Sport comparison
Badminton vs Squash: What's the Difference?
People who already play Badminton often try Squash (and vice versa) because the skills overlap just enough to feel familiar without being identical. Here's the side-by-side.
| Attribute | Badminton | Squash |
|---|---|---|
| Court size | 13.4m × 6.1m (doubles) or 5.18m wide (singles) | 9.75m × 6.4m, four-walled enclosed court |
| Equipment | Lightweight racquet (~95g), feathered or synthetic shuttlecock, high net | Squash racquet, hollow rubber ball, no net |
| Scoring | 21-point rally scoring (win by 2, cap 30), best of 3 games | PAR-11 (point a rally, first to 11, win by 2), best of 5 games |
| Physical demand | Very high — explosive movement, jumping smashes, constant direction changes | Very high — explosive lunging, sustained intensity, often called the toughest racquet sport |
| Learning curve | Moderate — clears and drops are easy, smashes and footwork are deep | Moderate — getting the ball back is easy, controlling it precisely is hard |
| Match duration | 30–60 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Indoor / outdoor | Indoor (the shuttle is sensitive to wind) | Indoor only (enclosed court) |
| Group size | Singles or doubles | Singles primarily |
How Badminton and Squash compare
Equipment and venue access tend to decide which you can actually play regularly.
Badminton uses Lightweight racquet (~95g), feathered or synthetic shuttlecock, high net. The scoring runs 21-point rally scoring (win by 2, cap 30), best of 3 games, which sounds complex but is intuitive after a few games. Match length is typically 30–60 minutes.
Squash, by contrast, plays on 9.75m × 6.4m, four-walled enclosed court. Physical demand is very high — explosive lunging, sustained intensity, often called the toughest racquet sport. Learning curve moderate — getting the ball back is easy, controlling it precisely is hard.
The deciding factors
For someone choosing between the two, the deciding factor is usually time + intensity. Badminton is the higher-commitment option in terms of physical intensity once you're past beginner level. Squash is easier to fit into a casual schedule and forgives a longer break between sessions.
The biggest practical question is venue access. Badminton courts are more common in some countries; Squash courts in others. Check what's within 15 minutes of home before committing — the sport you can actually play regularly beats the sport you'd theoretically prefer.
Which should you try first?
For most beginners, **Badminton** is the better starting point. Easier to pick up, faster to get value from, and the social side is usually more accessible.
But honestly: try both if you can. Volley supports all 9 sports with separate ELO ratings, so you can play both, see how you progress in each, and decide which one you actually enjoy more after a few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I track my Badminton and Squash ratings in one app?
Yes. Volley supports all 9 racquet, court, and team sports with separate ELO ratings per sport plus an All-Rounder rating that combines them. Free on iOS and Android.
Is Badminton or Squash better for fitness?
Both are good cardio. Badminton demands very high — explosive movement, jumping smashes, constant direction changes; Squash demands very high — explosive lunging, sustained intensity, often called the toughest racquet sport. If pure intensity per hour is the goal, the higher-demand sport wins. If sustainability over years is the goal, the lower-demand one is the better long-term play.
Which is easier to learn, Badminton or Squash?
Badminton has the gentler learning curve. Beginners typically have fun rallies in their first session, whereas the other one takes a few sessions before the basics click. Both reward sustained practice — neither is "easy" at high levels.
Which sport has more clubs near me?
Depends entirely on where you live. Badminton and Squash both have growing player bases globally but the density varies enormously by region. Search both terms in your local sports facility directory.