Pickleball paddles for regulation play must meet the USAPA dimensions in length, width, and weight. The size limits for pickleball paddles are restricted to 24 inches (60.96 cm) combined for total length and width.
In this guide, we’ll review how to measure a pickleball paddle, so you don’t get disqualified from regulation play. Measuring a pickleball paddles dimensions only takes a few minutes and can reduce any chance for issues with the refs during tournament play.
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How to Measure a Pickleball Paddle
The typical pickleball paddle measures 10.63″ L x 7.87″ W x 0.59″ H.
Pickleball Paddle Width
A pickleball ball paddles wide is measured across the middle of the face of paddle from edge to edge. This includes edge guards or any material that is added to the edge of the paddle itself.
The width of a pickleball paddle is limited by the rule that the total length and width combined cannot exceed 24 inches. Due to these restrictions, most pickleball paddles are under 8 inches wide.
Pickleball paddles with paddle faces greater than 8 inches wide must have shorter handles or smaller paddle face lengths to keep the total combined measurement below 24 inches.
Pickleball Paddle Length
The length of a pickleball paddle is measured from the tip of the handle up to the top of the pickleball paddle face. This includes any bottom caps on the handle or edge guards at the top of the paddle face.
The total length of a pickleball paddle cannot exceed 17 inches. A paddle face is typically 11 inches tall with a 5-inch handle. Any deviation from these measurements means that the width of the paddle face must be reduced to stay under the 24-inch total measurement of length and width combined.
Here’s a great video explaining how to measure a pickleball paddle
Pickleball Paddle Height
There are no restrictions on how thick a pickleball paddle can be. The height of a pickleball paddle can be measured by laying the paddle face down on a flat surface and measuring how high the face rises off the ground. The average pickleball paddle is 0.5” to 1” in height.
Thicker pickleball paddles are heavier than those that have less paddle face height. This can be an important aspect to consider due to the fatigue and loss of quickness that can accompany a heavier weight paddle face.
Pickleball Paddle Weight
The weight of a pickleball paddle is not restricted. However, most pickleball paddles weight between 5 and 10 ounces. Lighter pickleball paddles are easier to swing throughout a match and are quicker.
Heavier pickleball paddles can create faster ball flight or sometimes better ball control at the expense of fatigue during longer matches. The best way to measure the weight of a pickleball paddle is to weigh it on a scale.
Bottom Line
Pickleball paddles for regulation play can not exceed 24 inches in combined length and width. A paddles width is measured from the outer edges of the face of the paddle. The length is measured from the tip of the handle to the top of the face.
They average pickleball paddle for regulation play measures 10.63″ L x 7.87″ W x 0.59″ H with a weight between 5 and 10 ounces. There are no restrictions for paddle weight or height.
About Me
Hi! I’m Marie Spentel. I’ve been an avid Pickleball player for over 2 decades. I worked in several Pickleball leagues and climbed my way up to a 4.5 level rating. These days, I can usually be found practicing court techniques, consulting with others in the industry, and blogging about Pickleball! Read More
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