A regulation basketball court is more than a 94-by-50-foot rectangle. The playing surface, three-point arc, free-throw lane, basket, backboard, net, ball, clocks, supports, and safety padding all belong to the specification. The details change with the rulebook, which is why a line plan intended for an NBA court cannot simply be reused for high school or FIBA play.
Court diagram
Basketball court versions by rule set
Select a rule set to view its full-size court layout.
The original diagram below uses the current NCAA full-court layout as its reference. It shows the 94 × 50 ft playing surface, division line, center circle, lanes, baskets, and 22 ft 1¾ in three-point lines. NBA, NFHS, WNBA, and FIBA differences are listed in the comparison tables that follow.
Quick answer
NBA, WNBA, and NCAA courts measure 94 ft by 50 ft (28.65 × 15.24 m). NFHS high school courts may be 84 ft or 94 ft long and 50 ft wide. A FIBA court measures 28 × 15 m (91 ft 10.4 in × 49 ft 2.6 in). Across these rule sets, the top of the rim is 10 ft (3.05 m) above the floor.
The biggest visible differences are the three-point line and restricted area. NBA uses a 23 ft 9 in arc with 22 ft corners. NCAA and WNBA use 22 ft 1¾ in at the arc. NFHS uses 19 ft 9 in. FIBA uses 6.75 m at the arc and 6.60 m in the corners.
Full-court dimensions by governing body
| Rule set | Length | Width | Area inside boundary | Main three-point distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 94 ft 28.65 m | 50 ft 15.24 m | 4,700 sq ft 436.64 m² | 23 ft 9 in; 22 ft at corners |
| WNBA | 94 ft 28.65 m | 50 ft 15.24 m | 4,700 sq ft 436.64 m² | 22 ft 1¾ in; 22 ft at corners |
| NCAA men and women | 94 ft 28.65 m | 50 ft 15.24 m | 4,700 sq ft 436.64 m² | 22 ft 1¾ in to outside edge |
| NFHS high school | 84 ft or 94 ft 25.60 or 28.65 m | 50 ft 15.24 m | 4,200 or 4,700 sq ft | 19 ft 9 in |
| FIBA | 28 m 91 ft 10.4 in | 15 m 49 ft 2.6 in | 420 m² 4,520.8 sq ft | 6.75 m; 6.60 m at corners |
NBA court dimensions and markings
The NBA playing court is 94 ft long by 50 ft wide. The free-throw line is 15 ft from the plane of the backboard and is 2 in wide. The three-point area uses two straight lines 3 ft from the sidelines. Those lines meet an arc 23 ft 9 in from the center of the basket, leaving a shorter 22 ft corner three.
The restricted area is marked by a 4 ft radius semicircle measured from basket center, with short parallel sections extending to the face of the backboard. The lane is 16 ft wide. Sideline hash marks sit 28 ft from each baseline and extend 3 ft onto the court. The substitution box is identified by marks 4 ft to either side of the midcourt line in front of the scorer’s table.
NCAA court dimensions and markings
The NCAA men’s and women’s court is also 94 × 50 ft. The current full-court diagram places the free-throw line 19 ft from the inside edge of the end line when measured to the outside edge of the line. The familiar 15 ft free-throw distance is measured from the plane of the backboard, not from the baseline. Mixing those two reference points is a common layout error.
The NCAA three-point line is 22 ft 1¾ in to its outside edge. The restricted area shown on the common 2025-26 diagram has a 4 ft radius for men’s play. The diagram specifies a minimum 3 ft out-of-bounds area and calls 10 ft of unobstructed space preferable. That extra space is not part of the 94 × 50 ft playing court.
NFHS high school court dimensions
NFHS permits the standard 84 × 50 ft high school court and also recognizes a 94 × 50 ft floor. The shorter court keeps the same width but moves the division line and baskets closer together. The three-point arc is 19 ft 9 in from basket center. This is why an older school gym can look broadly familiar while fitting noticeably less open floor between the arcs.
State associations may adopt shot clocks and can impose facility requirements beyond the national playing rules. Before resurfacing a school gym, check the current NFHS diagram and the state association’s rules. A floor used by several competitions may need distinct line colors for NFHS, NCAA, volleyball, and other sports.
FIBA and WNBA differences
FIBA uses metric dimensions: 28 m long by 15 m wide. Its 6.75 m three-point arc is slightly closer than the NBA arc, and the corner distance is 6.60 m. FIBA boundary and court lines are 50 mm wide. The FIBA equipment specification also requires a contrasting boundary lane at least 2 m wide for Level 1 competition.
The WNBA uses the same 94 × 50 ft court footprint as the NBA but not the same arc. Its 2026 rulebook specifies a 22 ft 1¾ in arc with straight lines 36 in from the sidelines. The free-throw line, 4 ft restricted area, 10 ft rim, and 18 in ring diameter remain familiar.
What each basketball court line does
- End lines or baselines: The short boundary lines behind each basket. The court length is measured between their inside edges or as specified by the governing diagram.
