Regulation Basketball Court Dimensions: NBA, College, High School and FIBA
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Quick answer: An NBA and college basketball court is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. A high school court is 84 by 50 feet. An international FIBA court is 28 by 15 meters (about 91.9 by 49.2 feet). At every level, the rim is 10 feet high and the free-throw line is 15 feet from the backboard.
Whether you are planning a backyard court, painting lines in a church gym, or just curious why the high school three is so much shorter than the NBA three, this guide covers every key measurement.
Court Dimensions by Level
| Level | Court size | 3-point line (top of arc) | Lane width |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 94 × 50 ft | 23 ft 9 in (22 ft in corners) | 16 ft |
| WNBA | 94 × 50 ft | 22 ft 1.75 in | 16 ft |
| NCAA (men and women) | 94 × 50 ft | 22 ft 1.75 in | 12 ft |
| High school (NFHS) | 84 × 50 ft | 19 ft 9 in | 12 ft |
| FIBA | 28 × 15 m | 6.75 m (6.6 m in corners) | 4.9 m |
| Junior high (typical) | 74 × 42 ft | Varies by league | 12 ft |
Key Court Markings Explained
Rim and Backboard
The top of the rim is 10 feet above the floor. The rim is 18 inches in diameter. A regulation backboard is 72 inches wide and 42 inches tall, and its face sits 4 feet in from the baseline.
Free-Throw Line
The free-throw line is 15 feet from the face of the backboard, which puts it about 19 feet from the baseline. It is the same distance in the NBA, college and high school.
The Lane (Key or Paint)
The lane is the painted rectangle under the basket. It is 16 feet wide in the NBA and WNBA and 12 feet wide in college and high school.
Three-Point Line
The three-point line has changed the most over the years. College basketball moved its line back to the international distance of 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 m) for men in 2019 and for women in 2021. The NBA line remains the deepest at 23 feet 9 inches at the top of the arc.
Center Circle and Restricted Area
The center circle has a 6-foot radius (12 feet across) in US basketball. The NBA restricted area under the basket is an arc with a 4-foot radius, measured from the center of the basket.
Backyard and Half-Court Sizes
Most home courts are half courts or smaller. Here are common sizes and what fits on each:
| Home court size | What fits |
|---|---|
| 20 × 20 ft | Shooting pad, free-throw line, short-range shots |
| 30 × 30 ft | Lane, free-throw line and a high school three from the top |
| 30 × 50 ft | Full-width half court for pickup 2-on-2 and 3-on-3 |
| 47 × 50 ft | Regulation NBA/college half court |
Leave at least 3 feet of clear space around the playing area if you can. Players need run-off room to avoid fences, cars and walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet is a basketball court?
An NBA or college court is 4,700 square feet (94 × 50). A high school court is 4,200 square feet (84 × 50).
Why is a high school court shorter?
Many school gyms were built before the 94-foot standard became common, so the high school rules allow an 84-foot court. Some high schools do play on 94-foot floors.
Is the hoop height the same for all levels?
Yes, 10 feet for high school, college, the pros and FIBA. Youth leagues often lower it; see our hoop height by age guide.
The Bottom Line
Remember three numbers: 94 by 50 feet for the NBA and college, 84 by 50 feet for high school, and a 10-foot rim everywhere. For a home court, a 30 by 30 foot pad covers most practice needs.
