Volleyball Court Dimensions: Official Sizes & Line Markings

I still remember stepping onto a court at my first international tournament in Europe. Something felt different the moment we walked in—but it wasn’t what I expected. I thought the court itself was longer.

It wasn’t until a quick timeout that our coach told us what had actually changed: the free zone surrounding the court was massive compared to what we were used to back home.

That space outside the lines completely changed how we positioned ourselves, how far back we could retreat for defense, and how we communicated across the court. It was a lesson I didn’t forget—court dimensions aren’t just about the lines you play on; they’re about the entire space that shapes how volleyball is played.

Over my years in volleyball—from those backyard games with my siblings to college competition and now coaching local play—I’ve set up and played on courts that ranged from perfectly regulation to, well, creatively interpreted.

What I’ve learned is that understanding court dimensions matters, whether you’re setting up a facility, coaching a team, or simply trying to understand why international matches feel different from your local gym.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact dimensions for every level of volleyball, explain what each measurement means for how the game is played, and show you what you need to know if you’re setting up a court or preparing to compete on one.

Quick Reference: Volleyball Court Dimensions at Every Level

For a complete breakdown of net heights at every youth age level, see our Volleyball Net Heights by Age & Level guide with interactive calculator.

Recommended Volleyball Court Dimensions

The regulation indoor volleyball court is a rectangle measuring 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29.5 feet) wide. This standard applies whether you’re playing high school volleyball under NFHS rules, college volleyball under NCAA rules, or international competition under FIVB regulations.

The consistency matters—it means a player trained on a high school court can step onto a college court or an international stage and play on identical dimensions.

The court is divided into two equal halves by the center line, creating two 9-meter-by-9-meter team courts on each side of the net. This symmetry is intentional. It ensures neither team has a strategic advantage based on court layout. Both teams operate within the same spatial constraints, so victory comes down to skill, strategy, and execution.

Quick Fact: FIVB is the acronym for Fédération Internationale de Volleyball - the international governing body for volleyball games globally. The FIVB aims to develop the game of volleyball as a major world sport.  

The official guidelines of the FIVB state that indoor volleyball should have the following layout: 

• The playing area of the volleyball court must have a rectangle shape. 
• The volleyball court’s dimensions in meters are 18 m by 9 m.  
• A free zone must surround this playing court. This must be at least 3 m wide.  
• The volleyball court size in feet is 59ft by 29ft 6 inches.  

Playing Surface 

The playing field is light-colored and flat. FIVB only allows hardwood or synthetic surfaces in international and official tournaments. 

Line Markings 

All court lines are marked at 5 centimeters wide and must be a light color that contrasts clearly with the court surface. These aren’t just visual guides—they’re the official boundaries and strategic markers that define how volleyball is played.

Coach's Note: Setting Up Temporary Court Lines
If you're setting up a temporary court on a gym floor, always use 2-inch (5cm) blue painter's tape. It matches the official line width exactly and won't damage the hardwood finish. 
This is what many coaches use for tryouts or practice setups when you can't use permanent markings.

Boundary Lines (Sidelines & Endlines)

Coach's Note: The "Lines Are In" Rule
Here's a rule that surprises new players: In volleyball, the boundary line is part of the playing court. If the ball touches even the outer edge of the line, it's IN. This matters for close calls during serves and digs. 
Line calls are often disputed because players don't realize the entire line width is "in play."

The sidelines run the length of the court (18 meters), marking the left and right edges. The endlines run the width of the court (9 meters), marking the back boundary at each end. Together, they define the outer perimeter. A ball is in bounds if any part of it touches the line; a ball is out of bounds if it passes completely beyond the line. The space between these lines and the net is where the game happens.

Center Line

The center line runs perpendicular to the sidelines, directly under the net. It divides the court into two equal halves. The entire width of the center line is considered to belong to both courts equally—a player standing on the line is in their own court, not in violation. This line is both physical boundary and psychological marker; it’s the division between your side and the opponent’s side.

Attack Line: The 10-Foot Line

The attack line runs parallel to the net, 3 meters from the net on both sides. It extends the full width of the court. This single line fundamentally shapes how volleyball is played. It divides each court into the front court (the area between the attack line and the net) and the back court (the area between the attack line and the endline).

