Padel¹ and tennis courts may look similar, but their dimensions and designs differ significantly.

A padel court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 20m x 10m, while a standard tennis court is 23.77m x 8.23m for singles and 10.97m for doubles.

Knowing the size difference helps players decide where they can play and whether conversions are possible. Let's explore the key differences.

Can I play padel in a tennis court?

Playing padel on a tennis court seems convenient, but the differences in court dimensions, walls, and gameplay create challenges.

You cannot play padel on a standard tennis court because padel requires enclosed walls² and a smaller playing area.

Key Differences Between Padel and Tennis Courts

Feature	Padel Court	Tennis Court
Dimensions	20m x 10m	23.77m x 8.23m (singles) / 10.97m (doubles)
Surface	Artificial turf3 or concrete	Hard, clay, or grass
Walls	Glass and metal mesh4	No walls
Net Height	88 cm in center, 92 cm at sides	91.4 cm in center, 107 cm at sides

Tennis courts lack the enclosure that padel requires for its unique rebound gameplay. Without walls, padel rallies lose their strategic depth.

What are the dimensions of a padel court?

Padel courts have specific dimensions and structural requirements, making them distinct from other sports courts.

A standard padel court is 20m long and 10m wide, enclosed by walls of varying heights, with a net dividing the court.

Padel Court Structure

Component	Measurement
Length	20 meters
Width	10 meters
Net Height	0.88 meters (center), 0.92 meters (sides)
Back Wall Height	3 meters
Side Wall Height	3 meters (first 4 meters of length), then 2 meters

The enclosed structure is crucial for padel’s gameplay, as walls allow rebounds, creating a unique dynamic different from tennis.

Can you convert a tennis court to a padel court?

Tennis courts are larger than padel courts, making conversions possible but requiring structural modifications.

A tennis court can be converted into two padel courts by repurposing the space and adding enclosure walls.

Conversion Considerations

1. Space Utilization – A standard tennis court (23.77m x 10.97m) can fit two padel courts.
2. Wall Installation – Padel courts need glass and metal mesh walls, unlike open tennis courts.
3. Surface Adaptation – Padel courts often use synthetic grass or concrete, different from tennis surfaces.
4. Net & Posts – Padel requires a lower net than tennis.

Requirement	Tennis Court	Padel Court
Walls	None	Glass & metal mesh
Net Height	1.07m	0.88m
Surface	Hard, clay, grass	Artificial turf or concrete

While conversion is feasible, new construction is often preferable due to structural complexities.

How much does it cost to build a padel court in the USA?

The cost of building a padel court varies based on materials, location, and installation.

Building a padel court in the USA costs between $30,000 and $60,000, depending on materials, lighting, and additional features.

Cost Breakdown

Expense Category	Estimated Cost Range
Court Materials	$15,000 - $25,000
Glass Walls	$10,000 - $20,000
Artificial Turf	$5,000 - $10,000
Lighting System	$3,000 - $7,000
Installation & Labor	$5,000 - $15,000

Additional costs may include permits, fencing, and land preparation. Indoor courts may cost more due to roofing and climate control needs.

Conclusion

Padel courts are smaller than tennis courts, requiring enclosed walls for gameplay. While conversions are possible, new constructions are often preferred. Costs range from $30,000 to $60,000 in the USA, depending on materials and labor.