What is the volleyball net height? 2026-2027 Guide

In brief - The direct answer

Category	Net height
Men (senior, indoor)	2.43 m
Women (senior, indoor)	2.24 m
Senior mixed	2.35 m
Men's beach volleyball	2.43 m
Women's beach volleyball	2.24 m

The measurement is taken at the center of the net, from the ground to the top edge. Maximum tolerance at the ends: +2 cm.

Volleyball net height: everything you need to know

The volleyball net height is one of the first rules to master. It varies depending on the discipline, gender, and age category. Here are the official figures from the FIVB 2025-2028 and FFVolley 2025-2026 regulations.

The official net height for indoor volleyball

Indoors, the height is measured at the center of the court, from the ground to the top edge of the net. This is the regulatory reference point. At the ends, above the sidelines, the height must not exceed the official height by more than 2 cm.

In men's competition

2.43 m. This is the regulatory height for all senior men, from N1 to the departmental championship. It also applies in M21 and the Master category.

The net measures between 9.50 m and 10.00 m in length with a vertical width of 1.00 m. The mesh is square, with 10 cm sides. Two red and white antennas measuring 1.80 m (extending 80 cm above the net) mark the ball's passage lanes.

In women's competition

2.24 m. That is 19 cm less than the men's standard. This height applies to senior women, the M21 category, and women's Masters.

The net structure is identical to the men's. Only the installation height changes.

In mixed competition

In official FFVolley competition, senior mixed plays at 2.43 m - the reference men's height. Some recreational formats or local tournaments adopt 2.35 m for practical reasons, but this is not a national standard. Always check the competition regulations.

For youth (U13, U15, U18 categories)

The volleyball rules for youth provide for progression by stages. The differentiation between boys and girls appears from M15 onwards.

Category	Boys	Girls
M11 (U11)	1.95 m	1.95 m
M13 (U13)	2.10 m	2.10 m
M15 (U15)	2.24 m	2.10 m
M18 (U18)	2.35 m	2.24 m
M21 / Senior	2.43 m	2.24 m

Source: FFVolley, General Equipment Regulations 2025-2026.

The youngest categories (M7, M9) play on reduced courts with nets at 1.55 m and 1.75 m. The goal: adapt the practice to physical abilities and promote technical learning.

The net height in beach volleyball

In beach volleyball, the FIVB volleyball rules base the heights on those of senior indoor volleyball. The measurement is taken from the sand level. The beach net measures between 8.00 m and 8.50 m in length, with a vertical width of 1.00 m and 10 cm mesh.

Men

2.43 m. Identical to men's indoor volleyball. Measuring from the sand requires special attention: the surface is never perfectly flat. Measure in the center, then check both ends.

Women

2.24 m. Identical to women's indoor volleyball. The beach volleyball net height for women applies to both FIVB competition and FFVolley beach tournaments.

How to measure and set up your net correctly

A poorly set net means a non-compliant match. The method is simple - provided you follow it in order.

The tools needed:

A rigid measuring tape or graduated measuring chain
An assistant to hold the tape vertically

The 4-step procedure:

Tension the net. The top cable must be well tensioned, without sagging in the center.
Measure in the center. Place the tape vertically, from the ground to the top edge of the net. This is the reference measurement.
Adjust the height. Adjust the posts or tensioners until you reach the regulatory height for your category.
Check the ends. Check the height above both sidelines. The ends must not exceed the regulatory height by more than +2 cm.

Errors to avoid:

Measuring one end first (the center remains the reference)
Forgetting to retension the cable after adjustment
Confusing the reference category (a 2.43 m net for a senior women's match is non-compliant)
On sand or grass: not starting from the actual surface level

A compliant volleyball net means an accurate center height, ends within tolerance, and a properly tensioned cable. Nothing more.

The other key dimensions of the volleyball court

The volleyball net height is not enough. The entire court follows precise volleyball court dimensions.

Indoor volleyball

Element	Measurement
Court length	18 m
Court width	9 m
Free zone (regular competitions)	3 m minimum all around
Free zone (FIVB competitions)	5 m on the sides / 6.5 m at the ends
Free height above the court	7 m minimum (12.5 m for FIVB)
Attack line	3 m from the net
Vertical net width	1.00 m
Net length	9.50 m to 10.00 m

Beach volleyball

Element	Measurement
Court length	16 m
Court width	8 m
Free zone (regular competitions)	3 m minimum all around
Free zone (FIVB competitions)	5 to 6 m
Free height	12.5 m minimum (FIVB)
Net length	8.00 m to 8.50 m

The beach court is smaller. No attack line. Two players per team. The beach volleyball court dimensions are designed for a faster, more physical game on an unstable surface.

FAQ - Volleyball net height

What is the volleyball net height for men?

2.43 m, measured at the center of the court. This is the FIVB and FFVolley standard for all senior men's competitions, from N1 to the departmental level. It also applies to men's beach volleyball.

What is the volleyball net height for women?

2.24 m, measured at the center. This is the current women's volleyball net height for all senior women's competitions, both indoor and beach volleyball. That is 19 cm less than the men's standard.

What is the net height in beach volleyball?

Identical to indoor volleyball: 2.43 m for men, 2.24 m for women. The beach volleyball net height is measured from the sand level. The ends must not exceed the regulatory height by more than 2 cm.

At what height do U15 and U18 play?

In U15: 2.24 m for boys, 2.10 m for girls. In U18: 2.35 m for boys, 2.24 m for girls. These values are set by the FFVolley regulations and apply to official indoor competitions.

Is the mixed volleyball net at a different height?

In official FFVolley competition, senior mixed plays at 2.43 m - the men's height. Some recreational tournaments or local formats adopt 2.35 m, but this is not a national standard. Always check the competition regulations before setting up the net.

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