Basketball Court Dimensions and Lines: FIBA, NBA, and NCAA Explained
Basketball courts look similar at first glance, but the exact measurements depend on the ruleset being used.
A FIBA court is slightly smaller than an NBA or NCAA court. The three-point line also changes between FIBA, NBA, and NCAA basketball, which is why one diagram cannot accurately represent every level of the sport.
This beginner guide explains the most important basketball court dimensions and lines, including the overall court size, three-point line, free-throw line, key, center line, sidelines, end lines, and basket height.
If you are completely new to basketball, start with How to Play Basketball: A Complete Beginner’s Guide. For the rules that apply once the ball is in play, see Basketball Rules for Beginners: Simple Rules You Need to Know.
Quick answer: A standard FIBA court is 28 metres long and 15 metres wide. NBA and NCAA courts are 94 feet long and 50 feet wide. The basket is 10 feet (3.05 m) high in all three systems, but the three-point line and some court markings differ.
Basketball Court Dimensions at a Glance
The easiest comparison is:
| Ruleset | Court length | Court width | Main three-point distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIBA | 28 m | 15 m | 6.75 m arc |
| NBA | 94 ft | 50 ft | 23 ft 9 in arc |
| NCAA | 94 ft | 50 ft | 22 ft 1 3/4 in arc |
The NBA and NCAA use the same overall court size, but they do not use the same three-point line.
FIBA uses metric measurements and is slightly shorter and narrower than the NBA/NCAA court.
How Big Is a FIBA Basketball Court?
Under the FIBA court specification, the playing court measures:
28 metres long
and
15 metres wide.
That is approximately:
91 feet 10 inches long
and
49 feet 3 inches wide.
FIBA measures the playing court from the inner edge of the boundary lines.
The court is therefore slightly smaller than an NBA or NCAA court.
FIBA Court Lines
FIBA court markings include:
- sidelines
- end lines
- center line
- center circle
- free-throw lines
- restricted areas
- three-point lines
- no-charge semicircles
- throw-in markings used in specific situations
The boundary lines themselves are not part of the playing court.
FIBA’s 2026 rules are the current international rules baseline. The standard court dimensions remain the familiar 28 m by 15 m format used for full-size FIBA basketball.
How Big Is an NBA Basketball Court?
An NBA court measures:
94 feet long
and
50 feet wide.
In metric terms, that is approximately:
28.65 metres long
and
15.24 metres wide.
So an NBA court is about:
- 0.65 m longer than a FIBA court
- 0.24 m wider than a FIBA court
Those differences may sound small, but they change the available spacing around the floor.
How Big Is an NCAA Basketball Court?
NCAA men’s and women’s basketball use a court that is:
94 feet long
and
50 feet wide.
That matches the overall NBA court size.
However, NCAA basketball does not use every NBA court marking.
The most obvious difference for a beginner is the three-point line.
FIBA vs NBA vs NCAA: What Is Actually Different?
A useful beginner rule is:
NBA and NCAA = same overall court size
FIBA = slightly smaller overall court
But the line markings create additional differences.
The three-point line is the clearest example.
How Far Is the Three-Point Line?
The three-point distance is not universal.
FIBA Three-Point Line
FIBA uses an arc with a radius of:
6.75 metres
measured from the point on the floor directly beneath the center of the basket to the outer edge of the arc.
Near the corners, the line becomes straight and runs parallel to the sidelines.
The outer edge of those parallel lines is 0.90 m from the inner edge of the sideline.
NBA Three-Point Line
The NBA three-point arc is:
23 feet 9 inches
from the center of the basket.
Near the corners, the NBA uses straight parallel lines located 3 feet from the sidelines.
Because of the court geometry, the NBA corner three is shorter than the top-of-the-arc three.
The corner distance is approximately 22 feet.
NCAA Three-Point Line
Current NCAA men’s and women’s basketball use a three-point line of:
22 feet 1 3/4 inches
from the center of the basket to the outside edge of the arc.
In the corners, the NCAA distance is approximately:
21 feet 7 7/8 inches.
That places the NCAA three-point line:
- farther out than FIBA’s in some parts of the court
- closer than the NBA arc
Beginner Memory Tip
Think of the three systems this way:
FIBA — 6.75 m
NCAA — 22 ft 1 3/4 in
NBA — 23 ft 9 in
The NBA has the deepest main three-point arc of the three.
Is the Three-Point Line Itself Worth Three Points?
No.
A player must release a shot from outside the three-point line for the basket to count as three points.
If the shooter is touching the three-point line when the shot is released, the attempt is treated as a two-point shot.
This is why officials pay close attention to the shooter’s feet on close three-point attempts.
