Basketball Court Measurements: Official Dimensions for Every Level of Play

Basketball court measurements vary by league and level of play. An NBA court is 94 ft × 50 ft. A high school court is 84 ft × 50 ft. FIBA and Olympic courts are slightly smaller at 28 m × 15 m (91 ft 10 in × 49 ft 3 in). Youth courts scale down further by grade level.

Quick Answer — Basketball Court Measurements by Level

If you need the numbers fast, here they are. Every major governing body uses slightly different dimensions — this table covers the key ones.

Level	Length	Width	Key Width	3-Point Line (Center)	3-Point Line (Corner)	Free Throw Line	Rim Height
NBA	94 ft (28.65 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	16 ft (4.88 m)	23 ft 9 in (7.24 m)	22 ft (6.71 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
NCAA Men	94 ft (28.65 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	12 ft (3.66 m)	22 ft (6.71 m)	21 ft 8 in (6.60 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
NCAA Women	94 ft (28.65 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	12 ft (3.66 m)	22 ft (6.71 m)	21 ft 8 in (6.60 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
WNBA	94 ft (28.65 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	16 ft (4.88 m)	22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m)	22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
FIBA / Olympic	91 ft 10 in (28 m)	49 ft 3 in (15 m)	15 ft 9 in (4.80 m)	22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m)	21 ft 8 in (6.60 m)	15 ft 1 in (4.60 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
High School	84 ft (25.60 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	12 ft (3.66 m)	19 ft 9 in (6.01 m)	19 ft 9 in (6.01 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)
Junior High	84 ft (25.60 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)	12 ft (3.66 m)	19 ft 9 in (6.01 m)	19 ft 9 in (6.01 m)	15 ft (4.57 m)	10 ft (3.05 m)

NBA Basketball Court Measurements

The NBA plays on the largest standardized indoor basketball court in North American professional competition. In practice, court builders and arena managers treat these numbers as non-negotiable — there is no tolerance range for NBA-certified venues.

Overall Court Dimensions

As noted in the Wikipedia overview of basketball courts, an NBA court is 94 ft long and 50 ft wide — or 28.65 m × 15.24 m in metric. That works out to 4,700 square feet of playing surface. The court does not include the buffer zone around the perimeter, which varies from arena to arena since the NBA has no fixed minimum requirement for this space, unlike FIBA.

The Key (Free Throw Lane)

The key — also called "the paint" or "the lane" — is the rectangular zone beneath each basket. In the NBA, the key is 16 ft (4.88 m) wide and extends 19 ft (5.8 m) from the baseline to the free throw line. It is almost always painted a contrasting color, which is where the nickname "the paint" comes from.

One gameplay rule worth knowing: NBA rules prohibit defensive players from standing in the key for more than 3 consecutive seconds unless they are actively guarding an opponent. NCAA and FIBA do not carry this restriction.

The 3-Point Line

The NBA 3-point line sits 23 ft 9 in (7.24 m) from the center of the basket across most of the arc. At the corners, that distance shortens to 22 ft (6.71 m) — a deliberate design choice introduced in the 1990s to encourage corner three-point attempts and higher-scoring games. The straight sideline portions of the 3-point line run parallel to the sidelines, 3 ft (0.91 m) from the boundary.

The Free Throw Line

The free throw line is drawn 15 ft (4.57 m) from the plane of the face of the backboard. It runs parallel to the baseline and is 2 inches wide. Every governing body — NBA, NCAA, FIBA, and high school — uses this same 15 ft distance, making it one of the few truly universal measurements in the sport.

The Restricted Area (No-Charge Arc)

Located beneath each basket inside the key, the restricted area is a semicircular arc with a radius of 4 ft (1.22 m) measured from the center of the basket. This arc prevents defensive players from drawing offensive charging fouls by positioning themselves under the hoop. If a defender is standing within this arc, the foul defaults to the defense.

Backboard Dimensions and Rim Specifications

This is one area most court guides skip over, but it matters — especially for anyone specifying equipment for a build.

