosing the wrong flooring can lead to injuries, reduced grip, or uneven bounce of the shuttle.

Here are the most common badminton court flooring options:

1. Wooden Flooring (Most Recommended)

High-quality wooden floors, usually maple or teak are very popular in professional courts because:

• They give excellent grip

• Provide consistent bounce

• Reduce stress on knees and ankles

• Offer long-term durability
  

The wood base is often finished with a synthetic mat for extra cushioning.

2. PVC or Synthetic Mats

PVC or Synthetic mats are widely used in indoor stadiums and training academies.

Benefits:

• Shock absorption

• Anti-slip surface

• Safe for beginner and advanced players

• Easy installation
  

They are usually placed on top of wooden or concrete subfloors.

3. Concrete Flooring (Least Preferred)

Concrete floors are mostly used in budget local courts or school grounds.

Drawbacks:

• Hard on joints

• Causes fatigue quickly

• Less grip

• Higher injury risk
  

Concrete should only be used when budget is tight, and even then, adding a synthetic mat is recommended.

Lighting and Ceiling Considerations

A well-designed badminton court needs proper lighting and ceiling height to avoid interference during rallies.

Lighting

• Should be bright but not glaring

• LED lights are preferred

• Must be placed at angles to prevent blinding players

• Standard brightness: 300–500 lux for practice, 750–1200 lux for tournaments
  

Ceiling Height

• Minimum: 7.5–9 meters

• Competitive courts: 12–15 meters
  

This ensures high clears and lobs do not hit the ceiling.

Indoor vs Outdoor Badminton Courts

Although badminton is traditionally an indoor sport, many clubs and schools also build indoor vs outdoor courts. Both have their pros and cons.

Indoor Courts

• Controlled lighting

• No wind interference

• Ideal for competitive play

• Best flooring options
  

Outdoor Courts

• Cheaper to build

• Requires weather-resistant flooring

• Cannot be used during rain

• Shuttle movement is affected by wind
  

Most professional training centers prefer indoor courts due to consistent gameplay conditions.

Tips for Constructing a Badminton Court

If you’re planning to build a badminton court, whether for a school, sports facility, or personal use, here are a few useful tips:

1. Follow Standard Badminton Court Dimensions

Even small measurement errors can affect gameplay quality.

2. Invest in Good Flooring

Wooden + synthetic mats give the best performance and safety.

3. Maintain Proper Lighting

Avoid lights placed directly above the net; use angled lights to reduce glare.

4. Leave Space for Run-Off Areas

Players often move beyond the boundary lines, so space around the court is important.

5. Choose High Ceilings

A low ceiling restricts shots and affects training.

6. Use Approved Nets and Poles

BWF-approved equipment ensures proper tension and durability.

Common Mistakes While Setting Up a Badminton Court

Many new sports complexes make the same errors. Avoid these to ensure a professional setup.

• Incorrect width for singles and doubles

• Poor-quality paint used for lines

• Slippery flooring

• Poles not aligned centrally

• Insufficient boundary clearance

• Lights placed too close or too bright

A well-planned court reduces these issues and ensures smoother gameplay.

Importance of Accurate Badminton Court Dimensions in Training

Players rely heavily on muscle memory. When practicing on a non-standard court:

• Footwork becomes inaccurate

• Service errors increase

• Rally length feels different

• Stroke angles become inconsistent
  

This is why academies and schools stick to official measurements.

Final Thoughts

Understanding badminton court dimensions, layout guidelines, and the right badminton court flooring helps create better playing conditions for everyone from beginners to professionals. With the right measurements, quality flooring, and proper lighting, a badminton court becomes a space that boosts performance, reduces injuries, and supports long-term training.

Before building or marking a court, take the time to double-check the measurements and choose materials that meet international standards. A well-constructed court always pays off in the long run.

FAQs

1. What are the standard badminton court dimensions?

A badminton court is 13.40 m long and 6.10 m wide for doubles. For singles, the width is 5.18 m.

2. What is the height of a badminton net?

The net height is 1.55 m at the posts and 1.524 m at the center.

3. Which flooring is best for a badminton court?

The best option is wooden flooring with a synthetic PVC mat, as it provides grip, cushioning, and joint protection.

4. How much space is required around a badminton court?

At least 1.5 meters of free space around all sides is recommended for safe movement.

5. Can the same court be used for singles and doubles?

Yes. The same court is used; only the inner side lines are used for singles, and the outer side lines are used for doubles.