Have you ever walked into a gym, looked at a volleyball net, and thought…
Hmm, this looks taller than last time
A lot of people get confused because volleyball net height depends on age, gender, and the type of game.
So in this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll explain exact net heights, why they’re different, and how you can measure a net at home or on the court.
So How Tall Is a Volleyball Net
Here are the official volleyball net heights used in most indoor and outdoor games:
| Level / Category | Net Height (Feet) | Net Height (Meters) |
| Women | 7 ft 4 1/8 in | 2.24 m |
| Men | 7 ft 11 5/8 in | 2.43 m |
| High School Girls | 7 ft 4 1/8 in | 2.24 m |
| High School Boys | 7 ft 11 5/8 in | 2.43 m |
| Co-ed (mixed) | Usually men’s height | 2.43 m |
| Sitting Volleyball (Men) | 3 ft 9.28 in | 1.15 m |
| Sitting Volleyball (Women) | 3 ft 5.34 in | 1.05 m |
| Youth Ages 12 & Under | 7 ft | 2.13 m |
| Kids Ages 10 & Under | 6 ft 6 in | 1.98 m |
These heights come from standard rules followed by major organizations like USA Volleyball, NCAA, and FIVB.
Why Is the Volleyball Net a Different Height for Men and Women
Think about this…
Volleyball is a sport where jump height and attack power matter a lot.
So the net is adjusted to make the game fair and competitive.
Men’s average jump height is usually higher than women’s.
So men play with a slightly taller net.
But honestly
Both heights still require strong technique; it’s not just about jumping.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Net Height: Is It Different
Most people think beach volleyball uses a different height.
Surprise it doesn’t.
Indoor & Beach Net Heights Are the Same:
- Women → 2.24 m
- Men → 2.43 m
The only thing that changes is:
- The court size
- The post system
- The tension
- The ball
- And of course… the sand makes jumping harder
So if you play both indoor and beach, you won’t have to adjust to a different height.
Youth Volleyball Net Heights
Here’s the simple version:
Ages 10 & Under
Net: 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Perfect for young kids still learning to serve overhand.
Ages 12 & Under
Net: 7 ft (2.13 m)
A step up, preparing them for teen-level competition.
Ages 13–14
Girls: 7 ft 4 1/8 in (2.24 m)
Boys: 7 ft 4 1/8 in or 7 ft 11 depending on league
High School (Indoor)
Girls: 2.24 m
Boys: 2.43 m
In my experience, wrong net height is one of the biggest reasons kids struggle with serving or hitting. A net that’s too high kills confidence.
How to Measure Volleyball Net Height
You don’t need fancy tools.
You can measure it in under 30 seconds.
What You Need:
- A tape measure (2–3 meters long)
- A friend (optional but helpful)
- A chair (if needed)
Steps:
- Stand halfway along the net.
- Hold one end of the tape measure on the floor.
- Stretch the tape straight up to the top center of the net.
- Make sure the tape is vertical and not slanted.
- Check the reading.
Tip:
Always measure at the center of the net.
The ends might be taller if the net is too tight.
What If Your Net Is Sagging
You’ll know it instantly… the ball starts dropping straight into the tape.
Here’s what to check:
- Top tension cord might be loose
- Side poles might be leaning
- Straps might not be clipped tight
- Poles might not be anchored properly (outdoor setups)
A saggy net can change the whole game, especially for younger players.
Real-Life Example
A parent once told me:
My daughter thought she couldn’t serve over the net, but later we realized the net was too tall for her age group.
And boom the moment the height was corrected, she could serve again.
That’s why knowing the exact net height matters.
Different Volleyball Variations & Their Net Heights
1. Sitting Volleyball
Lower net because players sit on the floor.
- Men: 1.15 m
- Women: 1.05 m
2. Beach Volleyball (2 players)
Same height as indoor:
- Men: 2.43 m
- Women: 2.24 m
3. Recreational Co-Ed
Most leagues follow men’s height (2.43 m).
Some have a rule where women can attack from the front row but men must jump from behind the 10-ft line.
Which Net Height Should You Choose at Home
If you’re getting a portable or backyard volleyball net, here’s a simple guide:
For Families & Kids:
→ Go for adjustable height
Most backyard nets can switch between:
- 5 ft
- 6 ft
- 7 ft
- 8 ft
For Serious Training:
→ Choose a system that goes exactly to:
- 2.24 m (women)
- 2.43 m (men)
This helps players prepare for real school or club games.
FAQs
1. How tall is a volleyball net in high school
Girls → 7 ft 4 1/8 in
Boys → 7 ft 11 5/8 in
2. How tall is a volleyball net in meters
Women → 2.24 m
Men → 2.43 m
3. Is the beach volleyball net the same height
Yes, indoor and beach nets have the same height.
4. What is a good net height for kids
Ages 10 & under → 6 ft 6 in
Ages 12 & under → 7 ft
5. Why is the net lower for women
To match average jump height and create a fair, competitive game.
6. Should you measure the net at the center
The middle sags slightly, so that’s where official rules say to measure.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how tall a volleyball net is for men, women, youth, sitting volleyball, beach volleyball, and even home setups.
The truth is, the right net height makes a huge difference in learning, confidence, and performance. Whether you’re setting up a backyard game or coaching a school team, using the correct height keeps the game fair and fun.