• Backboard: 6 ft (1.83 m) wide × 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m) tall, with a flat, transparent front surface
• Target rectangle: 24 in (61 cm) wide × 18 in (46 cm) tall, marked in white behind the rim
• Rim inside diameter: 18 in (45.7 cm)
• Net length: 18 in (45.7 cm)
• Rim height: 10 ft (3.05 m) above the floor, equidistant from the backboard's vertical edges
• Rim to backboard: The nearest inside edge of the rim sits 6 in from the backboard face

The rim is painted orange. NBA arenas are also required to have four strips of red LED lights along the inside backboard edges, synchronized with the game clock, plus one amber LED strip for the shot clock.

Buffer Zone Around the Court

Unlike FIBA, the NBA does not specify a minimum buffer zone. In practice, most NBA arenas maintain a few feet of run-off space between the sidelines and the first row of seats or scorer's table, but this is not regulated to a fixed measurement.

NCAA College Basketball Court Measurements

College courts in the US are governed by the NCAA and share the same overall footprint as NBA courts.

Overall Court Dimensions

NCAA courts — for both men's and women's programs — are 94 ft × 50 ft (28.65 m × 15.24 m), identical in length and width to an NBA court.

How the NCAA Court Differs from the NBA

The dimensions that do differ are worth paying close attention to, especially if you have been reading older sources.

Measurement	NBA	NCAA
Key width	16 ft (4.88 m)	12 ft (3.66 m)
3-point line (center)	23 ft 9 in (7.24 m)	22 ft (6.71 m)
3-point line (corner)	22 ft (6.71 m)	21 ft 8 in (6.60 m)
Restricted area arc	4 ft (1.22 m) radius	4 ft (1.22 m) radius (men only)

Important correction on the NCAA 3-point line: Several sources online still list the NCAA 3-point distance as 20 ft 9 in. That figure is outdated. According to the 2019–20 NCAA Division I men's basketball season record on Wikipedia, the NCAA moved the men's 3-point line back to the FIBA standard of 22 ft (6.75 m) starting in the 2019–20 season.

The women's game followed, adopting the same distance in 2021–22. Any article quoting 20 ft 9 in is working from pre-2019 data.

FIBA and Olympic Basketball Court Measurements

FIBA governs international play — including the Olympics — as well as domestic leagues across Europe, Australia, and many other regions. Their courts are a touch smaller than NBA and NCAA courts.

Olympic Court Dimensions

Olympic basketball courts measure 91 ft 10 in long × 49 ft 3 in wide — or exactly 28 m × 15 m in metric. That is about 2 ft shorter and 9 in narrower than an NBA court.

FIBA Domestic Court Size Guidelines

For domestic competition outside the Olympics, FIBA allows a size range rather than a single fixed dimension. The required playing surface is also specified by level:

FIBA Level	Length	Width	Playing Surface
International	28 m (91 ft 10 in)	15 m (49 ft 3 in)	Elastic wooden
Premier	26–28 m	14–15 m	Semi-sprung wooden or synthetic
Club	26–28 m	14–15 m	Semi-sprung wooden or synthetic
Community	26–28 m	14–15 m	Semi-sprung wooden or synthetic

How FIBA Differs from the NBA and NCAA

A few differences stand out beyond overall size:

• FIBA's key is 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m) wide — wider than NCAA's 12 ft but slightly narrower than the NBA's 16 ft
• The FIBA 3-point line is 22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m) from the center of the basket — this was updated from the older 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m) distance in stages between 2008 and 2010
• The free throw line sits at 15 ft 1 in (4.60 m) — about an inch farther than the NBA and NCAA standard of 15 ft
• FIBA does specify a minimum run-off zone of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) on the sidelines and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) behind the baselines for international competitions

High School and Youth Basketball Court Measurements

As you move below the college level, court sizes drop — sometimes significantly. Younger players need shorter distances and smaller spaces to develop fundamentally sound skills.

High School Court Dimensions

A regulation high school basketball court is 84 ft × 50 ft (25.60 m × 15.24 m). That is 10 ft shorter than an NBA or NCAA court. The width stays at 50 ft. The 3-point line sits at 19 ft 9 in (6.01 m) — noticeably closer than at the college level.

Junior High Court Dimensions

Junior high courts typically match high school specifications: 84 ft × 50 ft. Individual state athletic associations may allow slight variations, so local regulations are worth checking before a build.

