When you step onto any basketball court, whether it’s an NBA arena or your backyard basketball court, the dimensions matter more than most players realize. Basketball court measurements define the official court size, dimensions, and markings used in professional basketball, NCAA basketball, high school basketball, and recreational play. This complete guide to basketball court dimensions will walk you through everything you need to know about court size, markings, and layouts across different levels of play.
Basketball court measurements refer to the official length, width, and line markings that define a basketball court. Standard court size varies by league, including NBA, NCAA, high school, and FIBA regulations.
What Is a Basketball Court and Why Do Measurements Matter?
A basketball court is a rectangular playing surface where basketball games take place. The dimensions of a basketball court directly influence player movement, shooting range, defensive strategies, and overall gameplay. Basketball courts come in various sizes depending on the level of competition, but most follow standardized measurements that ensure fair play and consistent skill development.
The court basketball experience changes dramatically based on size. A smaller court makes the game faster and more physical, while larger dimensions allow for more spacing and strategic play. This is why professional basketball organizations like the National Basketball Association and NCAA maintain strict standards for their playing surfaces.
Court dimensions vary slightly between different governing bodies, but they all serve the same purpose: creating a safe, competitive environment where players can showcase their skills. Whether you’re playing on indoor basketball courts or an outdoor basketball surface, knowing these measurements helps you appreciate the game’s technical aspects.
Read more : How Long Is a Basketball Game? Average Length by League
Standard Basketball Court Dimensions: The Full Picture
The standard basketball court dimensions in North America follow precise specifications that have shaped the game for decades. The dimensions of a basketball court at the professional and collegiate level create the foundation for competitive play.
Standard Basketball Court Measurements
Standard Court Dimensions:
- Length: 94 feet
- Width: 50 feet
- Total area: 4,700 square feet
- Surface: Hardwood (maple preferred)
The most common standard basketball court in North America measures 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. This creates a playing surface of 4,700 square feet, which you’ll find in NBA arenas, NCAA facilities, and many high school gymnasiums. These measurements have become the gold standard for serious basketball facilities across the country.
Court Dimensions by League
| League/Level | Length | Width | Total Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 94 feet | 50 feet | 4,700 sq ft |
| NCAA | 94 feet | 50 feet | 4,700 sq ft |
| FIBA | 91.9 feet (28m) | 49 feet (15m) | 4,520 sq ft |
| High School | 84 feet | 50 feet | 4,200 sq ft |
| Junior High | 74 feet | 42-50 feet | 3,108-3,700 sq ft |
The standard court size of 94 feet by 50 feet provides enough room for five players per team to move freely while maintaining the intensity that makes basketball exciting. This measurement became standardized in the early 20th century and has remained largely unchanged since then.
For international basketball, the FIBA court measures slightly smaller at approximately 92 feet long and 49 feet wide. This difference might seem minor, but it affects three-point shooting distances and overall court spacing in international competitions.
NBA Basketball Court Measurements: Professional Standards
The NBA basketball court represents the pinnacle of basketball court specifications. Each NBA court must meet exact requirements that define professional basketball at the highest level.
NBA Court Dimensions
NBA Basketball Court Measurements:
- Length: 94 feet
- Width: 50 feet
- Free throw line distance: 15 feet from backboard
- Three-point line: 22 feet (corners), 23.75 feet (top of arc)
- Lane width: 16 feet
- Restricted area: 4-foot arc under basket
The NBA basketball court must measure exactly 94 feet long by 50 feet wide, with no exceptions. The playing surface in NBA arenas uses premium hardwood flooring, typically made from maple, which provides the perfect balance of durability and ball response.
The NBA and NCAA share the same overall court dimensions, but their court markings differ in important ways. The NBA three-point line extends 22 feet from the basket in the corners and 23 feet, 9 inches at the top of the arc. This makes NBA basketball more challenging for long-range shooters compared to other levels.
The free throw line sits 15 feet from the backboard across all levels of play. This consistency helps players develop muscle memory that translates from practice courts to professional arenas. The lane, also called “the key,” measures 16 feet wide in NBA play, which is wider than most other leagues.
The court layout in the NBA includes several specialized zones:
- The restricted area: A 4-foot arc under the basket where defenders cannot draw charging fouls
- The three-point arc: Varies from 22 feet in corners to 23.75 feet at the top
- The lane (paint): 16 feet wide and extends from the baseline to the free throw line
- Center circle: 12 feet in diameter at the center of the court
These key measurements create the strategic depth that makes professional basketball so compelling. Players must master spacing within these defined areas to compete at the highest level.
NCAA and College Basketball Court Dimensions
NCAA basketball courts follow the same basic size as the NBA, measuring 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. However, college basketball features distinct markings that differentiate it from professional play.
