If you just need the quick answer: a regulation pickleball net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high at the center. Below is a simple, practical explanation of what that means, how to measure it, and why it matters for real-world courts.
Regulation Pickleball Net Height
- Sidelines (each end/post side): 36 inches (3 feet)
- Center: 34 inches
That slight "dip" in the middle is intentional. A properly tensioned net will sit a little lower at center, which affects how the game plays (especially dinks and speed-ups).
How to Measure Pickleball Net Height (The Easy Way)
You don’t need special tools. A tape measure is enough. The main thing is measuring from the court surface (not from the bottom of a dip, low spot, or grass next to the slab).
Step-by-step
- Place the net on a flat section of the playing surface. If the court has low spots, measure in a few locations to make sure you’re not "cheating" the height.
- Measure the net at each sideline. Measure from the playing surface up to the top of the net. You’re looking for 36".
- Measure at the center strap. The center should be 34". If you have an adjustable center strap, tighten/loosen to hit spec.
- Re-check after tensioning. Many portable nets change height slightly once fully tensioned and after a little use.
Portable vs Permanent Nets: Why Height Drifts
In practice, most height problems happen on portable nets, not permanently installed systems. Portable nets are convenient, but they drift out of spec for a few common reasons:
- Uneven surfaces: A slight slope or low spot changes the "true" measured height.
- Center strap not used: Without a center strap, the net often sags below 34".
- Frame flex: Some portable frames bow under tension and lower the net at the ends.
- Repeated setup/teardown: Small adjustments compound over time.
If you’re playing on a shared court (tennis + pickleball), portable nets are common, so it’s worth checking height occasionally if the court starts to feel "off."
Why Net Height Matters (More Than People Think)
Net height sounds like a minor detail, but it changes the game immediately. A net that’s even one inch out of spec can make a court play noticeably different.
- Too high: Dinks and soft shots clip the tape more often, rallies feel "tighter," and play slows down.
- Too low: Speed-ups and drives become easier, and the game can feel overly aggressive or "floaty."
- Uneven end-to-end: One side feels harder to score on, and players often blame the net when the surface is the issue.
Common Pickleball Net Height Mistakes
1) Measuring from the wrong surface
Always measure from the court surface where the ball bounces, not from landscaping, adjacent asphalt, or a low spot that makes the net seem taller than it really is.
2) Ignoring the center strap
If the net is 36" at the ends but the center is way below 34", the net will play wrong. The center strap exists for a reason.
3) Assuming "close enough" is fine
Recreational play can tolerate minor variance, but schools, clubs, and competitive play generally want the net close to spec. If the court gets used a lot, it’s worth checking occasionally.
Pickleball Net Height on Shared Tennis Courts
A lot of pickleball in the Puget Sound region happens on shared tennis courts. The most common setup is portable nets placed on top of existing tennis surfaces with added pickleball lines.
If you’re using a shared court, the biggest variables that affect net height consistency are:
- Surface slope: Many tennis courts are built with subtle pitch for drainage.
- Surface wear: Low spots and birdbaths can form over time.
- Temporary placement: Nets get placed slightly differently every session.
If players keep commenting that the net feels "weird" even when the tape measure says it’s close, it can be a sign the surface has drainage or flatness issues that are affecting play.
FAQs: Pickleball Net Height
Is the net height the same for indoor and outdoor pickleball?
Yes. Regulation height is the same: 36" at the sidelines and 34" at the center. Indoor setups just tend to drift more because portable nets are used more often.
How tight should a pickleball net be?
Tight enough that it holds height and doesn’t "bag" in the middle, but not so tight that the frame bends (common on portable systems). If tightening the net causes the ends to dip below 36", the frame may be flexing.
Why is the net lower in the middle?
The center is set to 34" to standardize play and keep the net from being too punishing on soft shots. The center strap helps keep that height consistent.
My net measures right, but the court still feels off, why?
Often it’s the surface, not the net. Drainage pitch, low spots, or uneven areas can change how the ball plays and how shots clear the net. If the court has birdbaths or visible wear, it may be time for maintenance or resurfacing planning.
Final Takeaway
The regulation pickleball net height is simple: 36" at the sidelines and 34" at the center. Measure from the playing surface, use the center strap, and re-check after tensioning, especially with portable nets.
Small height differences change how the game plays, and if your net is consistently "correct" but the court still feels wrong, it may be worth looking at surface flatness, drainage, and wear patterns.
Optional: Court Marking & Maintenance (For Owners Planning Ahead)
If you manage a shared-use court (tennis + pickleball) or a high-traffic facility, net height checks often come up during repainting and maintenance cycles, especially when players start noticing changes in playability.
