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

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.