A standard indoor volleyball court measures 59 × 29.5 feet (18 × 9 meters). Beach volleyball courts measure 52.5 × 26.25 feet (16 × 8 meters), while youth court dimensions vary by age group.
This guide breaks down every measurement you need — indoor, beach, and youth courts — in both feet and meters, plus the lines, zones, and net heights that go with them.
What Are the Standard Volleyball Court Dimensions?
A regulation volleyball court measures 59 feet by 29.5 feet (18m x 9m). That’s the number used by the FIVB, USA Volleyball, NCAA, and NFHS for indoor competitive play at every level above youth leagues.
The center line splits this rectangle into two equal halves — 29.5ft x 29.5ft (9m x 9m) each — one for each team.
Volleyball Court Size in Feet and Meters
| Measurement | Feet | Meters |
|---|---|---|
| Court length | 59 ft | 18 m |
| Court width | 29.5 ft | 9 m |
| Total playing area | 1,743 sq ft | 162 sq m |
| Attack line from center | 9 ft 10 in | 3 m |
| Line width | 2 in | 5 cm |
Total Playing Area & Free Zone Requirements
For official play, this free zone should be at least 6ft 6in (2m) wide on all sides. International competitions often push this out to 20-23ft (6-7m) at the ends for extra safety.
Ceiling Height & Clearance Requirements
Indoor courts also need vertical space, called free playing space. The minimum ceiling clearance is 23ft (7m), but FIVB-sanctioned events call for 39ft (12m) or more.
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Indoor vs. Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
Indoor Volleyball Court Dimensions
Indoor courts stick to the 59ft x 29.5ft (18m x 9m) standard mentioned above. They’re played on hardwood or synthetic flooring, with six players per side (three in beach volleyball’s case, it’s just two — more on that below).
Beach (Outdoor/Sand) Volleyball Court Dimensions
A regulation beach volleyball court is smaller: 52ft 6in x 26ft 3in (16m x 8m). There’s no attack line, since beach volleyball is played two-on-two and covers the whole half-court.
Sand courts also need a bigger free zone — 16-20ft (5-6m) — because players dive and slide across loose sand, unlike the firm grip of a hardwood floor.
Volleyball Court Dimensions by Age Group and Level of Play
Youth & Elementary School Court Sizes
For players 9 and under, courts often shrink to around 46ft x 29.5ft (14m x 9m). Ages 10 and under typically play on a 52.5ft x 29.5ft (16m x 9m) court. Net height also drops significantly — as low as 6ft 6in for young girls’ divisions.
Middle School and High School (NFHS) Court Sizes
Once players hit middle and high school, the court size matches the adult standard: 59ft x 29.5ft. What changes is the net height, which increases gradually with age until it hits the adult mark around age 15-18.
College (NCAA) and Professional (FIVB/USAV) Court Sizes
College and professional courts use the same full 18m x 9m dimensions, but with stricter free zone and ceiling clearance rules. NCAA venues, for example, often require larger buffer zones than a typical high school gym.
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Volleyball Net Height and Court Surface Standards
Net Height by Gender and Age Group
Standard net height is 7ft 11⅝in (2.43m) for men and 7ft 4⅛in (2.24m) for women. These heights scale down for younger age brackets, as shown in the table above. Sitting volleyball nets are much lower — around 3ft 9in for men and 3ft 5in for women.
Recommended Court Surface Materials
Hardwood flooring remains the gold standard for indoor courts because of its shock absorption and consistent ball bounce. Many facilities also use synthetic urethane surfaces, which cost less and require less upkeep. Beach courts, naturally, use sand — typically at least 16 inches deep to properly cushion falls and dives.
How to Mark Your Own Volleyball Court
- Measure and mark the outer rectangle first (59ft x 29.5ft for full-size)
- Snap chalk lines or use marking tape for straight edges
- Measure 3m (9ft 10in) from center for the attack lines
- Use 2-inch wide lines in a color that contrasts with the surface
- Leave at least 6.5ft of clear space on every side
A laser measure and a helper make this job far easier than trying to eyeball it alone.
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FAQ’S About Volleyball Court Dimensions
What are the official volleyball court dimensions?
A regulation volleyball court measures 59 feet by 29.5 feet (18m x 9m) for indoor play at high school, college, and professional levels.
What is the size of a volleyball court in feet?
The court is 59 feet long and 29.5 feet wide, with the attack line sitting 9 feet 10 inches from the center line.
How much space is needed around a volleyball court?
A free zone of at least 6.5 feet (2m) is required on all sides, though international events often use 20 feet or more.
Are there different dimensions for men’s and women’s volleyball?
No. Court size stays the same for both. Only the net height differs — 7ft 11⅝in for men versus 7ft 4⅛in for women.
How big is a beach volleyball court?
A regulation beach court measures 52ft 6in by 26ft 3in (16m x 8m) — smaller than an indoor court since it’s played two-on-two.
What is the volleyball court size for high school?
High school courts follow NFHS standards and match the adult size of 59ft x 29.5ft, though free zone rules can vary slightly by state.
What flooring is best for a volleyball court?
Solid hardwood is preferred for durability and consistent bounce, while synthetic surfaces offer a lower-cost, low-maintenance alternative.
James Walker is a content researcher and writer specializing in dimensions, measurements, size comparisons, and conversion topics. He creates clear, practical, and easy-to-understand guides that help readers visualize and understand real-world measurements.