Youth Court Dimensions by Grade Level

Youth court sizes scale progressively. These are the broadly used USA Basketball guidelines:

Grade Level	Length	Width
High School	84 ft (25.60 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)
Junior High	84 ft (25.60 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)
4th–5th Grade	74 ft (22.56 m)	50 ft (15.24 m)
2nd–3rd Grade	50 ft (15.24 m)	42 ft (12.80 m)

In practice, many recreational programs for younger kids use portable hoops and improvised court sizes. The table above reflects structured league guidelines, not pickup play.

Basketball Court Lines and Markings Explained

Understanding the measurements is one thing. Knowing what each line actually does on the court is another — and it is something most dimension guides do not bother explaining.

Sidelines and Baselines

The two long boundary lines running the length of the court are the sidelines. The two shorter lines behind each basket are the baselines (also called endlines). On an NBA or NCAA court, the sidelines are 94 ft long and the baselines are 50 ft long. Any player or ball that crosses these lines is considered out of bounds.

Center Circle

The center circle sits exactly in the middle of the court and is used for the opening tip-off. On NBA courts, it has a diameter of 12 ft (3.66 m). FIBA uses a slightly smaller circle of 11 ft 10 in (3.60 m). The jump ball at the start of each period happens here.

The Key / The Paint / Free Throw Lane

The key is the rectangular zone running from the baseline to the free throw line under each basket. It is officially called the free throw lane — but players and coaches almost universally call it "the paint" because it is typically painted a separate color.

Key width varies by league:

• NBA: 16 ft (4.88 m)
• FIBA: 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m)
• NCAA and High School: 12 ft (3.66 m)

The Free Throw Line

The free throw line is drawn 2 inches wide, parallel to the baseline, at 15 ft from the face of the backboard across all major governing bodies. This is the one measurement that does not change between the NBA, NCAA, FIBA, or high school play — with the minor exception of FIBA's 15 ft 1 in.

The 3-Point Arc

The 3-point line separates 2-point field goal territory from 3-point territory. Shots made with both feet behind this line — or with the shooter's foot on the line (which counts as inside) — score 3 points. The distance differs meaningfully between levels, as covered in the sections above.

The Restricted Area (No-Charge Arc)

The restricted area arc sits under each basket inside the key. Its radius is 4 ft (1.22 m) in the NBA, NCAA men's, and FIBA. The WNBA and NCAA women's game do not use this marking. The arc protects offensive players from charging fouls when a defender plants themselves directly below the basket.

Hash Marks — Types, Positions, and Purposes

Hash marks are the short line segments you see at several points on the court. They tend to confuse people because they are not explained in most court guides. Here is what each set does:

• Sideline hash marks: Drawn 28 ft from the baseline on each side, extending 3 ft onto the court. These mark where players must be positioned during certain throw-ins.

• Free throw lane hash marks (baseline): Two marks drawn 3 ft from each free throw lane line, extending 6 in onto the court from the baseline. Used to position players during free throw attempts.

• Free throw circle hash marks: Four marks parallel to the baseline, 13 ft from the baseline and 3 ft from the lane lines, each 6 in long. These further define player positioning during free throws.

Lane Space Marks

Inside the key, you will notice small rectangular marks — 2 in × 6 in — along the lane lines. These are lane space marks. During free throw attempts, players lining up on the lane must stand in designated spaces, and these marks define those positions. They are not boundary lines — only the lane lines themselves count as boundaries.

The Substitution Box

Two hash marks drawn perpendicular to the sideline, on each side of the midcourt line, 4 ft apart, define the substitution box in front of the scorer's table. Substitute players must remain in this area until officially checked in.

Summary: Court Markings Quick Reference

Marking	Location	Key Dimension	Purpose
Sidelines	Long court edges	94 ft (NBA/NCAA)	Out-of-bounds boundary
Baselines	Short court edges	50 ft (NBA/NCAA)	Out-of-bounds boundary
Center circle	Court midpoint	12 ft diameter (NBA)	Tip-off location
The key / paint	Under each basket	16 ft wide (NBA)	Defines lane rules
Free throw line	Top of the key	15 ft from backboard	Free throw position
3-point arc	Around each basket	23 ft 9 in center (NBA)	2-point vs. 3-point boundary
Restricted area	Under each basket	4 ft radius	No-charge zone
Sideline hash marks	28 ft from baseline	3 ft long	Throw-in positioning
Lane space marks	Along lane lines	2 in × 6 in	Free throw lane positions
Substitution box	Midcourt sideline	4 ft each side	Player substitution zone

Half Court Basketball Dimensions

Half court games — popular for 3-on-3 play, recreational pickup, and smaller backyards — use one end of the full court. A standard half court measures 47 ft × 50 ft (14.33 m × 15.24 m), which is exactly half the length of an NBA or NCAA court at full width.

