Basketball Court Dimensions in Meters (Complete Guide 2026)

Basketball is one of the most popular sports worldwide, and whether you’re building a professional arena, school playground, or indoor sports facility, understanding basketball court dimensions in meters is essential. Accurate court size ensures fair play, safety, and compliance with international standards.

This detailed guide explains FIBA, NBA, and school-level basketball court dimensions, markings, and important construction considerations.

Standard Basketball Court Dimensions in Meters

FIBA Basketball Court Dimensions (International Standard)

FIBA (International Basketball Federation) standards are followed in most countries, including India.

📌 Best suited for: International tournaments, professional academies, and advanced training facilities.

NBA Basketball Court Dimensions (USA Standard)

📌 Slightly larger than FIBA courts and mainly used in the United States.

School & Recreational Basketball Court Dimensions

For schools and community courts, smaller dimensions are often used:

These courts are easier to fit into limited spaces while maintaining gameplay quality.

Key Basketball Court Markings (Meters)

Three-Point Line (FIBA): 6.75 meters from the basket

Restricted Area Radius: 1.25 meters

No-Charge Semi-Circle Radius: 1.25 meters

Sideline Width: 0.05 meters

Proper markings are critical for official matches and training accuracy.

Basketball Court Flooring Requirements

Choosing the right basketball court flooring is just as important as correct dimensions. Flooring impacts player safety, ball bounce, and long-term durability.

Best Flooring Options:

• Acrylic Flooring – Outdoor courts, weather-resistant
• Synthetic PU Flooring – Indoor courts, shock absorption
• Modular Interlocking Tiles – Easy installation & maintenance
• Wooden (Maple) Flooring – Professional indoor courts

📌 Always ensure flooring provides anti-skid surface, shock absorption, and consistent bounce.

Space Required Beyond the Court

For safe movement and official play:

• Minimum Run-Off Area: 2 meters on all sides
• Ideal Total Area Needed: Around 32 × 19 meters

This space accommodates referees, player benches, and audience movement.

Indoor vs Outdoor Basketball Court Dimensions

Outdoor courts may allow minor size adjustments, but markings should remain accurate.

Basketball Court Dimensions for India

In India, FIBA dimensions (28 × 15 meters) are widely accepted for:

• Schools & colleges
• Sports academies
• Government sports complexes
• Private clubs

These dimensions ensure compatibility with national and international tournaments.

Basketball Court Construction Guidelines

Building a basketball court requires more than just correct dimensions. Proper planning, material selection, and execution ensure long-term performance and safety.

Step-by-Step Basketball Court Construction Process

1. Site Preparation
   • Level the ground properly
   • Ensure good drainage to avoid water accumulation
   • Compact the base using stone aggregate or RCC (for indoor courts)
2. Base Layer Construction
   • Outdoor courts typically use PCC or asphalt base
   • Indoor courts require RCC flooring with perfect leveling
3. Surface Application
   • Apply selected basketball court flooring system
   • Allow curing time before markings
4. Line Marking
   • Use durable, non-slip sports paint
   • Follow FIBA or NBA marking guidelines strictly

Basketball Court Flooring Thickness & Layers

A professional basketball court usually consists of multiple layers:

This layered system protects players from injuries and increases flooring life.

Basketball Court Flooring Cost in India (Approximate)

💡 Cost depends on location, surface preparation, and total court area.

Drainage & Slope Requirements for Outdoor Courts

Outdoor basketball courts must have proper water flow:

• Recommended slope: 1:100
• Prevents water logging
• Increases flooring lifespan
• Ensures consistent playing conditions

Ignoring drainage can damage basketball court flooring within a few seasons.

Lighting Requirements for Basketball Courts

Proper lighting is essential for visibility and professional play.

Recommended Lighting Levels:

• Recreational Courts: 200–300 lux
• Training Courts: 300–500 lux
• Professional Matches: 750–1,000 lux

LED sports lights are preferred due to energy efficiency and uniform illumination.

Basketball Court Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance keeps the court safe and visually appealing.

Maintenance Best Practices:

• Daily dust removal
• Weekly washing (outdoor courts)
• Inspect cracks and surface wear
• Recoat acrylic surfaces every 4–5 years

High-quality basketball court flooring requires minimal maintenance but delivers maximum durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Building a Basketball Court

❌ Incorrect court dimensions
❌ Poor base leveling
❌ Low-quality flooring materials
❌ Improper line marking
❌ No drainage planning

Avoiding these mistakes saves repair costs and ensures better play experience.

Indoor Basketball Court Ventilation Requirements

Indoor courts need:

• Proper air circulation
• Temperature control
• Moisture management

Poor ventilation can damage wooden and synthetic basketball court flooring over time.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Hiring experienced sports flooring contractors ensures:

• Accurate dimensions
• Long-lasting flooring
• Warranty protection
• Compliance with FIBA standards

Professional installation directly impacts performance and player safety.

Conclusion

A perfectly designed basketball court combines accurate dimensions, proper markings, high-quality basketball court flooring, and expert installation. Whether you are building a school court, academy, or professional sports arena, following international standards ensures durability, safety, and better gameplay.

Investing in the right flooring and construction approach not only enhances performance but also reduces long-term maintenance costs.