If you’re ready to work on your shooting technique, our beginner guide on how to shoot a basketball explains stance, balance, release, and follow-through.
How Far Is the Free-Throw Line?
The free-throw line is another important court landmark.
FIBA Free-Throw Line
In FIBA basketball, the free-throw line is positioned so its farthest edge is:
5.80 metres from the inner edge of the end line.
The line itself is 3.60 metres long.
NBA Free-Throw Line
In the NBA, the free-throw line is:
15 feet from the plane of the face of the backboard.
NCAA Free-Throw Line
NCAA basketball also places the free-throw line:
15 feet from the plane of the face of the backboard.
For beginners, the simplest thing to remember is that the NBA and NCAA use the familiar 15-foot free-throw distance.
What Is the Key or Paint?
The rectangular area extending from the end line to the free-throw line is commonly called the:
key
or
paint.
It is formally connected to the free-throw lane or restricted-area markings, depending on the ruleset and the exact rule being discussed.
This area matters because several basketball rules depend on a player’s location inside or around the lane.
For example, offensive three-second rules are tied to this area.
The exact lane width can differ by ruleset.
NBA Lane Width
The NBA lane is 16 feet wide.
NCAA Lane Width
The NCAA free-throw lane is 12 feet wide.
FIBA Restricted Area Width
FIBA’s restricted area is approximately 4.90 metres wide between the outside edges of the lane lines near the end line.
For a beginner, do not try to memorize every lane-space marking immediately.
First learn to recognize the paint as the rectangular area below the free-throw line.
How High Is a Basketball Hoop?
The basket ring is:
10 feet above the floor
which is approximately:
3.05 metres.
That height is standard across FIBA, NBA, and NCAA basketball.
This is one of the major court measurements that does not change between these three rulesets.
How Big Is the Backboard?
NBA backboards measure:
6 feet wide
and
3 feet 6 inches high.
FIBA uses a very similar standard backboard size of approximately:
1.80 m wide
and
1.05 m high.
For a beginner learning court layout, the most important idea is that the basket and backboard sit beyond the end line while the rim projects over the playing area.
What Are the Main Lines on a Basketball Court?
A basketball court contains several markings that tell players and officials where different rules apply.
Sidelines
The sidelines run along the long sides of the court.
If the ball or a player with the ball touches the boundary or the floor outside it, the ball is out of bounds.
End Lines
The end lines—often casually called baselines—run behind each basket.
They mark the short ends of the court.
Center Line
The center line divides the court into two halves.
It is important for determining frontcourt and backcourt status and for timing rules involving advancing the ball.
Center Circle
The center circle surrounds midcourt and is used at the opening jump ball in rulesets that begin the game that way.
Free-Throw Line
The free-throw line marks the position behind which a free-throw shooter attempts a free throw.
Lane Lines
The lane lines form the sides of the key or paint.
They also define lane spaces used during free throws.
Three-Point Line
The three-point line separates two-point and three-point field-goal areas.
Because FIBA, NBA, and NCAA use different distances, this is one of the easiest lines to notice when a venue has multiple basketball markings.
Restricted or No-Charge Arc
Near the basket, some rulesets mark a semicircle used when judging certain charging/blocking situations.
The exact rule and dimensions depend on the governing ruleset.
That is why you should not assume every arc near the basket means exactly the same thing in every competition.
Why Do Some Basketball Courts Have Multiple Three-Point Lines?
Many gyms host several levels of basketball.
A single floor may be used for:
- international-style basketball
- college basketball
- professional basketball
- high school or youth basketball
- recreational leagues
That can create several arcs or lines on the same floor.
If you are playing in an organized game, identify the ruleset before warm-ups.
Do not assume the farthest or nearest visible arc is automatically yours.
Are Boundary Lines In or Out in Basketball?
The boundary lines mark the edge of the playing court.
A player is out of bounds when the player touches the boundary line or the floor outside the court while controlling or touching the ball under the applicable out-of-bounds rule.
For beginners, remember:
Basketball boundary line = out
This is different from some sports where touching a boundary line may count as in.
For more information about out-of-bounds situations, traveling, double dribbling, and other infractions, read our guide to basketball fouls and violations.
Does Court Size Change the Way Basketball Is Played?
Yes, although the differences are only part of the game.
Court size and line placement can influence:
- spacing
- driving lanes
- three-point shooting distance
- defensive positioning
- transition distance
- where players stand in half-court offense
For example, the NBA’s deeper main three-point arc creates more distance between perimeter shooters and the basket than the FIBA arc.
But beginners should not overcomplicate this.
Your first goal is to recognize the important areas of the floor and know which lines apply to the game you are playing.
