Table Tennis Rules, Scoring & Table Dimensions – Complete Guide
Table tennis, also called ping-pong, is a fast racket sport played by two players in singles or four players in doubles. This guide explains the main rules, how to serve and score, the official table measurements, common faults and how doubles rotation works.
A regulation table tennis table measures 2.74 m long, 1.525 m wide and 76 cm high. The net is 15.25 cm high. A game is normally won by the first player or pair to reach 11 points, with a two-point lead. Service changes every two points, except at 10–10, when it alternates after each point.
Jump to: Dimensions · Diagram · Scoring · Serving · Doubles · Faults · FAQs
Official Table Tennis Table Dimensions
These measurements describe the regulation playing surface and net. The table's surface is horizontal, dark and uniformly matt, with white boundary lines.
| Feature | Official measurement |
|---|---|
| Table length | 2.74 m (274 cm) |
| Table width | 1.525 m (152.5 cm) |
| Table height | 76 cm above the floor |
| Net height | 15.25 cm |
| White side and end lines | 2 cm wide |
| Doubles centre line | 3 mm wide |
| Ball diameter | 40 mm |
| Ball mass | 2.7 g |
Table Tennis Table Diagram
The centre line divides each half into right and left service courts for doubles. In singles, it does not restrict where a serve can land.
Original illustrative diagram, not to scale. The net runs across the table's width; the dashed line marks the doubles centre line.
How Table Tennis Scoring Works
Every rally awards a point unless the rally is declared a let. A standard game goes to 11 points, but a player or pair must win by at least two points. At 10–10, play continues until one side leads by two, such as 12–10 or 15–13.
Matches are normally the best of an odd number of games, commonly best of five or best of seven depending on the event. Players change ends after each game. In the deciding game, they change ends when one side first reaches five points.
Example score
If the score is 10–10, a point makes it 11–10 but does not end the game. Another point for the leader makes it 12–10 and wins the game. If the opponent instead equalises at 11–11, play continues.
How to Serve Legally
- Begin with the ball resting freely on the open palm of the stationary free hand.
- Keep the ball above the playing surface and behind the server's end line from the start of service until it is struck.
- Toss the ball near vertically upwards, without spin, so it rises at least 16 cm after leaving the palm.
- Strike the ball as it falls, so it first touches the server's court and then the receiver's court after passing over or around the net assembly.
- Keep the ball visible to the receiver; do not hide it with the body, arm, clothing or doubles partner.
In singles, a legal serve may land anywhere on the opponent's side. In doubles, it must travel diagonally from the server's right half-court to the receiver's right half-court. The centre line counts as part of the right half-court.
Service rotation: Service changes after every two points. At 10–10, it changes after each point. At the beginning of each game, the first server is determined under the match procedure; the receiving order is then maintained as required.
Rallies, Returns and Lets
After the serve, players hit the ball alternately so it touches the opponent's court. A return may pass over or around the net assembly. A ball that clips the net and still lands correctly during a rally remains in play.
A let is a rally that is replayed without a point. The familiar example is an otherwise legal serve that touches the net assembly on its way over. Other lets can occur, including interruptions beyond a player's control.
Common Ways to Lose a Point
- Failing to make a correct serve or return.
- Hitting the ball so it does not touch the opponent's court.
- Allowing the ball to bounce twice on your side.
- Striking the ball twice deliberately in succession.
- Touching the playing surface with your free hand while the ball is in play.
- Moving the playing surface or touching the net assembly while the ball is in play.
- Obstructing the ball before it has touched your court when it is still above or travelling towards the playing surface.
- In doubles, hitting the ball out of the required sequence.
Players may make accidental contact with the table using a racket hand or body without automatically losing the point, provided they do not move the playing surface, touch the net assembly or otherwise break a rule.
Table Tennis Doubles Rules
Doubles is played by two players on each side. Serves must go diagonally from the server's right half to the receiver's right half. During each rally, teammates must alternate shots; one player cannot hit two consecutive returns for their team.
The serving sequence rotates through all four players. For example, if A serves to X, the next server is X serving to B, followed by B serving to Y, then Y serving to A. Each service turn lasts two points until 10–10, when turns last one point. The precise receiver order and changes of ends are governed by the official doubles procedure.
Equipment and Playing Area
A regulation ball is spherical, 40 mm in diameter and weighs 2.7 g. The racket may be of any size, shape or weight, but its blade must be flat and rigid and satisfy the applicable construction and covering rules. Competitive play also has requirements for approved equipment and racket colours.
Table dimensions are fixed, but the space around the table depends on the level of competition. International events can require a much larger clear playing area than a home or school setup. Leave enough room behind both ends and at the sides to move safely.
Singles vs Doubles: Quick Comparison
| Rule | Singles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|
| Players | 1 per side | 2 per side |
| Serve placement | Anywhere on opponent's court | Right half to right half diagonally |
| Rally returns | Opponents alternate | All four players follow fixed alternating order |
| Game target | 11, win by 2 | 11, win by 2 |
Basic Table Tennis Techniques
Forehand drive: A controlled attacking stroke from the racket-hand side. Backhand drive: A compact stroke from across the body. Push: A shorter, often backspin return used to control low balls. Topspin: Forward rotation that helps the ball dip after clearing the net. Block: A compact defensive or counterattacking return against a fast ball.
Beginners can improve consistency by keeping the racket ready in front of the body, watching the ball closely, moving their feet before reaching and practising legal serves before adding more spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is an official table tennis table?
It is 2.74 m long, 1.525 m wide and 76 cm high.
How high is a table tennis net?
The top of the net is 15.25 cm above the playing surface.
How many points do you need to win?
A game normally goes to 11 points, but you must win by at least two points.
Do you serve five times in a row?
No. Under modern standard rules, service normally changes every two points, and every point after 10–10.
Does the ball have to bounce on your side when serving?
Yes. On a correct serve, the ball first bounces on the server's court and then on the receiver's court.
Can a serve touch the net?
If the serve is otherwise correct but touches the net assembly, it is a let and is replayed.
Can you hit the ball before it bounces?
Generally no. Volleying the ball over the table or while it is travelling towards the playing surface can constitute obstruction and lose the point. A ball that has already passed beyond the playing surface may be treated differently under the rules.
What is the difference between table tennis and ping-pong?
In everyday conversation, the names often refer to the same sport. Table tennis is the formal name used by international governing bodies; “ping-pong” is also widely used informally and for some recreational variations.
What is the diagonal serving rule in doubles?
The ball must bounce first in the server's right half-court and then in the receiver's right half-court.
What happens at 10–10?
Players alternate serves after every point until one side gains a two-point lead.
Official Rules and Further Reading
For authoritative competition requirements, consult the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and its published statutes and laws of table tennis. Local school, social and adapted competitions may use modified formats.
Disclaimer: This independent educational guide summarises common table tennis rules and dimensions. Competition regulations and local variations may differ. Fosmore is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ITTF or any sporting organisation.