Volleyball Court Dimensions: The Complete Measurement Guide
From net height to attack line distance, here's every measurement you need for a regulation volleyball court. Covers indoor, beach, and youth court sizes with official dimensions from FIVB, USA Volleyball, and NFHS.
Whether you're a coach taping lines in a gym, a PE teacher setting up for class, or a parent wondering why the court looks different at your kid's tournament, understanding volleyball court dimensions matters. The court size is the same across most competitive levels, but net height, free zone requirements, and youth modifications change depending on who's playing.
A standard indoor volleyball court measures 59 feet long by 29 feet 6 inches wide, divided by a net into two equal halves. That's been the standard since FIVB (the international governing body) set it, and it's the same court you'll see at a middle school gym night and at the Olympics. The differences are in the details: net height, free zone space, and modifications for younger players.
This guide covers all the court measurements you need, from the attack line to the free zone to net heights by age group. If you're gearing up for the season, check out our volleyball uniforms and custom jerseys. And if you're still learning the game, our volleyball positions guide breaks down every role on the court.
Volleyball Court Dimensions at a Glance
Key measurements for indoor and beach volleyball courts.
| Measurement | Indoor | Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Court Length | 59 ft (18 m) | 52 ft 6 in (16 m) |
| Court Width | 29 ft 6 in (9 m) | 26 ft 3 in (8 m) |
| Each Side | 29.5 ft x 29.5 ft | 26.25 ft x 26.25 ft |
| Net Height (Men) | 7 ft 11 5/8 in (2.43 m) | 7 ft 11 5/8 in (2.43 m) |
| Net Height (Women) | 7 ft 4 1/8 in (2.24 m) | 7 ft 4 1/8 in (2.24 m) |
| Attack Line | 9 ft 10 in (3 m) from center | None |
| Free Zone (min) | 6 ft 6 in (2 m) all sides | 9 ft 10 in (3 m) all sides |
Indoor Volleyball Court Dimensions
The standard court used from middle school through the Olympics.
Court Size: 59 ft x 29.5 ft (18m x 9m)
The court is a rectangle divided into two equal squares by the net. Each team's side is 29 feet 6 inches deep and 29 feet 6 inches wide. All boundary lines are drawn inside the court dimensions, meaning the outside edge of the line marks the boundary. The lines themselves are 2 inches (5 cm) wide and should be a light color that contrasts with the floor.
This 18-by-9-meter court is universal. Whether you're playing high school ball in Texas or watching a match at the Olympics in Paris, the court is the same size. It's one of the few sports where the playing surface doesn't change between levels.
The Attack Line (3-Meter Line)
The attack line runs parallel to the center line, 9 feet 10 inches (3 meters) from it on each side. This line separates the front zone from the back zone. Back-row players cannot jump from in front of the attack line to hit the ball above the net. They can, however, jump from behind the line and land in front of it after contact. This rule is why you see back-row attacks launched from well behind the 10-foot line.
At the collegiate and international level, the attack line extends beyond the sideline with five dashed lines, each 6 inches long and spaced 8 inches apart. These dashed extensions help referees see the line from outside the court.
The Service Zone
The server must stand behind the end line (baseline) and between two short hash marks that extend 8 inches behind the end line and are 6 inches long. The service zone spans the full width of the court. The server can stand anywhere along the baseline between the sideline extensions, which gives them room to position for float serves, jump serves, or short serves from a specific angle.
Volleyball Net Height by Age and Gender
Net heights get progressively lower for younger age groups.
| Age Group | Boys / Men | Girls / Women |
|---|---|---|
| Adult / College / Pro | 7' 11 5/8" (2.43 m) | 7' 4 1/8" (2.24 m) |
| High School (14-18) | 7' 11 5/8" (2.43 m) | 7' 4 1/8" (2.24 m) |
| Ages 13-14 | 7' 4 1/8" (2.24 m) | 7' 4 1/8" (2.24 m) |
| Ages 11-12 | 7' 0" (2.13 m) | 7' 0" (2.13 m) |
| Ages 10 and Under | 6' 6" (1.98 m) | 6' 6" (1.98 m) |
Net heights per USA Volleyball guidelines. Some local recreation leagues may vary slightly.
Free Zone and Ceiling Height
The space around and above the court matters just as much as the court itself.
Free Zone Requirements
The free zone is the area between the court boundary and the nearest wall, bleacher, or obstacle. Players regularly chase balls into this space, so it needs to be clear and safe.
- •Minimum (rec/high school): 6 feet 6 inches (2 meters) on all sides
- •FIVB competition (sidelines): 16 feet 5 inches (5 meters)
- •FIVB competition (end lines): 21 feet 4 inches (6.5 meters)
- •NCAA recommended: 10 feet on ends, 6 feet on sides
Ceiling Height
The minimum ceiling height for volleyball is 23 feet (7 meters) for recreational play. For competitive high school and college matches, a ceiling height of at least 30 feet (9 meters) is recommended. International competition requires a minimum of 41 feet (12.5 meters) of clear space above the playing surface. Low ceilings are one of the most common issues at older school gyms, where balls frequently hit rafters or lights during serves and high sets.
Youth Court Modifications
How court dimensions adapt for younger players.