How Court Lines Relate to Basketball Positions
Court markings help explain why different basketball positions tend to operate in different spaces.
Guards often spend more time around the perimeter and above the three-point line.
Wings move between perimeter, corner, and driving areas.
Forwards and centers often spend more time near the lane, short corner, blocks, and basket.
Modern basketball is flexible, so these are not fixed zones.
But understanding the court makes positional explanations much easier to follow.
Common Beginner Court-Line Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming Every Basketball Court Is the Same Size
FIBA courts are smaller than NBA and NCAA courts.
Fix: Check the ruleset before using a measurement.
Mistake 2: Assuming Every Three-Point Line Is the Same
The FIBA, NBA, and NCAA three-point lines differ.
Fix: Learn the line used in your competition.
Mistake 3: Calling the End Line the Free-Throw Line
The end line is behind the basket.
The free-throw line is in front of the basket at the top of the lane.
Fix: Identify the paint first, then locate the free-throw line at its far end.
Mistake 4: Thinking the Three-Point Line Counts as Outside the Arc
Touching the three-point line does not make a shot a three-pointer.
Fix: The shooter must be outside the line at release.
Mistake 5: Thinking the Boundary Line Is In
In basketball, the boundary itself is out of bounds.
Fix: Keep your feet completely inside the court when saving a ball near the sideline or end line.
Mistake 6: Confusing the Key With the Restricted Arc
The key or paint is the larger rectangular lane area.
The restricted/no-charge arc is the smaller semicircle near the basket.
Fix: Treat them as separate court markings with different rule purposes.
Basketball Court Dimensions FAQ
What are standard basketball court dimensions?
There is no single universal full-size measurement. FIBA uses 28 m × 15 m, while NBA and NCAA courts use 94 ft × 50 ft.
Is an NBA court bigger than a FIBA court?
Yes. An NBA court is slightly longer and wider than a FIBA court.
Are NBA and NCAA courts the same size?
Yes, in overall length and width. Both use courts measuring 94 feet by 50 feet.
Their markings still differ, especially the three-point line.
How far is the NBA three-point line?
The main NBA arc is 23 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket, with a shorter corner distance of about 22 feet.
How far is the NCAA three-point line?
Current NCAA men’s and women’s basketball use a main three-point distance of 22 feet 1 3/4 inches.
How far is the FIBA three-point line?
The FIBA three-point arc has a radius of 6.75 metres.
How high is a basketball hoop?
The rim is 10 feet (3.05 m) above the playing floor.
Is the basketball boundary line in or out?
The boundary is out of bounds. A player touching the boundary while involved with the ball can be ruled out of bounds under the applicable rule.
Why are there several lines on some basketball courts?
Multi-use gyms often host several competitions, so they may contain markings for different rulesets or age groups.
Final Takeaway
Basketball court dimensions depend on the ruleset.
Remember the three most important comparisons:
FIBA court — 28 m × 15 m
NBA court — 94 ft × 50 ft
NCAA court — 94 ft × 50 ft
Then remember that the three-point lines differ:
FIBA — 6.75 m
NCAA — 22 ft 1 3/4 in
NBA — 23 ft 9 in
The hoop remains 10 feet high across all three.
Once you understand the sidelines, end lines, center line, key, free-throw line, and three-point line, the rest of the basketball court becomes much easier to read.
Your Next Lesson
Basketball Equipment for Beginners: What You Need to Start Playing
While continuing through the Sports Made Clear basketball learning path, you can also review:
How to Play Basketball: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Basketball Rules for Beginners: Simple Rules You Need to Know
Basketball Positions Explained: Roles 1 Through 5 for Beginners
Or return to the Basketball Learning Hub to follow the beginner path in order.
Rules Sources
This guide separates court measurements by governing ruleset rather than treating all basketball courts as identical.
FIBA: Current international basketball uses the FIBA Official Basketball Rules. FIBA’s 2026 rules took effect October 1, 2026. Official court specifications use a 28 m × 15 m court and a 6.75 m three-point arc.
FIBA Official Basketball Rules
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026 announcement
NBA: NBA Rule No. 1 covers court dimensions and equipment, including the 23 ft 9 in three-point arc and the 15-foot free-throw line measurement from the plane of the backboard.
NBA Rule No. 1 — Court Dimensions and Equipment
NCAA: NCAA men’s and women’s basketball playing-rules resources provide the official college court specifications. NCAA courts are 94 ft × 50 ft, and current men’s and women’s three-point lines use the 22 ft 1 3/4 in distance.
NCAA Men’s Basketball Playing Rules
NCAA Women’s Basketball Playing Rules
Last reviewed: October 7, 2026