Have you ever walked onto a volleyball court and wondered if it feels smaller than the one on TV Honestly, I’ve been there too. The truth is, the right volleyball court dimensions make a huge difference in how the game flows, especially when you’re setting up one at school, a gym, or even your backyard.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about volleyball court size in feet, including measurements, net height, zones, and setup tips all explained in plain English.
Official Volleyball Court Dimensions (in Feet)
Here’s the standard size used for both indoor and outdoor volleyball according to official rules:
| Type | Court Length | Court Width | Total Playing Area |
| Indoor Volleyball | 59 feet | 29.5 feet | 1,740.5 sq. ft |
| Beach Volleyball (2 players) | 52.5 feet | 26.25 feet | 1,378.1 sq. ft |
So, a volleyball court is 59 feet long and 29.5 feet wide indoors.
For beach volleyball, it’s slightly smaller, 52.5 by 26.25 feet.
Key Measurements Inside the Court
Here’s what each section means and why it matters:
1. Center Line
- Divides the court into two equal halves (29.5 feet each).
- Players can step on the line but not fully cross it.
2. Attack Line (10-foot line)
- 10 feet from the net on both sides.
- Back-row players must hit the ball from behind this line.
3. Service Area
- Extends 10 feet behind each end line.
- Players serve from anywhere in this zone.
4. Free Zone
- At least 6.5 feet of clear space around the court.
- Allows safe dives and plays outside the boundary.
Volleyball Net Height (Men vs. Women)
| Category | Net Height (in feet) |
| Men | 7 feet 11 5/8 inches |
| Women | 7 feet 4 1/8 inches |
| Mixed / Junior | Varies by age & league |
Pro tip: Always measure from the center of the net. Nets can sag slightly, so adjust the ends for even height.
Beach Volleyball Dimensions (Simplified Setup)
If you’re setting up a beach court, here’s what you need:
- Court size: 52.5 ft × 26.25 ft
- Free zone: 9.8 feet minimum around the court
- Net height: same as indoor (7’11 5/8 for men, 7’4 1/8 for women)
- Surface: leveled sand, at least 16 inches deep for safety
Tip: Mark boundaries with thin rope or flexible tape so it doesn’t hurt when stepped on.
How to Measure a Volleyball Court
If you’re setting up your own:
- Find a flat surface with no bumps or slopes.
- Mark one corner with a stake or cone.
- Measure 59 feet in one direction, mark the second corner.
- From the first corner, measure 29.5 feet at a right angle.
- Use a measuring tape diagonally to ensure both sides are even (court should be rectangular).
- Add lines for the attack line, center line, and service area.
For casual games, you can use chalk, string, or tape to draw boundaries.
Volleyball Court vs. Basketball Court
| Feature | Volleyball | Basketball |
| Length | 59 ft | 94 ft |
| Width | 29.5 ft | 50 ft |
| Net/Hoop Height | 7.5–8 ft | 10 ft |
| Players | 6 per team | 5 per team |
| Surface | Wood / Sand | Hardwood |
As you can see, a volleyball court is much smaller, roughly two-thirds the size of a basketball court.
FAQs
How many feet is a half volleyball court
A half court is 29.5 feet long and 29.5 feet wide.
What size is a high school volleyball court
High school courts use the same official size — 59 ft × 29.5 ft.
Can I make a smaller court for home use
Yes! For backyard play, try 40 ft × 20 ft. It’s easier to set up and perfect for casual matches.
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you walk onto a court, you’ll know exactly why every line and foot matters. Whether it’s a school gym or a sunny beach setup, sticking to the official volleyball court dimensions (59 x 29.5 feet) ensures fair play and smooth rallies.
If you’re building one yourself, measure carefully, leave enough free space, and keep the net tight, that’s the secret to professional-level fun.