A regulation NBA and college basketball court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. FIBA international courts are slightly smaller at 28 by 15 meters, about 91.9 by 49.2 feet, and many high school courts are 84 feet long. The rim sits 10 feet above the floor at every level. Beyond overall size, the biggest differences between levels are the three-point distance, the lane width and the size of the restricted area under the basket.
Court Sizes by Level
| Level | Length and width |
|---|---|
| NBA and WNBA | 94 by 50 feet |
| NCAA (men and women) | 94 by 50 feet |
| FIBA | 28 by 15 meters (about 91.9 by 49.2 feet) |
| High school | 84 by 50 feet is common, though some gyms are larger or smaller |
| Middle school and youth | Often 74 to 84 feet long, depending on the facility |
Many older gyms and recreation centers do not have full regulation dimensions, and local leagues often adapt their rules to the space available.
Key Court Markings
| Marking | NBA | NCAA | FIBA | High school |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three-point line at top | 23 ft 9 in | 22 ft 1.75 in | 6.75 m | 19 ft 9 in |
| Three-point line in corners | 22 ft | Shorter than at the top | 6.60 m | Same arc, often shortened by court width |
| Free throw line | 15 ft from the backboard | 15 ft from the backboard | 5.80 m from the end line | 15 ft from the backboard |
| Lane width | 16 ft | 12 ft | 4.9 m | 12 ft |
| Rim height | 10 ft | 10 ft | 3.05 m | 10 ft |
The Basket and Backboard
The rim is 18 inches in diameter, large enough for about two regulation balls to pass through side by side. At official levels, the backboard measures 6 feet wide and 3.5 feet tall, or 1.8 by 1.05 meters under FIBA rules, with a smaller rectangle painted above the rim to help shooters aim. The face of the backboard sits 4 feet inside the end line in NBA and college play and about 1.2 meters inside it in FIBA play, which means players can run and pass behind the basket.
The Lane, Free Throw Line and Restricted Area
The lane, also called the key or paint, is the rectangle extending from the baseline to the free throw line. Offensive players cannot stay in it for more than three seconds while their team has the ball. The free throw line marks where free throws are shot, 15 feet from the backboard in U.S. play. Under the basket, a restricted area arc marks where a secondary defender generally cannot draw a charging foul. It has a 4-foot radius in the NBA and NCAA, and a 1.25-meter radius in FIBA play. Many high school courts do not have a restricted area.
Center Circle and Half-Court Line
The half-court line divides the court into frontcourt and backcourt, which matters for backcourt violations and time limits to advance the ball. The center circle, used for the opening jump ball, has a diameter of 12 feet on U.S. courts and 3.6 meters under FIBA rules. Coaching boxes, substitution areas and team benches are also marked along the sidelines, with specific locations set by each level’s rules.
Court Surfaces and Space Around the Court
Most indoor courts use hardwood, commonly maple, which provides consistent bounce and some shock absorption. Many modern facilities also use synthetic sports flooring. Outdoor courts are usually asphalt or concrete, sometimes coated with acrylic surfaces or covered with interlocking modular tiles that improve grip and reduce impact. Beyond the lines, official rules call for a clear area around the court, often at least 3 feet and preferably more, so players can run out of bounds safely. Walls, bleachers and stages close to the boundary lines increase injury risk, which is why many gyms add padding behind the baskets.
Half Court vs Full Court
A half court covers one basket and is enough for most individual skill work, shooting practice and three-on-three games. A full court is needed for five-on-five games, transition drills and full-court press work. Official three-on-three basketball under FIBA rules uses a half court of 15 by 11 meters with a single basket, a format that has grown into an Olympic event.
Why Court Dimensions Matter
Court size affects how the game is played. A longer three-point line spreads defenses farther from the basket and changes how often teams shoot threes. A wider lane, as in the NBA, pushes post players farther from the rim. Smaller high school courts make full-court pressure easier, while larger professional courts create more space for transition play. Players moving between levels, such as from high school to college, often need time to adjust their shooting range and spacing to the new lines.
How to Lay Out a Home or Driveway Court Step by Step
- Measure your space. Determine how much flat, safe surface you have. A half court for practice often needs roughly 30 to 47 feet of depth, depending on your goals.
- Set the hoop height. Install the rim at 10 feet for older players, or use an adjustable hoop for younger children.
- Mark the free throw line. Measure 15 feet from the face of the backboard, straight out toward the court.
- Mark the lane. Use 12 feet wide for high school and college practice, or 16 feet to match NBA spacing.
- Draw the three-point arc. Choose the distance that matches the level you play, such as 19 feet 9 inches for high school.
- Use durable paint or tape. Choose outdoor court paint or temporary tape depending on your surface.
- Check safety. Keep enough space behind the hoop and away from walls, cars or other hazards.
Converting Common Measurements
Because FIBA uses metric measurements and U.S. levels use feet, conversions can be confusing. One meter is about 3.28 feet, so the FIBA three-point distance of 6.75 meters is about 22 feet 1.75 inches, which is why the NCAA adopted that distance to align with international play. The FIBA rim height of 3.05 meters equals the familiar 10 feet.
Rulebook note: Official court specifications are published by the NBA, FIBA, NCAA and the National Federation of State High School Associations. Rules allow some variation, especially for existing high school facilities, and governing bodies update markings from time to time. Check the current rulebook for your level before painting lines or planning a facility.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
- Assuming all three-point lines are the same. The distance differs between the NBA, college, FIBA and high school.
- Measuring the free throw line from the baseline. In U.S. play it is measured from the face of the backboard.
- Forgetting the backboard overhang. The basket is inside the court, not on the baseline.
- Setting the rim too high or low. Even small differences can affect shooting practice.
- Ignoring the restricted area. It matters for charge calls at levels that use it.
- Not leaving safe space behind the hoop. Players need room to finish and land safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a basketball court?
NBA and college courts are 94 by 50 feet, FIBA courts are 28 by 15 meters, and many high school courts are 84 by 50 feet.
How far is the free throw line from the basket?
In U.S. play, the free throw line is 15 feet from the face of the backboard, which puts it slightly less than 14 feet from the center of the rim.
How high is a basketball hoop?
The rim is 10 feet above the floor at nearly every level, though youth leagues often use lower hoops for young players.
