I still remember the first time I stepped onto a volleyball court. I was a teenager—full of excitement and just a little nervous—wearing my first pair of volleyball shoes. The court looked huge. Lines were drawn all over the place, and I didn’t know what any of them meant.
Was this where I was supposed to serve? Or was that the area for attacking?
I just stood there, feeling a bit lost but really eager to learn.
At that point, I had no idea how important those lines and court markings were. But as the years went by—playing in matches, coaching young players, and even helping set up courts—I came to understand how important the court layout is.
It affects where you position yourself, how you move, and even the strategies you use during a game. If you’re serious about playing or coaching volleyball, understanding the court’s dimensions isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
That’s why I wrote this guide—to share everything I’ve learned about volleyball court dimensions in a clear and simple way. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or just need a quick refresher, this article is here to help you.
Standard Volleyball Court Dimensions & Measurements
A standard indoor volleyball court is a rectangle that measures 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29.5 feet) wide. These sizes are set by the FIVB (Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) and are used in professional, college, and high school volleyball games worldwide.
The court is divided into two equal halves by a centerline, with each side measuring 9×9 meters. A net runs across the centerline.
For men, the net height is 2.43 meters (7 feet 11 ⅝ inches), and for women, it is 2.24 meters (7 feet 4 ¼ inches). In junior or casual games, the net height can be changed to fit the players better.
Primary Markings on a Volleyball Court
- Attack Line (3-Meter Line): This line is placed 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) from the net on both sides. It separates the front row from the back row players and decides where players can jump and hit the ball.
- Service Zone: This is the area behind the end line, which is 9 meters wide. Players must stand in this zone when serving the ball.
- Free Zone: The free zone is the space around the court that gives players room to move safely. It must be at least 3 meters (9 feet 10 inches) wide on all sides.
Volleyball Court Dimensions Diagram
To make things easier, here’s a diagram that shows how an indoor volleyball court is laid out:
Each marking has a clear purpose in how the game flows.
Lines, Zones, and Areas in a Volleyball Court
A volleyball court has specific dimensions and lines that define the playing area and key zones for players. Understanding these markings helps players know where to position themselves and follow the rules correctly.
- Lines are 5cm (2 inches) wide and included in the court dimensions.
- Net Height: 2.43m (men) / 2.24m (women).
- Beach Volleyball Differences: No attack line; court is smaller (16m × 8m).
| Name | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Boundary Lines | Edges of the court | Lines are 5 cm wide. If the ball touches the line, it’s considered in. |
| Center Line | Right under the net | Splits the court into two equal sides. Players can’t fully step over it. |
| Attack Line (3m Line) | 3 meters from the net | Marks where front and back-row players can hit from. Back-row players must jump behind it. |
| Service Zone | Behind the end line | Players serve from this area without stepping on the line. |
| Frontcourt | Between the net and the attack line | This is where most spikes and blocks happen. |
| Backcourt | Between the attack line and end line | Back-row players play here and can only attack from behind the 3-meter line. |
| Free Zone | Around the court with at least 3m clearance | Gives players space to move safely and chase the ball if needed. |
| Substitution Zone | Next to the scorer’s table | Where players go in or out of the game during substitutions. |
Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
Beach volleyball courts are a bit smaller. The official size is 16 meters (52 feet 6 inches) long and 8 meters (26 feet 3 inches) wide. There is no attack line on a beach volleyball court.
The net height is the same as indoor volleyball: 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women.
One big difference is the sand surface. Playing on sand slows players down and makes jumping harder. This changes the gameplay and adds a whole new level of difficulty.
Also read: Beach Volleyball vs Indoor Volleyball: What’s the Difference?
Why Are Volleyball Court Dimensions Important?
Volleyball court dimensions are important because they ensure fair play, player safety, and consistency in the game. Here’s why they matter:
1. Keeps the Game Equal
Every volleyball court should have the same size. This provides an equal opportunity for the two teams, regardless of where the game takes place. When the court is set up the same way every time, it keeps the game fair for everyone.
2. Helps Players Learn the Right Way
When players train, they get used to the court. The space between the lines and net teaches them how far to move or when to jump. If the court is the wrong size, their steps and timing can feel off. A proper court helps them build habits that work in real games.
3. Makes Coaching Easier
Coaches use court lines to plan drills and teach positions. If the markings aren’t right, it’s harder for players to learn. With the right setup, everyone knows where to stand and how to move. It keeps practice clear and effective.
4. Helps Referees Make the Right Calls
Referees look at the court lines to decide if a ball is in or out. If the lines aren’t clear or measured right, it causes confusion. A well-marked court helps them make quick and fair decisions, so the match runs smoothly.