Why does this matter? The attack line creates positional specialization. Back-row players have restrictions—they cannot block or execute an attack that crosses the net above net height from the front court area. This means setters, outside hitters, and middle blockers have different roles and responsibilities depending on whether they’re in the front or back court. The attack line isn’t arbitrary; it shapes strategy, player positioning, and team organization.

The Free Zone: Space That Enables Play

This is where I discovered the real difference in that European tournament. The free zone is the area surrounding the court outside the boundary lines where play can extend. On a basic level, it’s the space where players can move freely without hitting obstacles. On a strategic level, it’s the space that enables the game to be played safely and effectively.

The minimum free zone is 3 meters on all sides for recreational and competitive play. For FIVB World and Official competitions, the requirements are stricter: a minimum of 5 meters from the sidelines and 6.5 meters from the end lines. That extra space—the difference between 3 meters and 5-6 meters—sounds small in theory. In practice, it completely changes the game.

The larger free zone in that European tournament meant our defensive players could position themselves further back from the net. It changed our serve-receive formation. It gave us more space to track serves and adjust our positioning. Fundamentally altered how we moved across the court. That space exists for player safety—athletes need room to dive, move laterally, and react to the ball without colliding with walls, obstacles, or the posts. But it also shapes strategy. A coach planning formations and defensive schemes has to account for the free zone size.

The Net, Posts & Antennae: Understanding the Critical Difference

One of the most common sources of confusion I’ve encountered while helping set up courts is mixing up posts and antennae. They’re not the same thing, and the distinction matters for both safety and proper court setup.

Antennae: Marking the Boundaries

The antenna creates an "infinite vertical plane." If the ball crosses the net outside the antenna (even if it's 30 feet in the air), it is out.

The antennae are flexible rods attached to the net itself, positioned directly above the sidelines. They measure 1.8 meters tall and are 10 millimeters in diameter, typically made of fiberglass or similar material. The top 80 centimeters extends above the net and is marked with 10-centimeter stripes of contrasting color, usually red and white. The purpose of the antennae is to mark the boundaries of the net. When the ball crosses the net, if it passes outside the antennae, the ball is ruled out of bounds. The two antennae are exactly 9 meters apart, matching the width of the court from sideline to sideline.

Posts: Supporting the Net Safely

The posts—also called poles—are the metal poles that support and hold the net. These are substantially different from antennae, and this distinction is critical. The posts are 2.55 meters tall and are positioned outside the sidelines, not directly above them. According to FIVB rules, posts must be placed between 0.5 and 1.0 meters away from the sidelines. This means the posts are 10 to 11 meters apart—not 9 meters. This spacing is a safety requirement. When players dive or fall near the net, the posts need to be set back far enough that athletes don’t collide with them.

I mention this distinction because improper post placement is a genuine safety hazard. Setting posts only 9 meters apart (directly on the sidelines) leaves no cushion for player safety and violates official regulations. I’ve seen facilities make this error, and it’s a serious issue.

Coach's Note: The Forgotten Safety Check
When setting up posts, ensure the winch and cables are covered with protective padding. Even if your posts are positioned correctly 1 meter back from the sidelines, an exposed metal winch is a major injury risk during pursuit play. 
I've seen athletes collide with unsecured cables while diving for the ball. Check padding before every match.

The Net Itself

The net is 1 meter wide and 9.5 to 10 meters long when taut. It’s constructed of 10-centimeter square black mesh with white bands at the top and bottom. The net is positioned vertically over the center line. Net height is measured from the center of the court, not from the sidelines. The net must be the same height at the center as it is at the sidelines (within acceptable tolerances—the sides cannot exceed 3/4 inches higher than the standard height). A loose or improperly tensioned net can affect measurement accuracy, which is why checking net tension is part of match preparation.

Net Heights: A Brief Overview

The regulation net height for men’s indoor volleyball is 2.43 meters (7 feet, 11 5/8 inches), measured from the center of the court. For women’s volleyball, the net height is 2.24 meters (7 feet, 4 1/8 inches). These heights apply to high school, college, and international competition. The consistency is deliberate—all players, regardless of where they train or compete, encounter the same net height at their level.

Youth volleyball uses lower net heights to match players’ physical development and skill levels. Net heights vary significantly by age group and gender, with players progressing through different heights as they mature. A 12-year-old needs a different challenge than a 16-year-old. Net height progression is designed to be developmentally appropriate.

