The Bowling Lane Measurements You Need When Planning Your Future Bowling Center

Whether you’re looking for a new facility to house your future bowling enterprise or you already have a location and just need to figure out how many bowling lanes you can fit, there are some standard bowling lane measurements you need to know. After all, the number of lanes that you can comfortably fit in your center will not only impact your initial investment, but also your future revenue projections.

According to Bowling.com data, a bowling center that averages about 11,000 games per year generates about $36,750 per lane annually. The average number of games can be more in some markets and less in others, but the important takeaway here is that the number of lanes you decide on is critical. That’s why the size of your facility is so important and should reflect the level of demand your given market has for bowling.

Once you’ve assessed the market you plan to launch your business in and have an idea for the number of lanes, you can start to calculate some measurements for potential facilities that could accommodate your bowling alley. To make your life easier, we’ve calculated some standard measurements to help you in the planning process.

From the seating area to the back of the machine room, the typical minimum length of a bowline lane is between 90 – 100 feet. The width will depend on your type of ball return: over ground or underground. Two lanes with an above ground ball return requires 11 feet and 7-1/2 inches, and two lanes with an underground ball return requires 11 feet and 4 inches.

Underground Ball Return Lane Measurements

• 2 Lanes – 11’ 4” Wide
• 4 Lanes – 22’ 5-1/4” Wide
• 6 Lanes – 33’ 6-1/2” Wide
• 8 Lanes – 44’ 7-3/4” Wide
• 10 Lanes – 55’ 9” Wide
• 12 Lanes – 66’ 10-1/4” Wide
• 14 Lanes – 77’ 11-1/2” Wide
• 16 Lanes – 89’ 3/4” Wide
• 18 Lanes – 100’ 2” Wide
• 20 Lanes – 111’ 3-1/4” Wide
• 22 Lanes – 122’ 4-1/2” Wide
• 24 Lanes – 133’ 5-3/4” Wide
• 26 Lanes – 144’ 7” Wide

Above Ground Ball Return Lane Measurements

• 2 Lanes – 11’ 7-1/2” Wide
• 4 Lanes – 23’ 1/4” Wide
• 6 Lanes – 34’ 5” Wide
• 8 Lanes – 45’ 9-3/4” Wide
• 10 Lanes – 57’ 2-1/2” Wide
• 12 Lanes – 68’ 7-1/2” Wide
• 14 Lanes – 80’ Wide
• 16 Lanes – 91’ 4-3/4” Wide
• 18 Lanes – 102’ 9-1/2” Wide
• 20 Lanes – 114’ 2-1/4” Wide
• 22 Lanes – 125’ 7” Wide
• 24 Lanes – 136’ 11-3/4” Wide
• 26 Lanes – 148’ 4-1/2” Wide

What are the standard bowling alley dimensions?

The standard bowling alley dimensions for a traditional lane are 42 inches wide and 60 feet long, which includes the approach area and the pin deck. For standard lane setups with underground ball returns, the width will vary depending on the number of lanes:

• 2 Lanes – 11′ 4″ wide
• 4 Lanes – 22′ 5-1/4″ wide
• 6 Lanes – 33′ 6-1/2″ wide

And so on, with wider setups required for more lanes. For above-ground ball returns, the width is slightly different:

• 2 Lanes – 11′ 7-1/2″ wide
• 4 Lanes – 23′ 1/4″ wide
• 6 Lanes – 34′ 5″ wide

What is the width of a bowling lane?

The width of a bowling lane is typically 41.5 inches for a traditional lane setup. For Funk’s Duckpin Bowling lanes, the width starts at 10 feet 6 inches for a 2-lane setup and can expand to 30 feet 10 inches for a 6-lane setup, allowing for compact installations that save space without sacrificing entertainment value.

What are the specific bowling alley lane dimensions in feet?

For standard bowling alley dimensions, a traditional lane setup requires 42 inches in width and 60 feet in length, including the approach area. In contrast, Funk’s Duckpin Bowling lanes are designed to fit into tighter spaces with a length of 32 feet 9 inches, offering a more compact and accessible option for venues with space constraints.

What are the size requirements for a bowling alley?

When considering bowling alley size requirements, you’ll need space for the lane itself, the approach, and surrounding areas for seating or other amenities. For a traditional standard lane setup, the total space required varies:

• 2 Lanes (underground ball return): 11’ 4” wide
• 4 Lanes (above-ground ball return): 23’ 1/4” wide

Funk’s Duckpin Bowling, however, requires much less space with a lane length of 32 feet 9 inches and customizable width options for 2-6 lanes, making it ideal for smaller venues like bars, breweries, and entertainment centers.

What do I need to know about bowling lane measurements?

Understanding bowling lane measurements is essential for creating a functional and enjoyable space. Standard lane dimensions are 42 inches wide and 60 feet long, but Funk’s Duckpin Bowling provides a more flexible, compact solution with lanes that measure 32 feet 9 inches long and can be customized to fit various space requirements. Our technology allows for easy integration into venues of all sizes, providing an immersive experience without compromising on space.

How much space do I need for a bowling lane?

A standard bowling lane setup requires a length of 60 feet and a width of 42 inches. If you’re dealing with space limitations, Funk’s Duckpin Bowling is the perfect solution. The compact 32 feet 9 inches long Duckpin lanes allow for more efficient use of space, and the width starts at 10 feet 6 inches for a 2-lane setup, making it easier to incorporate bowling into venues with tighter constraints.

Are there any alternative lane sizes for smaller spaces?

Yes! Funk’s Duckpin Bowling is ideal for venues with space limitations. The lane length is 32 feet 9 inches, and the width for a 2-lane setup is 10 feet 6 inches. This makes it perfect for smaller venues such as bars, arcades, breweries, and family entertainment centers that want to offer bowling without requiring the larger space of traditional lanes.

Can Funk’s Duckpin Bowling be customized for different space needs?

Absolutely! Funk’s Duckpin Bowling lanes are fully customizable to fit your space. With widths ranging from 10 feet 6 inches for 2 lanes to 30 feet 10 inches for 6 lanes, and a length of 32 feet 9 inches, these lanes can be tailored to any venue. Whether you’re working with limited space or looking for a larger installation, Funk Bowling offers a versatile and scalable solution for your bowling needs.

These measurements can vary depending on your particular vision; however, these are the standard lane measurements that will help you as you plan your bowling alley or family entertainment center. If you have any questions, please contact us today to learn more.