Pickleball Paddle Thickness Chart: 13mm, 14mm, 16mm
A 16 mm core plays softer with more control, 14 mm is the balanced middle, and 13 mm plays fastest with the most pop. The finished paddle is about 1 to 2 mm thicker than its core.
13 mm core · hybrid shape · carbon fiber face
Core thickness is the most important single number for how a paddle plays after weight. USA Pickleball sets no thickness limit.
Core thickness and play
| Core | Total paddle (approx.) | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 to 11 mm | 11.5 to 13 mm (0.47 to 0.51 in) | Very fast, firm | Aggressive drivers who rarely reset |
| 13 mm | 14.5 mm (0.57 in) | Fast, poppy | Power players, baseline drives |
| 14 mm | 15.5 mm (0.61 in) | Crisp with some softness | All-court players wanting pop with control |
| 16 mm | 17.5 mm (0.69 in) | Soft, more dwell time | Beginners, kitchen play, resets, sore arms |
| 17 to 19 mm | 18.5 to 20.5 mm (0.73 to 0.81 in) | Very soft, plush | Maximum control and touch |
Construction matters as much as thickness: foam cores and thermoformed builds can make a 14 mm paddle feel softer than a 16 mm honeycomb one.
Gear for this chart
SVICX Pickleball Paddles,Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle,16mm Full spec sheet 
ONIX Evoke Pro Full spec sheet Gamma Obsidian 13 Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle with 13mm Core Full spec sheet 
JOOLA Vision Pickleball Paddle with Textured Carbon Grip Full spec sheet 
CRBN Pickleball X Series Power Carbon Fiber Paddle Full spec sheet 
JOOLA Pro V Pickleball Paddle 14mm standard Full spec sheet Email me this chart
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Used only to send the list. You can also just read it here.Frequently asked questions
How thick is a 16mm pickleball paddle in inches?
A 16 mm core is about 0.63 inches. With the two face skins added, the finished paddle is typically around 17 to 18 mm, or roughly 0.67 to 0.71 inches, at the thickest point of the face. Edge guards can add a little more around the rim.
Is 14mm or 16mm better?
Neither is better in general. 16 mm suits players who want control, soft dinks and forgiving resets, which includes most beginners. 14 mm suits players who want more pop on drives and speed-ups while keeping reasonable control. Many popular models come in both, so you can pick the feel without changing shape.
Researched general guidance, not professional or medical advice. Heavier and head-heavy paddles add load on the elbow and shoulder; ask a doctor or physical therapist about joint pain.