How long is a basketball court? Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and the size of the court plays a major role in fair play, performance, and player safety. Whether you’re planning to build a new court for a school, society, academy, club, or sports complex, understanding the exact measurements is essential. In this guide, we answer the question “How long is a basketball court?” and explain all official dimensions according to FIBA (International), NBA, and NCAA standards.
Professional Basketball: NBA and FIBA Standards
At the highest level of professional basketball, two main governing bodies set the standards: the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
NBA Court Dimensions:
- Length: 94 feet (28.65 meters)
- Width: 50 feet (15.24 meters)
- The Paint (The Lane or Key): The rectangular area under the basket is 16 feet (4.88 meters) wide. This width allows for significant movement and post-play.
- Free-Throw Line: The free-throw line is 15 feet (4.57 meters) from the front of the backboard and is the same width as the paint.
- Three-Point Line: The NBA’s three-point arc is not a uniform radius. It runs 22 feet (6.7 meters) from the basket in the corners and curves to a distance of 23 feet, 9 inches (7.24 meters) at the top of the key.
FIBA Court Dimensions:
Used for international competitions like the Olympics and the FIBA Basketball World Cup, these courts have slight but important differences.
- Length: 91.9 feet (28 meters)
- Width: 49.2 feet (15 meters)
- The Paint: FIBA’s lane is slightly wider than the NBA’s at 16.08 feet (4.9 meters).
- Free-Throw Line: The distance from the backboard is similar to the NBA, at 15.09 feet (4.6 meters).
- Three-Point Line: The FIBA three-point line is a consistent arc set at 22.15 feet (6.75 meters) from the center of the basket all the way around.
The NBA’s larger court and longer three-point line reflect a style of play that emphasizes space, speed, and long-range shooting. The FIBA court, being slightly smaller, can lead to more physical and congested games.
College and High School Court Dimensions
As you move from the professional ranks to amateur levels, the courts generally become smaller. This adjustment accommodates the varying physical development and skill levels of the players.
NCAA (College) Court Dimensions:
College basketball in the United States, governed by the NCAA, uses the same overall court dimensions as the NBA: 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. However, the markings within the court differ.
- Three-Point Line: The NCAA three-point line is set at a distance of 22 feet, 1.75 inches (6.75 meters), matching the international FIBA standard. This change was adopted by men’s basketball in the 2019-2020 season to open up the lane and encourage better offensive spacing.
- The Paint: The college paint area is narrower than the professional leagues, at 12 feet (3.66 meters) wide.
High School (NFHS) Court Dimensions:
Courts at the high school level, regulated by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), are noticeably smaller.
- Length: 84 feet (25.6 meters)
- Width: 50 feet (15.24 meters)
- The Paint: The paint is 12 feet wide, the same as in college basketball.
- Free-Throw Line: The distance remains consistent at 15 feet from the backboard.
- Three-Point Line: The high school three-point arc is the closest of all major levels, measuring 19 feet, 9 inches (6.02 meters) from the center of the basket.
The Evolution and Purpose of Court Dimensions
These dimensions were not decided overnight. They evolved over decades to balance the game. When basketball was invented in 1891, there were no standard court sizes. The game was often played in whatever gym or hall was available.
As the sport became more organized, the need for standardization grew. The lane, or paint, was widened over time (from 6 feet to 12 feet in the 1950s and then to 16 feet in the NBA) to prevent dominant big men like George Mikan from permanently camping under the basket. This led to the creation of the three-second violation.
The three-point line was a later addition, popularized by the American Basketball Association (ABA) in the 1960s and adopted by the NBA in 1979. Its purpose was to add another layer of strategy, reward long-range shooting, and create space on the floor. The distance has been adjusted over the years to find the right balance between a makeable shot and a challenging one.
How Dimensions Impact Gameplay
Court dimensions directly influence strategy and player roles.
- Spacing: A larger court, like in the NBA, creates more space for players to operate. This makes it harder for defenses to cover ground, leading to more one-on-one matchups and open driving lanes.
- Shooting: A deeper three-point line requires players to have greater shooting range. This is why elite long-range shooters are so valuable in the modern NBA. On a high school court, more players are within range of the arc, changing defensive priorities.
- Pace of Play: The shorter high school court means teams can transition from defense to offense more quickly, but it also leads to a more crowded playing area.
- The Post Game: A wider paint area, like in the NBA and FIBA, gives post players more room to maneuver against their defenders. A narrower lane, as seen in college and high school, can be clogged more easily, making post-entry passes more difficult.
From the local gym to the NBA finals, the lines on a basketball court are a fundamental part of the game. They shape the action, define the challenge, and provide the framework for the incredible athletic displays we love to watch.
Basketball Court Layout & Markings (Complete Breakdown)
Understanding the measurements beyond court length is equally important when building a court.
🔸 Key Layout Dimensions
| Court Component | FIBA Measurement | NBA Measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Free-throw line distance from backboard | 4.6 m (15 ft) | 15 ft (4.57 m) |
| 3-point line (from basket) | 6.75 m | 23.75 ft (7.24 m) |
| Rim height | 3.05 m (10 ft) | 3.05 m (10 ft) |
| Backboard size | 1.8 × 1.05 m | 6 ft × 3.5 ft |
| Restricted zone radius | 1.25 m | 4 ft |
Minimum Playing Area Required
When constructing a basketball court, space for runoff and player safety must be added beyond the playing boundary.
| Type | Total Area Required |
|---|---|
| Standard FIBA Court | 32 m × 19 m |
| Standard NBA Court | 35.66 m × 20.12 m |
| Half Court (Practice / Residential) | 15 m × 14 m minimum |
Full Court vs Half Court — Which Should You Choose?
| Type | Best For | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Full Court | Schools, academies, clubs, sports complexes, societies | Professional training, tournaments, team play |
| Half Court | Bungalows, private homes, small societies, rooftop areas | Less space required, lower cost, quick installation |
If space or budget is limited, a half-court basketball court is an excellent choice for practice and recreation.
Ideal Flooring for Basketball Court Construction
Choosing the right flooring affects performance, safety, and durability.
| Flooring Type | Indoor | Outdoor | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Synthetic | ❌ | ✔ | Weatherproof, economical |
| PU Flooring | ✔ | ❌ | High cushioning, premium finish |
| PP Interlocking Tiles | ✔ | ✔ | Fast installation, portable |
| Wooden Flooring | ✔ | ❌ | Professional indoor arenas |
Cost to Construct a Basketball Court (Indicative)
| Type | Approx. Cost in India |
|---|---|
| Outdoor Synthetic Court | ₹6 – ₹12 lakh |
| Indoor Wooden Court | ₹20 – ₹45 lakh |
| PP Interlocking Tiles | ₹8 – ₹15 lakh |
| Half Court Practice Setup | ₹3 – ₹7 lakh |
Conclusion
Understanding how long a basketball court is is essential for anyone planning to build, renovate, or compare different court layouts. While dimensions vary slightly based on the governing body, the standard full-size court is approximately 28–28.65 meters (92–94 feet) long and 15 meters (49–50 feet) wide. Whether it’s a school, sports academy, society, club, or professional arena, using the correct measurements ensures fair gameplay, player safety, and a true basketball experience.
From layout planning to flooring selection, pole installation, markings, and accessories — every detail contributes to a durable and high-performance court. With the right guidance and materials, you can build a basketball court that supports both professional play and long-term enjoyment.
If you’re looking to construct a basketball court and need expert assistance, flooring recommendations, or cost estimation, feel free to reach out — the right basketball court begins with accurate dimensions and smart planning.