NCAA Court Dimensions
NCAA Basketball Court Dimensions:
- Length: 94 feet
- Width: 50 feet
- Three-point line: 22 feet, 1.75 inches
- Free throw line: 15 feet from backboard
- Lane width: 12 feet
- Center circle diameter: 12 feet
The NCAA court dimensions include a narrower lane than the NBA. The paint measures 12 feet wide instead of 16 feet, which creates more room for post players to operate and affects defensive positioning. This is one of the key differences when comparing NBA and NCAA basketball court specifications.
NCAA basketball court dimensions must be precisely maintained at all member institutions. The court diagram for NCAA play includes:
- Baseline: 50 feet wide running the length of the court
- Sideline: 94 feet long on each side
- Free throw line: 15 feet from the backboard, with a 12 feet wide lane
- Three-point line: 22 feet, 1.75 inches from the basket
- Center circle: 12 feet wide in diameter
The NCAA also requires specific court line widths, typically 2 inches, and strict color contrast standards to ensure visibility for players and officials. These regulations help maintain consistency across thousands of basketball courts used in college basketball programs nationwide.
High School Basketball Court Measurements
High school basketball court dimensions differ slightly from professional and collegiate standards. Most high school court surfaces measure 84 feet long and 50 feet wide, making them 10 feet shorter than NBA and NCAA courts.
High School Court Dimensions
High School Basketball Court Measurements:
- Length: 84 feet
- Width: 50 feet
- Three-point line: 19 feet, 9 inches
- Free throw line: 15 feet from backboard
- Lane width: 12 feet
- Basketball hoop height: 10 feet
This adjustment accounts for younger players’ development and smaller gymnasium spaces in many schools. The high school basketball three-point line sits at 19 feet, 9 inches from the basket, significantly shorter than higher levels. This distance allows developing shooters to attempt three-pointers without requiring NBA-level strength. The high school court lane width matches the NCAA at 12 feet rather than the NBA‘s 16 feet.
Junior high basketball courts scale down even further, typically measuring 74 feet long and 42-50 feet wide. These dimensions and markings help younger players develop proper shooting form and court awareness without the overwhelming space of a full court.
Key specifications for high school basketball courts include proper basketball hoop height at 10 feet (standard for all ages) and consistent free throw line placement that matches professional standards.
FIBA and International Basketball Court Standards
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) governs basketball outside North America, and FIBA court dimensions reflect the metric system.
FIBA Court Dimensions
FIBA Basketball Court Measurements:
- Length: 91.9 feet (28 meters)
- Width: 49 feet (15 meters)
- Three-point line: 22.15 feet (6.75 meters)
- Free throw line: 15 feet from backboard
- Lane width: 16 feet
- Restricted area: 4.1 feet arc
A FIBA court measures 28 meters long by 15 meters wide, which converts to approximately 91.9 feet by 49 feet. This makes FIBA courts slightly smaller than their American counterparts.
The FIBA three-point line creates a semicircle 6.75 meters (22.15 feet) from the basket, with no straight-line corner sections like in NBA play. This curved design affects corner three-point shooting strategies in international basketball competitions.
FIBA court specifications that differ from NBA standards:
- Court length: 91.9 feet (vs. 94 feet)
- Width of the court: 49 feet (vs. 50 feet wide)
- Three-point distance: 22.15 feet uniform (vs. 22-23.75 feet in NBA)
- Lane width: 16 feet wide (matching NBA)
- Restricted area: 4.1 feet (vs. 4 feet in NBA)
These differences become especially important during Olympic competitions and international tournaments, where NBA players must adjust to FIBA spacing and shooting distances. The type of basketball court used in international play has influenced recent rule changes in American leagues, creating more alignment between global standards.
Basketball Half Court Dimensions and Layout
A basketball half court measures exactly half the length of the court, making it a popular choice for residential and recreational installations.
Half Court Dimensions
Basketball Half Court Measurements:
- Length: 47 feet (NBA/NCAA standard) or 42 feet (high school)
- Width: 50 feet
- Total area: Approximately 2,350 square feet
- Key features: One basket, free throw line, three-point arc
The dimensions of a half court include one basket, a free throw line, and typically the three-point arc. Many home court installations choose half court designs because they require roughly 2,350 square feet compared to 4,700 square feet for a full court.
Half court basketball offers several advantages:
- Lower cost: Approximately half the installation expense
- Space efficiency: Fits in smaller backyards or indoor facilities
- Training focus: Excellent for skill development and shooting practice
- Recreational value: Perfect for pickup games with 6-8 players
The basketball half court layout maintains all the essential court markings from the baseline to center of the court, including the key, free throw line, and three-point arc. This makes it ideal for practicing game-realistic shots and plays.
Outdoor Basketball and Backyard Court Design
Outdoor basketball courts follow the same basic dimensions of basketball as indoor facilities, but court dimensions vary based on available space and budget. A typical backyard basketball court might use half court dimensions or even smaller custom sizes to fit residential properties.