- Sidelines: The long boundary lines. A player or ball touching the line is out of bounds.
- Division line: The center line that separates frontcourt from backcourt. On a 94 ft court, basket centers are 47 ft from the center of this line.
- Center circle: The circle used for the opening jump ball. Its size and line treatment must follow the selected rulebook.
- Free-throw line: The line used for foul shots. It is 15 ft from the plane of the backboard in NBA and WNBA rules.
- Free-throw lane: The rectangular area between the end line and free-throw line. Lane-space marks position players during free throws.
- Three-point line: An arc with straight corner sections. Its distance changes more than any other major court marking.
- Restricted-area arc: The semicircle under the basket used in block-charge rulings. It is not a decorative marking and is not identical across all rule sets.
- Coaching box and team-bench lines: Marks outside the sideline that control where coaches and substitutes may stand or sit.
Line width is part of the measurement. NBA and WNBA court rules repeatedly specify 2 in lines. FIBA uses 50 mm lines. When a rule measures to the outside edge, moving the paint line by half its width changes the legal geometry.
Half-court dimensions
A regulation half court is half the playing length plus the relevant basket and markings. For an NBA or NCAA footprint, the division line is 47 ft from each end line, so the marked half is 47 × 50 ft. That is 2,350 sq ft (218.32 m²) before adding run-off space. A half of an 84 ft NFHS court is 42 × 50 ft.
Backyard courts are often smaller, but “half court” does not mean any slab with one basket. If the goal is regulation practice, preserve the basket-to-free-throw-line distance, the lane, and the correct three-point geometry first. Then add safe clearance behind the hoop and around the sidelines. A reduced-width slab may cut off the corner-three locations even when the arc fits.
Basket and backboard dimensions
Basketball does not have a center net like tennis or volleyball. Each end has a basket net hanging below a horizontal rim. There is therefore no separate “net height” to set. The controlling height is the top edge of the rim: 10 ft (3.05 m) above the playing floor.
| Equipment | NBA / WNBA reference | FIBA reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rim height | 10 ft above floor | 3,050 mm, tolerance up to ±6 mm |
| Rim inside diameter | 18 in | 450-459 mm |
| Rim material | Pressure-release metal safety ring | Solid steel, 16-20 mm metal diameter |
| Backboard size | 6 ft × 3 ft 6 in | 1,800 × 1,050 mm, with positive tolerances |
| Target rectangle | 24 × 18 in, 2 in line | 590 × 450 mm outside dimensions, 50 mm line |
| Net length | NBA: 18 in; WNBA: 15-18 in | 400-450 mm |
| Net attachment | White cord net that checks the ball momentarily | 12 attachment loops |
| Ring-to-backboard gap | Nearest inside edge 6 in from board face | 151 mm, ±2 mm |
Rim and pressure-release mechanism
The ring must stay horizontal in normal play but release under a defined load to reduce stress on the backboard and players. FIBA Level 1 rings use a positive-lock mechanism that releases under a static vertical load between 82 and 105 kg at the point farthest from the backboard. After release, the ring must return automatically to its original position.
Backboard and target rectangle
NBA and WNBA backboards are 6 ft wide and 3 ft 6 in high, with a flat transparent face. The white target rectangle is 24 × 18 in. FIBA’s metric board is 1,800 × 1,050 mm, with a 590 × 450 mm target rectangle. These are close, but a technical drawing should use one system rather than rounding between them.
Basket net length
NBA Rule No. 1 specifies an 18 in white cord net. The 2026 WNBA book permits 15-18 in. FIBA sets a 400-450 mm range, or about 15.7-17.7 in. In every case, the net is designed to check the ball momentarily as it passes through. It must not trap the ball or rebound it back out.
Basketball sizes, circumference, and weight
Ball labels such as size 7 and size 6 are useful shopping shorthand, but official specifications use tolerances. FIBA’s current equipment document gives exact circumference and weight ranges. Wilson, which supplies the official NBA, WNBA, and NCAA game balls, lists the common US nominal sizes as 29.5 in and 22 oz for size 7, and 28.5 in and 20 oz for size 6.
| Ball | Who uses it | Official FIBA circumference | Official FIBA weight | Common US nominal size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size 7 | Men’s full-court competition | 750-770 mm 29.5-30.3 in | 580-620 g 20.5-21.9 oz | 29.5 in, 22 oz |
| Size 6 | Women’s full-court competition | 715-730 mm 28.1-28.7 in | 510-550 g 18.0-19.4 oz | 28.5 in, 20 oz |
| Size 5 | Mini-basketball | 685-700 mm 27.0-27.6 in | 465-495 g 16.4-17.5 oz | 27.5 in varies by product |
| Lightweight size 5 | Mini-basketball | 685-700 mm | 360-390 g 12.7-13.8 oz | Special lightweight construction |
The 2026 WNBA rulebook is unusually explicit: 28.5-29 in circumference, 18-20 oz, and 7 psi. NBA Rule No. 1 requires an approved league ball inflated between 7.5 and 8.5 psi. FIBA uses a rebound test rather than one universal pressure number: when dropped from roughly 1,800 mm, the ball must rebound to 1,035-1,085 mm, measured at the underside.
