One of the most common questions when planning tennis court lighting is simple: how many lights does a tennis court need?
The answer depends on how the court will be used, the level of play, and how much illumination is actually required.
A backyard court used a few nights a week does not need the same lighting as a high school, club, or professional facility. Understanding these differences helps avoid over-lighting, under-lighting, and unnecessary cost.
Understanding these differences helps avoid over-lighting, under-lighting, and unnecessary cost. Exploring the right LED tennis court lighting solutions early in the planning process makes it easier to match performance to your court’s actual needs.
Several factors influence the number of lights required for a tennis court:
Because LED fixtures vary in output, the number of lights is always part of a system design, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
While exact light levels are measured in foot-candles or lux, you don’t need to be an engineer to understand the difference in lighting needs.
Backyard / Residential Courts
School & Club Courts
Professional / Tournament Courts
This difference directly impacts how many lights are required.
Below are simplified examples to show how lighting quantity and placement change by use case.
Backyard / Recreational Court (Lower Light Levels)
[ L ] [ L ]
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| COURT |
| |
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[ L ] [ L ]
Club / School Court (Moderate to High Light Levels)
[ L ] [ L ] [ L ]
—————–
| |
| COURT |
| |
—————–
[ L ] [ L ] [ L ]
Professional / Tournament Court (High Performance)
[ L ] [ L ] [ L ] [ L ]
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| |
| COURT |
| |
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[ L ] [ L ] [ L ] [ L ]
The number of lights alone doesn’t tell the full story. A small number of high-output LED fixtures can often outperform a larger number of lower-powered lights.
This is where modern systems make a difference.
To compare available systems, explore our LED tennis court lighting solutions page for an overview of different performance options.
Different courts benefit from different lighting approaches:
Each solution can be configured to meet recreational, club, or professional requirements.
No — and this is one of the most common misconceptions.
Backyard tennis courts:
Over-lighting a residential court:
A properly designed system delivers only the light you need for how the court is actually used.
Q. How many lights does a standard tennis court need?
A. A standard outdoor tennis court typically uses anywhere from 4 to 8 LED fixtures, depending on whether the court is residential, club-level, or professional.
Q. Can I use fewer lights if I choose higher-output fixtures?
A. Yes. High-output LED tennis court lights can often reduce the total number of fixtures required while still achieving excellent visibility and uniformity.
Q. Are LED tennis court lights good for retrofitting older systems?
A. Yes. Many LED systems are designed to work with existing poles and layouts, making them ideal for replacing older metal halide or legacy lighting systems.
Q. Do professional courts always need more lights?
A. Professional courts usually require higher light levels and tighter uniformity, which often means more fixtures or higher-output lighting compared to recreational courts.
Q. What’s the best way to know exactly how many lights I need?
A. The best approach is a lighting layout that considers court dimensions, pole placement, mounting height, and intended use. This ensures the right balance of performance, efficiency, and cost.
There isn’t a single answer to how many lights a tennis court needs — and that’s a good thing. The right solution depends on how the court is used, not a generic fixture count.
Whether you’re lighting a backyard court or a professional facility, the goal is the same: clear visibility, consistent coverage, and efficient performance.
To explore available options, visit our LED tennis court lighting solutions, or review specific systems like Orbit Mono and the Comet Series to find the right fit for your court.