When planning a home basketball court, you’ll need to consider several factors beyond simple measurements. The court is typically built on a concrete or asphalt base, with proper drainage and weather-resistant materials. Many homeowners opt for a half court design measuring approximately 30-47 feet long by 25-50 feet wide.
Outdoor basketball court construction checklist:
- Surface material: Concrete, asphalt, or modular tiles
- Slope and drainage: Minimum 1% grade for water runoff
- Basketball goal placement: Regulation 10 feet height
- Court line painting: Weather-resistant paint
- Lighting: For evening play
- Fencing: Optional boundary protection
The court measures for a quality backyard basketball court should allow for safe out-of-bounds space beyond the playing surface. Court designer professionals recommend adding 10 feet of clearance beyond each baseline and 5 feet beyond sidelines when possible.
Basketball Court Markings: Essential Lines and Zones
Court markings define the playing zones that make a basketball game possible. Every basketball court diagram includes these fundamental lines:
Boundary lines form the court perimeter at 94 feet long and 50 feet wide for standard courts. The baseline runs along each end of the court beneath the baskets, while sidelines extend the full length. These court line markings must be 2 inches wide and clearly visible.
The free throw line creates one of basketball’s most important zones. Located exactly 15 feet from the backboard, this line anchors the key (paint), which extends from the baseline to the free throw line. The key width varies by league: 12 feet wide for NCAA and high school, 16 feet wide for NBA and FIBA.
The three-point line revolutionized modern basketball when introduced. Its distance varies significantly:
- NBA: 22 feet in corners, 23.75 feet at top of arc
- NCAA: 22 feet, 1.75 inches uniform
- High school: 19 feet, 9 inches
- FIBA: 22.15 feet uniform
The center circle sits at the exact center of the court and measures 12 feet in diameter. This is where jump balls occur and where the game begins. Additional court markings include the restricted area arc (4 feet from basket center) and coaching boxes along the sidelines.
Guide to Basketball Court Dimensions for Custom Builds
This guide to basketball court dimensions helps anyone planning a custom court installation. The standard dimensions provide an excellent starting point, but basketball court dimensions vary based on your specific needs, available space, and intended use.
For residential projects, a home basketball court doesn’t need to follow NBA or NCAA regulations exactly. Many families build modified courts that fit their property while maintaining proper proportions. A common approach uses half court dimensions with a single basketball hoop, which still provides an excellent playing experience.
Court basketball construction considerations:
- Minimum space: 30 feet x 25 feet for basic play
- Recommended minimum: 42-47 feet x 50 feet wide for half court
- Full court: 84 feet (high school) or 94 feet (regulation) long
- Safety clearance: Additional 5-10 feet beyond boundaries
The basketball league level you’re targeting should guide your dimensions. If you’re preparing young players for high school basketball, building an 84 feet long court makes sense. For general recreation, a smaller custom size works perfectly well.
Professional court designer services can help optimize your space. They’ll assess your property, recommend appropriate court measures, and ensure proper installation of the playing surface, basketball goal, and court markings. The investment in professional design often pays off through better playability and longer court life.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Basketball Court Size
Basketball court measurements vary across different levels of play, but they all serve the purpose of creating fair, competitive, and safe playing environments. The standard basketball court dimensions of 94 feet by 50 feet dominate professional basketball, college basketball, and many high school programs. Meanwhile, FIBA courts measure slightly smaller, and youth programs often use reduced dimensions.
Whether you’re building a home court, designing basketball facilities, or simply want to better appreciate the basketball game, knowing these measurements deepens your connection to the sport. The dimensions vary based on age, competition level, and available space, but the joy of basketball remains constant across all court sizes.
From the precise 50 feet wide measurement to the 16 feet key in NBA play, every dimension shapes how basketball is played. These specifications have evolved over decades to create the dynamic, fast-paced sport we love today.
FAQs
What Are the Official Basketball Court Measurements?
Official basketball court measurements vary by league, but a standard professional and NCAA court measures 94 feet long by 50 feet wide, with specific markings for the key, free throw line, and three-point arc.
How Big Is a Standard Basketball Court?
A standard basketball court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide, creating a total playing area of 4,700 square feet.
Are All Basketball Courts the Same Size?
No, basketball courts vary by level of play, with NBA and NCAA courts at 94×50 feet, high school courts at 84×50 feet, and FIBA courts slightly smaller.
What Is the Free Throw Line Distance?
The free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard, and this distance is consistent across NBA, NCAA, high school, and FIBA basketball.
How Large Is a Basketball Half Court?
A basketball half court typically measures 47 feet long by 50 feet wide for NBA and NCAA standards, or 42 feet long for high school play.
What Size Court Is Best for a Backyard Basketball Court?
A half court measuring 30–47 feet long by 25–50 feet wide is ideal for most backyard basketball courts, balancing space, cost, and playability.
What Is the Difference Between NBA, NCAA, and High School Court Size?
NBA and NCAA courts measure 94×50 feet, while high school basketball courts are shorter at 84×50 feet, with closer three-point lines.