For backyard and recreational builds, a half court is by far the most practical option. It requires significantly less space and cost while still accommodating regulation hoop height and a proper 3-point arc if space allows.

Basketball Court Measurements for Home and Recreational Builds

Getting the playing surface right is only part of the picture. What often trips up home builders is not the court dimensions — it is the space around the court.

Minimum Space Needed Including Run-Off Zones

The playing surface alone is not enough. Players need room to decelerate, especially when driving to the basket or chasing out-of-bounds balls. Builders commonly find that failing to account for run-off space is the most frequent planning mistake in backyard court projects.

General recommended clearances around the playing surface:

• Behind each baseline: at least 6–10 ft of clear, level space
• Along each sideline: at least 3–5 ft of clear space
• FIBA specifies a minimum of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) on sidelines and 1 m (3 ft 3 in) behind baselines for sanctioned play — a useful reference for serious builds

For a full-size backyard half court (47 ft × 50 ft) with run-off, plan for a minimum slab or surface of approximately 57–67 ft × 54–58 ft.

Court Surface Materials — Indoor vs. Outdoor

Indoor courts almost universally use hard maple (also called sugar maple or rock maple). It is dense, durable, and provides a consistent ball bounce with some shock absorption for players' joints. Most NBA and NCAA arenas use hard maple flooring.

Outdoor courts are typically built using asphalt or concrete. Asphalt is more forgiving on joints than concrete and is the most common surface in public parks. Concrete is harder and more durable long-term. Synthetic interlocking tile systems are a popular option for backyard builds — they drain well, require no curing time, and can be assembled without professional installation.

What "Regulation Size" Actually Means for Backyard Courts

Strictly speaking, a "regulation" court means the full NBA/NCAA 94 ft × 50 ft with all markings to spec. Most backyard courts are not regulation. That is fine — what matters for recreational play is a consistent hoop height (10 ft), enough room to play safely, and clear 3-point and free throw markings if skill development is the goal.

How Far Is a Mile on a Basketball Court?

A useful reference for anyone using a court for fitness. Running the perimeter of a full NBA or NCAA court (94 ft × 50 ft) covers approximately 288 ft per lap. One mile equals 5,280 ft — so that works out to roughly 18.3 laps around a full NBA or college court. On a high school court (84 ft × 50 ft, perimeter 268 ft), you would need about 19.7 laps to cover a mile.

Conclusion

Basketball court measurements follow a clear pattern: the higher the level of play, the larger the court and the greater the 3-point distance. The free throw line is the one constant across all levels. Whether you are building a court, coaching a team, or just settling a debate, the tables above cover every standard dimension you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of a standard basketball court?

A standard NBA and NCAA court is 94 ft × 50 ft. High school courts are 84 ft × 50 ft. FIBA and Olympic courts are 28 m × 15 m (91 ft 10 in × 49 ft 3 in). The right answer depends on which level of play you mean.

How wide is the key on an NBA court compared to a high school court?

The NBA key is 16 ft (4.88 m) wide. High school and NCAA courts use a narrower 12 ft (3.66 m) key. FIBA sits in between at 15 ft 9 in (4.80 m).

What is the 3-point line distance in the NBA and NCAA?

The NBA 3-point line is 23 ft 9 in from the basket center, shortening to 22 ft in the corners. The NCAA line is 22 ft (updated in 2019–20 for men, 2021–22 for women). Older sources may incorrectly list 20 ft 9 in for NCAA.

What is the no-charge arc in basketball?

The no-charge arc is a 4 ft radius semicircle under each basket. Any defensive player standing inside it cannot draw an offensive charging foul. It is used in the NBA, NCAA men's, and FIBA games.

How much space do I need to build a backyard basketball court?

For a half court (47 ft × 50 ft) with adequate run-off, plan for a minimum surface of around 57–67 ft × 54–58 ft. Full-size courts need at least 104 ft × 60 ft of total cleared space including buffer zones.