USA Volleyball and many local recreation programs modify court dimensions for younger players. The goal is to keep the game proportional to the players' size and skill level, which leads to longer rallies and more fun.
Ages 10 and Under
Some programs use a modified court that's roughly 30 feet by 30 feet (the full width but half the depth on each side). Others use badminton court lines, which are close to the right size. The net is set at 6 feet 6 inches, and games are often played 4v4 or 3v3 with lighter volleyballs that are easier to pass and serve.
Ages 11-12
Most 11-12 programs use the full-size court (59 by 29.5 feet) with a lower net at 7 feet. Players at this age are big enough to cover the full court, and playing on regulation dimensions helps them transition to competitive play. Some leagues still allow a lighter ball.
Ages 13-14
Full-size court with the net at 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for both boys and girls. By this age, players are using regulation equipment and full rules. The only difference from high school play is the net height for boys, which goes up to 7 feet 11 5/8 inches once they reach the high school level.
No matter what age group you're coaching, make sure your team has proper volleyball uniforms. And don't forget the practice pinnies for scrimmages during practice.
Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
Smaller court, same net height, different rules.
Court Size: 52 ft 6 in x 26 ft 3 in (16m x 8m)
A beach volleyball court is smaller than an indoor court because there are only 2 players per side covering the entire space instead of 6. The court is 52 feet 6 inches long and 26 feet 3 inches wide, divided by the net into two 26.25-foot squares. There is no attack line on a beach court, so players can hit from anywhere.
The free zone around a beach court should be at least 9 feet 10 inches (3 meters) on all sides. For major competitions, the free zone extends to 16 feet 5 inches (5 meters) on the sides and 21 feet (6.5 meters) on the ends.
Net Height (Beach)
Beach volleyball uses the same net heights as indoor play: 7 feet 11 5/8 inches for men and 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for women. The net itself is 32 feet long (wider than the court) and 3 feet 3 inches tall. Antenna extend above the net at the sideline positions to help officials judge whether the ball crosses within the legal area.
Understanding the Court Layout
A walk-through of every zone and line on a volleyball court.
Standing at one end of an indoor volleyball court and looking toward the net, here's what you'll see. The end line (baseline) runs along the back of the court. Moving forward, the attack line crosses the court 9 feet 10 inches from the net, dividing your side into the back zone and front zone.
The front zone is where blockers operate and where front-row hitters take their approaches. The back zone is where servers stand, back-row defenders play, and the libero does most of their work. The center line runs directly under the net, dividing the two sides. Players can step on the center line but cannot cross it completely.
On each side of the net, antennae extend vertically from the net above the sidelines. The ball must pass between the antennae (or their imaginary upward extensions) to be in play. Balls that cross the net outside the antennae are out.
The substitution zone is the area between the attack line and the center line on the scorer's side of the court. This is where players enter and exit during substitutions. The coaching zone (in most rule sets) extends from the attack line to the end line on the same side.
Volleyball Gear from Secondslide
Ready to outfit your team? Check out our custom gear.
Volleyball Uniforms
Custom sublimated volleyball jerseys, spandex shorts, and warm-ups for your team.
Volleyball Jerseys
Lightweight, moisture-wicking jerseys designed for fast-paced court action.
Volleyball Positions
Learn all 6 volleyball positions, rotation rules, and defensive formations.
Practice Pinnies
Reversible mesh pinnies for scrimmages, drills, and position training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a volleyball court?
A regulation indoor volleyball court is 59 feet (18 meters) long and 29 feet 6 inches (9 meters) wide. The net divides the court into two equal squares of 29.5 by 29.5 feet. This size is standard for high school, college, USA Volleyball, and international (FIVB) play. Youth leagues sometimes use smaller courts for younger age groups.
How high is a volleyball net?
The net height depends on the level and gender. For men's adult play, the net is 7 feet 11 5/8 inches (2.43 meters). For women's adult play, it's 7 feet 4 1/8 inches (2.24 meters). Youth nets are progressively lower: boys and girls ages 11-12 play at 7 feet, while ages 10 and under play at 6 feet 6 inches.
What is the attack line in volleyball?
The attack line (also called the 10-foot line or 3-meter line) is 9 feet 10 inches (3 meters) from the center of the court on each side. Back-row players cannot jump and attack the ball in front of this line. They can attack from behind it, which is why you'll see back-row attacks launched from behind the 10-foot line.
How much space do you need around a volleyball court?
The minimum free zone around a volleyball court is 6 feet 6 inches (2 meters) on all sides for recreational play. For FIVB international competition, the free zone must be at least 16 feet 5 inches (5 meters) from the sidelines and 21 feet 4 inches (6.5 meters) from the end lines. Most high school and college gyms provide 6 to 10 feet of buffer space on all sides.
Are beach volleyball courts the same size as indoor?
No. A beach volleyball court is smaller at 52 feet 6 inches long and 26 feet 3 inches wide (16 by 8 meters), compared to the indoor court's 59 by 29.5 feet. Beach courts are smaller because there are only 2 players per side instead of 6. The net heights are the same as indoor play.
Ready to Outfit Your Volleyball Team?
Custom jerseys, libero jerseys in contrasting colors, shorts, and warm-ups. No minimums, no hassle.