Guide · facts checked 15 Oct 2026
Padel racket size rules (FIP): length, width, thickness
Padel rackets must fit FIP limits: no longer than 45.5 cm, no wider than 26 cm and no thicker than 38 mm with the 2.5% tolerance. This page lists the rule items and what shops record for buyers.
Rules Facts
FIP Rules of Padel, applied from 1 Jan 2026
- width
- 26 cm
- thickness, 2.5% tolerance
- 38 mm
- handle length
- 20 cm
- hole diameter in the central area
- 9–13 mm
- wrist cord length
- 35 cm
FIP · checked 15 Oct 2026
What the rules allow
FIP Rules of Padel, edition applied from 1 January 2026.
- 45.5 cm
- maximum total length, head and handle
- 26 cm
- maximum width
- 38 mm
- maximum thickness, 2.5% tolerance
- 20 cm
- maximum handle length
- 9–13 mm
- hole diameter in the central area
- 35 cm
- maximum wrist cord length
FIP size rules, edition 2026
The FIP Rules of Padel applied from 1 January 2026 set the legal dimensions for rackets used in play. The rules state maximums for total length, width and thickness, and add requirements for the handle, the holes in the face, the faces themselves and the wrist cord.
Each rule is explicit. For length the FIP text says: "The total length of the padel racket, head plus handle, may not exceed 45.5 centimeters." For width the FIP text gives a "maximum width: 26 cm". For thickness the FIP text allows a maximum of "38 mm" and adds: "a tolerance of 2.5% in the thickness will be allowed."
- Handle limits: handle at most 20 cm long; throat width and handle maximum thickness 50 mm (FIP).
- Holes: centre holes measure 9–13 mm; near the edge, within 4 cm, holes may be larger or differently shaped up to 20 mm (FIP).
- Faces: both sides must be flat; faces may be smooth or rough (FIP).
- Wrist cord: a non-elastic cord fixed into the handle is obligatory and may be at most 35 cm long (FIP).
What the rules mean when buying
Shop product pages rarely give length or width, but many give the profile thickness. In the catalogue read on 15 October 2026, one model is listed at 36 mm and 88 models at 38 mm, both within the FIP maximum.
The FIP rules do not fix a racket's playing feel. Weight, balance and shape are set by makers and shops — the catalogue shows adult weights from 300–375 g with median 365 g, balance points from 235–275 mm with median 265 mm, and shapes split into 57 round, 48 teardrop, 68 diamond and 29 hybrid.
When choosing, use the racket finder and read maker spec sheets. How weight and balance change handling is covered in the weight and balance guide.
Questions
Are oversized padel rackets legal?
No. Under the FIP edition applied from 1 January 2026 a racket may not be longer than 45.5 cm. Any racket longer than that would not meet the FIP size rule.
What thickness is allowed for a padel racket?
The FIP maximum thickness is 38 mm. A 2.5% tolerance in the thickness measurement is permitted for controls.
Do the FIP rules limit racket weight or balance?
No. The FIP rules set only size and certain construction limits; weight and balance are not fixed. Shops list weights (catalogue range 300–375 g) and balance points (235–275 mm) on product pages.
Are wrist cords and face holes regulated?
Yes. The racket must have a non-elastic wrist cord fixed into the handle, maximum length 35 cm, and the holes have size rules: centre holes 9–13 mm and within 4 cm of the edge holes may be up to 20 mm and differently shaped.
Where the facts come from
Every number on this page comes from these pages, read on the date shown.
- Tennis-Point UKchecked 15 Oct 2026https://www.tennis-point.co.uk/collections/padel
- FIPchecked 15 Oct 2026https://www.padelfip.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FIP_Rules-of-Padel-1.pdf