The regulation height of a volleyball net depends on certain factors, such as if the game is being played by men or women, as well as the age of the players involved and the number of players on a team. Whether the game is being played indoors or out also plays a role in determining the height. Volleyball nets are measured in the center of the playing court, and the height at the two ends of the net must be the same.
Men's Nets
The standard net height for men is 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches. Men playing in events for ages 55 and over are allowed to lower the net to 7 feet, 9 5/8 inches. Events for men 70 years and older are permitted to use a net that is 7 feet, 6 inches. Co-ed events are played with the same nets used by men.
Women's Nets
The typical net height for women is 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches. Age adjustments are permitted, with events for women ages 45 to 60 allowed to lower the nets to 7 feet 2/18 inches. Events for women ages 60 and over are permitted to lower the net to 7 feet.
Youth Nets
The net height for boys or girls ages 13 and 14 is 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches. Boys and girls ages 11-12 is 7 feet. The lone difference is for youth 10 and under, as the boys will use a net that is 7 feet, while the girls can use a 6-foot, 6-inch net. USA Volleyball allows additional net reductions for youth programs of two through four players per team, stating the net height may be lowered to 5 or 6 feet for younger players.
Beach Volleyball
The standard net height for women in beach volleyball for adult players is 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches, while the men will use a net that is 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches. There are minor adjustments allowed for players 14 and under, as well as 12 and under. For boys and girls 14 and under, the net may be lowered to 6 feet, 11 1/2 inches, while boys and girls 12 and under may use a 6-foot, 6-3/4 inch net. The net height measurement is taken at the sand-raked level.
Outdoor Volleyball
Outdoor volleyball, played on grass, will use the standard net heights of 7 feet, 4 1/8 inches for women, with men and co-ed teams using the height of 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches. The net height measurement is taken from the ground, as opposed to the top of the grass blades.