How high is a table tennis net?
Officials' detail · The table, the net, the ball and the racket · 2 of 4Checked 13 October 2026
The net is 15.25 cm high along its whole length. It hangs from a cord between two posts, each 15.25 cm tall and standing 15.25 cm outside the side line. The net, the posts and their clamps together are the "net assembly".
How it works
- Top of the net: 15.25 cm above the playing surface all the way along.
- Posts: 15.25 cm high, their outer edge 15.25 cm outside the side line.
- The bottom of the net sits as close to the surface as possible, and its ends are attached to the posts from top to bottom.
- Touching any part of the net assembly during a rally loses the point.
- Electronic equipment fitted to the net counts as part of it.
Tricky cases
The ball hit the net post and went on to the table. Is it good?
Yes, in a rally. The post is part of the net assembly, and a return may touch the net assembly on its way.
The ball went between the net and the post. Is it good?
No. A ball that passes between the net and the net post loses the point.
Why the rule exists
The posts stand outside the table so that the net is full height at the side lines. A net tied to the posts from top to bottom leaves no gap for a ball to slip through.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ITTF Laws | As above | L2.2 |
From the rule book
ITTF Statutes 2026, Laws 2.2, 2.7.1, 2.10.1.5 and 2.10.1.10; Regulation 3.2.3.9. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: ITTF Statutes (PDF).