FIBA 3×3 is a special case. Its ball has the circumference of a size 6 ball but the weight of a size 7 ball. Do not infer 3×3 equipment from the full-court size table.
Backstop, padding, and safety space
The support behind the backboard is part of the playing environment. FIBA requires the backboard and support structure to be padded. Its Level 1 specification places the front of the backstop padding at least 2,000 mm beyond the outer edge of the end line; Level 2 requires at least 1,000 mm. Padding thickness and coverage are also specified so a player’s arm or leg cannot become trapped.
NCAA’s current diagram requires at least 3 ft of out-of-bounds area and prefers 10 ft of unobstructed space. Local codes may require more space for walls, doors, bleachers, accessible circulation, and emergency routes. The rulebook dimensions describe the game. They do not replace a building or safety plan.
Floor, lighting, clocks, and scorer’s equipment
A competition court needs a flat, hard playing surface with consistent traction and no obstruction. Wood is common indoors, while synthetic systems are used in schools, training facilities, and outdoor courts. Surface choice affects shock absorption, ball rebound, slip resistance, maintenance, and line-paint compatibility. Governing rules do not make every commercially sold sports floor suitable for every competition level.
At higher levels, the equipment package includes a game clock, shot clocks, horn, scoreboards, possession indicators, and backboard light strips. NBA arena boards use red lights synchronized with the game clock and amber lights for the shot clock. FIBA Level 1 specifications cover scoreboard visibility, timing displays, lighting, and the position of the scorer’s table. These systems need to be planned with the court, not added after the backstops and seating are fixed.
How to measure and mark a basketball court
- Choose the governing rule set and edition before drawing any line.
- Establish the two end lines, sidelines, and exact center line from surveyed control points.
- Locate each backboard plane and basket center. Do not assume the wall or support base is the reference.
- Set the free-throw line from the required reference plane, then mark the lane and circles.
- Lay out the three-point straight sections and arc from basket center using the rulebook’s specified line edge.
- Add restricted areas, lane spaces, hash marks, coaching boxes, bench areas, and substitution marks.
- Check line widths, clearances, basket height, board alignment, and ring level before paint cures.
Measure both ends independently. A court can be square and centered while one basket is still out of position. The final inspection should include diagonals, basket-to-line distances, rim height, ring level, and clearance to every obstacle.
Youth, recreational, and multi-use courts
Youth programs often lower baskets or use smaller balls, but the age bands and modifications belong to the local program rules. A 10 ft basket should not be described as a universal youth requirement. Likewise, a recreational half court can be useful without being regulation size, provided its reduced dimensions are stated plainly.
Multi-use floors need a line hierarchy. Use the primary sport’s lines as the strongest visual system and select contrasting colors for secondary layouts. Avoid near-identical arcs placed a few inches apart in the same color. The court may technically contain every required line and still be difficult to officiate.
Frequently asked questions
How big is an NBA basketball court?
An NBA court is 94 ft long and 50 ft wide, or 28.65 × 15.24 m. The playing area inside the boundary is 4,700 sq ft (436.64 m²), before run-off space.
How high is a basketball hoop?
The top edge of a regulation rim is 10 ft (3.05 m) above the floor. FIBA allows a maximum tolerance of ±6 mm for the ring height.
How high is the basketball net?
There is no separate net-height measurement. The net hangs from the rim, whose top edge is 10 ft above the floor. NBA nets are 18 in long; WNBA nets are 15-18 in; FIBA nets are 400-450 mm.
What is the diameter of a basketball rim?
NBA and WNBA rings have an 18 in inside diameter. FIBA permits 450-459 mm, approximately 17.7-18.1 in.
What size basketball do men and women use?
Men’s full-court competition normally uses size 7. Women’s competition normally uses size 6. FIBA specifies 750-770 mm and 580-620 g for size 7, and 715-730 mm and 510-550 g for size 6.
Are NBA and college courts the same size?
Yes. NBA and NCAA courts are both 94 × 50 ft. Their markings differ, particularly the three-point line. NBA uses a 23 ft 9 in arc; NCAA uses 22 ft 1¾ in.
How much space is needed around a basketball court?
The answer depends on the rule set and facility. NCAA requires at least 3 ft outside the boundary and prefers 10 ft unobstructed. FIBA’s equipment rules set minimum distances for backstop structures and spectator areas. Building and accessibility codes may require more.
Official and technical sources
- NBA Rule No. 1: Court Dimensions – Equipment
- 2025-26 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Court
- NFHS Basketball Resources and Court Diagram
- 2026 WNBA Official Rule Book
- FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2024: Basketball Equipment
- Wilson basketball size guide
Verified July 28, 2026. FIBA’s 2024 rules remain the current edition until the announced 2026 rules take effect on October 1, 2026. Always check the latest governing document before construction, competition certification, or equipment purchase.