Padel Court Dimensions & Standards (AS 1288, NCC)
A regulation padel court has an internal playing area of 20 metres by 10 metres. That sporting dimension is only one part of a build: Australian projects also need site-specific design for glass, structure, foundations, drainage, lighting and any building approval requirements.
The Official Playing Dimensions
The International Padel Federation (FIP) Rules of Padel set out the court geometry used for the game. The current rules specify measurements taken from the inside of the enclosure. Allowances for posts, frames, foundations, circulation and any out-of-court play area sit outside those playing dimensions.
| Element | FIP measurement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Internal playing rectangle | 20 m long × 10 m wide | Measured to the inside of the enclosure |
| Service lines | 6.95 m from the net | Parallel to the net, one on each half |
| Line width | 5 cm | Use a colour with clear contrast against the surface |
| Net height | 0.88 m at centre; 0.92 m at the ends | FIP maximum tolerance: 5 mm |
| Clear height | 6 m minimum; 8 m recommended for new facilities | No lights or other obstructions in the clear zone |
The full FIP rules also specify the enclosure arrangement, playing surface, access, lighting and permitted safety areas. Check the current rulebook for your intended level of play rather than relying on a supplier's one-page dimension drawing.
Why the 10 m × 20 m Rectangle Is Not the Site Footprint
The 10 m × 20 m measurement is the usable court area inside its walls and mesh. A real site plan also needs room for the court frame and footing details, doors, player circulation, maintenance access, drainage, lighting and safe routes through the facility. Indoor designs need to keep the playing clearance free of beams, luminaires and building services.
The FIP rules call for at least 6 m of unobstructed height above the court and recommend 8 m for new facilities. Confirm what the adopted competition rules require, and measure clear height below the lowest obstruction—not just the building's roof ridge.
Australian Glass and Building Requirements
AS 1288:2021 — glass selection and installation
Standards Australia's AS 1288:2021 overview describes requirements for selecting and installing glass in buildings, including factors such as strength, wind loading, human impact, framing and fixing. Padel court walls are exposed to repeated ball impacts and weather; the project's engineer and glazing supplier need to specify a suitable complete system, not just a glass thickness.
AS 1288 is not a standalone “padel court certificate” and does not cover every part of the court. The FIP rulebook points facilities to the glass requirements in their own country. Have the Australian project team confirm which glazing standards, evidence and installation details apply to the chosen court system and site.
NCC, engineering and approvals
The National Construction Code sets technical provisions for buildings. The applicable edition and requirements depend on the jurisdiction, adoption dates, building classification and project details. A standalone outdoor court and courts inside a new or existing enclosed building can have different approval and certification pathways.
Engage a project engineer and building certifier early to check wind actions, structural design, foundations, glass support, accessibility, fire safety and building services where relevant. Council planning approval is a separate question from building approval; both can affect the programme.
Documents to Confirm Before Ordering
- A dimensioned court and site plan that distinguishes internal playing dimensions from the full footprint.
- Structural calculations and drawings for the frame, connections, foundations and site wind conditions.
- Glass specifications, product evidence, support details and written installation requirements.
- Surface, slab tolerance, drainage, lighting and electrical specifications for the intended use.
- Written confirmation from the relevant certifier about the approval pathway, applicable NCC edition and required inspections.
For a project-specific view of the planning steps, read our Australian council approval guide. For a comparison of roofed and open-air designs, see indoor vs outdoor padel courts.
Useful Primary References
- International Padel Federation — Rules of Padel (in force from 1 January 2026).
- Standards Australia — AS 1288:2021 overview.
- Australian Building Codes Board — National Construction Code.
This guide is general project-planning information, not legal, engineering or certification advice. Confirm the current standards, adopted code and approval requirements with suitably qualified professionals for your location.
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