Comparison of Indoor vs. Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions
| Feature | Indoor Volleyball | Beach Volleyball |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 18m x 9m (59ft x 29.5ft) | 16m x 8m (52.5ft x 26.2ft) |
| Attack Line (3m Line) | 3 meters from center line | Not present |
| Center Line | Present | Present |
| Free Zone | Minimum 3 meters around | Minimum 3 meters around |
| Net Height (Men) | 2.43m (7ft 11 5/8in) | 2.43m (7ft 11 5/8in) |
| Net Height (Women) | 2.24m (7ft 4 1/8in) | 2.24m (7ft 4 1/8in) |
| Net Width | 1 meter (3.3ft) | 1 meter (3.3ft) |
| Antennae | Yes, 80 cm above net | Yes, 80 cm above net |
| Surface | Hardwood or synthetic | Sand |
| Number of Players | 6 per team | 2 per team |
Tips for Measuring a Volleyball Court
- Always use a measuring tape that is at least 30 meters long for the best accuracy.
- Pick a flat and even surface to set up the court properly.
- Start by measuring the length of the court, which should be 18 meters for indoor volleyball.
- Clearly mark the two ends using chalk, cones, or tape so the edges are easy to see.
- Next, measure the width, which is 9 meters for indoor courts.
- Check the diagonal measurements from corner to corner (both should be equal, indoor: ~20.12m, beach: ~17.89m) to make sure the court is a perfect rectangle.
- Draw the center line exactly halfway along the length, at 9 meters. Use 5cm (2-inch) wide lines in a contrasting color (usually white)
- Mark the attack lines 3 meters (9’10”) away from the center line on both sides of the net.
- Leave at least 3 meters (9’10”) of free space around the court, so players can move safely.
- For beach courts, use string and stakes to make straight lines that won’t move.
- Indoors, use chalk or tape to mark lines temporarily without damaging the floor.
- Always double-check your measurements before finalizing the court to avoid mistakes.
Volleyball Court Dimensions for Different Levels of Play
1. Professional / International (FIVB)
At the highest level of play, the FIVB standard court size is used. It measures 18m × 9m for indoor, 16m × 8m for beach. A net height of 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women is followed with a 3m free zone around the court.
2. College / University (NCAA)
In U.S. colleges, volleyball follows the same dimensions as FIVB but may allow slightly smaller free zones (2m-3m) in older facilities. Net heights for men and women remain identical to professional levels.
3. High School (NFHS)
High school volleyball also sticks with the standard 18m x 9m court size. The net height is the same—2.43 meters for boys and 2.24 meters for girls. The only difference is that high school gyms might have less space around the court, which can limit the size of the free zone.
4. Middle School / Youth
For younger kids, the game is made easier by adjusting the net height and sometimes the court size. Kids aged 12–14 use a net around 2.13 meters, while kids under 12 often play with a 2.00-meter-high net. Free zones may be minimized for space constraints.
5. Recreational / Backyard
In backyard games, there’s no strict rule for court size. The court size is variable (often 12m × 6m / 40′ × 20′) based on the available space. The net height is also adjustable, typically 2.1-2.3m / 7′-7’6″.
6. Sitting Volleyball (Paralympics)
Sitting volleyball uses a smaller court with a 1.15m (men) or 1.05m (women) net height. In this level of play, the attack lines are marked 2m from the net.
Conclusion
No matter if you’re a beginner or have been playing for years, knowing the volleyball court dimensions actually makes a big difference. It allows you to move better, make smarter plays, and work more smoothly with your team. Over time, it also builds your confidence.
I truly hope this guide helped you understand the court better. So the next time you walk onto a volleyball court, you’ll feel more ready and know how to make the most of the surrounding space.
Volleyball Court Dimensions: FAQs
What is the official size of a volleyball court?
A standard indoor volleyball court is 18 meters long and 9 meters wide. This is the size used in international competitions, including FIVB tournaments.
What is the size of a beach volleyball court?
A beach volleyball court measures 16 meters in length and 8 meters in width. It’s slightly smaller than an indoor court and doesn’t include an attack line.
How high is a volleyball net?
The net height is 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women. For youth or recreational levels, the net can be lower.
What is the attack line in volleyball?
The attack line, also called the 3-meter line, is drawn 3 meters from the net on each side. It separates front-row and back-row players during play.
Is the volleyball court size the same for high school and college?
Yes, both high school and college use the 18m x 9m court. However, the free zone space around the court may be smaller in high schools due to limited gym size.
What is the libero zone in volleyball?
The libero zone isn’t officially marked, but it generally refers to the backcourt area where the libero specializes in defense and cannot complete front-row attacks.
Are there different court sizes for younger players?
Yes, younger age groups often play on slightly smaller courts with lower nets to make the game easier and more fun while learning.
What is the size of the service zone in volleyball?
The service zone is located behind the end line and is 9 meters wide. A player must serve the ball from within this zone.
How wide is the free zone around the court?
The free zone should be at least 3 meters wide on all sides. In top-level tournaments, it can be 5 meters on the sides and 8 meters behind the end lines.
Can I use the same court for both indoor and beach volleyball?
No, because indoor and beach courts differ in size, surface type, and layout. Each game needs its own setup for fair and safe play.