For beach volleyball, the net heights are identical to indoor volleyball: 2.43 meters for men and 2.24 meters for women. However, because the court surface is sand rather than a hard floor, the net measurement is taken at the sand-raked level (the prepared surface level).

For a complete breakdown of net heights at every age level—from 10 and under through 18+—including an interactive calculator tool to find the exact height you need, see our comprehensive guide: Volleyball Net Heights by Age & Level.

Space Requirements: Strategic Context

Understanding court dimensions means understanding the space around the court, not just the lines. The space above and around the playing area fundamentally affects what level of play is possible.

Ceiling Height & Free Playing Space

Recreational Minimum

For recreational and most competitive indoor volleyball, the free playing space—the area above the court that must remain clear of obstructions—has a minimum requirement of 7 meters (23 feet) from the playing surface. This clearance allows players to spike the ball without interference from ceiling elements, allows for high lobs and defensive plays, and provides adequate space for the trajectory of play. When setting up courts indoors, verify your ceiling height first. It determines what level of play your facility can support.

FIVB Official Competitions

For FIVB World and Official competitions, the requirement is more stringent: the free playing space must measure a minimum of 12.5 meters (41 feet) in height from the playing surface. This higher standard accommodates the power and height of elite athletes and allows for the full range of attacking options at the highest levels of competition. Most high school gyms meet the 7-meter minimum but not the 12.5-meter requirement, which is why official FIVB tournaments are hosted in specialized venues.

How Free Zone Size Affects Strategy

The free zone—the area immediately surrounding the court—is more than a safety buffer. It’s a strategic element. The larger free zone in that European tournament changed our serve-receive formation. Recreational gyms often have tight spaces with only a 3-meter free zone. This constrains how far back players can position themselves. FIVB official competitions require 5 meters from the sidelines and 6.5 meters from the end lines. That extra space—just 2 meters difference—is significant for tactical positioning.

More space means players position further back. Serve-receive patterns adapt. Defensive movement becomes less constrained. Attackers have different angles from which to work. “The difference between 3 meters and 5 meters might seem small,” but it fundamentally changes how teams strategize. Understanding this helps you understand why a team trains in a tight gym but plays differently in a larger facility.

Other Volleyball Court Types

While the 18m × 9m indoor court is the standard, volleyball is played on other court sizes and surfaces, each with specific dimensions.

Beach Volleyball Court Dimensions 

Beach volleyball is played on sand and uses different court dimensions than indoor volleyball. The court is rectangular, measuring 16 meters (52.5 feet) in length and 8 meters (26.2 feet) in width. This is smaller than the indoor court because beach volleyball is typically played with two players per side instead of six. With fewer players covering the same proportional space, a smaller court is appropriate.

• Beach volleyball is played on a sand court. The court must be rectangular.
• Unlike indoor volleyball, beach courts have no attack line.
• This rectangular court must be surrounded by a free zone, which must be at least 3 m wide.   

Players can attack the ball from anywhere on their side of the court, creating a more fluid, less position-specific game than indoor volleyball. The net heights for beach volleyball are identical to indoor: 2.43 meters (7’11 5/8″) for men and 2.24 meters (7’4 1/8″) for women. However, because the court surface is sand rather than a hard floor, the net measurement is taken at the sand-raked level.

The free zone requirements for beach volleyball are a minimum of 3 meters on all sides for recreational play. For official FIVB competitions, the free zone is a minimum of 5 to 6 meters from the sidelines and end lines. The sand surface itself must be level, smooth, and free of rocks, shells, and debris that could injure players. The boundary lines are made of durable material, and any exposed anchors use flexible material to prevent injuries.

Sitting Volleyball Court Size  

Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport played on a smaller court: 10 meters (32.8 feet) long and 6 meters (19.7 feet) wide. The net heights are also lower: 1.15 meters (3’9″) for men and 1.05 meters (3’5″) for women.

The game follows the same fundamental rules as standing volleyball but is adapted for athletes with lower-limb disabilities. The smaller court size and lower net height create a different game dynamic while maintaining the core principles of volleyball.

Nine-Man Volleyball Court Size  

Nine-Man volleyball is an outdoor variation popular in certain regions.

The court is a square measuring 10.06 meters (33 feet) on each side. The net height is the same as men’s indoor volleyball at 2.43 meters (7’11 5/8″).

Nine-Man is played with nine players per side, creating a different strategic environment than six-on-six indoor volleyball. The court size, proportional to player count, creates different spacing and positioning strategies.

Court Surfaces

The playing surface significantly impacts how volleyball is played, affecting ball bounce, player movement, and overall safety.

Hardwood Courts

Hardwood is the preferred surface for professional, collegiate, and many high school indoor courts. High-quality hardwood—typically maple or similar dense wood—provides consistent ball bounce, allows quick lateral movement, and offers good shock absorption to reduce injury risk. Professional courts often use engineered wood systems that include multiple layers designed to optimize performance and protect players’ joints.

Synthetic Materials

Synthetic surfaces have become increasingly common, particularly high-end synthetic materials designed specifically for sports. Premium synthetics like Taraflex perform identically to hardwood and are used in professional facilities and major competitions. These materials offer durability, consistent performance, and are easier to maintain than hardwood in high-use facilities. Synthetic courts can be used indoors or outdoors, and they perform well across temperature and humidity variations.

Concrete, Tile, and Grass

Concrete or tile surfaces are common for outdoor recreational courts. These are durable and low-maintenance but don’t offer the shock absorption or ball bounce consistency of wood or premium synthetic surfaces. They’re functional for recreational play but not ideal for serious competitive training. Grass surfaces require preparation and maintenance for play but can work for casual games.

Why Do We Have Standardized Volleyball Courts? 

Court dimensions are standardized for three critical reasons:

1. Fairness in Competition — Every team plays on identical dimensions, so victory comes down to skill and strategy, not environmental advantage.
2. Global Consistency — Players train and compete on the same court worldwide, enabling genuine international competition and player development regardless of location.
3. Strategy & Training Impact — Standardized dimensions allow coaches to plan tactics with certainty. A team that practices on a regulation court will execute those same strategies in any competition venue.

These three principles ensure that volleyball at any level—whether high school, college, or international—maintains competitive integrity.

Conclusion 

Knowing volleyball court dimensions is essential for players, coaches, and fans. You need to know the standard regardless of whether you play indoors or on the beach. This way, you can set up the court and follow the official rules to keep things fair and competitive. 

Indoor courts typically adhere to the 18×9 meter standard to ensure sufficient space. Outdoor courts might adapt dimensions to suit different conditions and spectators’ views. However, safety and a smooth playing experience are important in both settings. 

With this knowledge, you can enjoy the game and improve your skills. So, get out there, set up your court, and enjoy the dynamic and exciting world of volleyball! 

Are there any variations allowed in the dimensions of a volleyball court? 

A standard volleyball court is 18 meters by 9 meters. But, for recreational or non-competitive play, the dimensions may vary slightly. However, it’s crucial to follow the standard dimensions for official competitions. They ensure consistency and fairness in the sport. 

Changes to the court size can impact the game’s dynamics. They can cause an unfair advantage for one team. So, it is essential to use the set court size for all official volleyball matches. 

How high is a volleyball net for 12 year olds?

For 12-year-olds playing volleyball, the net height varies depending on gender:

• Girls: The net height should be 2.00 meters (6 feet, 6¾ inches).
• Boys: The net height should be 2.13 meters (7 feet).

These heights are standard for youth volleyball under 12 according to USAV and NFHS guidelines.

How many square feet is a high school volleyball court?

A standard high school volleyball court is 1,740.5 square feet (approximately 1,741 sq ft). The dimensions are:

• Length: 59 feet (18 meters)
• Width: 29.5 feet (9 meters)

Court size is the same for both boys’ and girls’ volleyball in high school, following NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) standards that align with NCAA and FIVB official dimensions.

FAQs 

What is the size of NCAA volleyball court?

Here are the standard NCAA volleyball court measurements:

Court Dimensions:

• Length: 18 meters (59 feet)
• Width: 9 meters (29.5 feet)

These measurements are the same for both men’s and women’s volleyball.

Key Lines and Heights:

• Attack Line: 3 meters (9.8 feet) from the net
• Net Height for Men: 2.43 meters (7’11 5/8″)
• Net Height for Women: 2.24 meters (7’4⅛”)