Basketball Court Dimensions: Your Guide To Every Inch And Line On The Hardwood

In this guide, learn the essential measurements for NBA, NCAA, WNBA, and high school courts, so you’re always in-the-know about what makes each area of the court unique.

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Ever notice how basketball courts look practically the same, whether you're watching an NBA game or shooting hoops at your local gym? 

That’s no accident. 

Every line, arc, and dimension on the court is precisely measured to create the perfect playing field, allowing players to hit clutch three-pointers, execute tight layups, and make game-winning passes with confidence. 

From half-court shots to three-point arcs, understanding the layout of a basketball court can help you see the game in a whole new light. 

Let’s break down the court, inch by inch, so you can know exactly where all the action happens!

Full Court Dimensions

The dimensions of a regulation basketball court may seem straightforward, but there are slight variations depending on the league. 

Here’s how they stack up:

• Length: 94 feet for NBA and WNBA courts, 84 feet for high school courts
• Width: 50 feet for NBA, WNBA, and high school levels
• Half-Court Line: Sits at 47 feet for NBA and WNBA courts, splitting the court evenly

For NCAA (college basketball) courts, the layout is similar to the NBA, with a 94-foot length and 50-foot width. 

High school courts are a bit shorter at 84 feet, but the width remains 50 feet across all levels.

The Key Area 

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The “key” or “paint” area under the basket is where players hustle for layups, rebounds, and high-flying dunks. 

The dimensions of this area vary slightly by level, but it remains a critical part of the court for both offense and defense.

• NBA and WNBA Key Width: 16 feet across
• NCAA Key Width: 12 feet wide
• High School Key Width: 12 feet wide

The free-throw line is set 15 feet from the backboard across all levels, marking where players stand to take free-throws. 

This is also where you’ll see players line up for rebounds during foul shots. 

The Three-Point Line

Ah, the three-point line—the arc that separates regular scorers from deep-range specialists. 

The distance of the three-point line varies depending on the league, so let’s break down these arcs:

• NBA Three-Point Line: 23.75 feet from the hoop, with the corners slightly closer at 22 feet
• WNBA Three-Point Line: 22.15 feet from the hoop
• NCAA Men’s Three-Point Line: 22.15 feet from the hoop, similar to the WNBA
• NCAA Women’s and High School Three-Point Line: 20.75 feet from the hoop

The three-point line creates a valuable scoring zone for players with long-range shooting ability, like Stephen Curry or Diana Taurasi. 

Nailing a shot from beyond the arc not only earns an extra point but can shift the momentum of a game in an instant.

The Hoop and Backboard

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Now to the part of the court that players love most: the hoop! 

The hoop and backboard dimensions are consistent across all levels, ensuring that the challenge of making a basket remains the same whether you’re playing in the NBA or in high school.

• Basket Height: 10 feet from the floor
• Backboard Width: 6 feet wide
• Backboard Height: 3.5 feet tall
• Rim Diameter: 18 inches across

The 10-foot height has been a constant in the game, challenging players’ vertical leap and shooting accuracy alike. 

The backboard allows for bank shots and plays a crucial role in rebounding, giving players a reliable target to aim for, whether they’re shooting or crashing the boards.

Baseline and Sidelines

Every court has boundaries, which are as crucial to the game as the lines under the basket. 

These outer edges—the baselines and sidelines—keep the game in play and set the parameters for where players can operate.

• Baselines: Located at each end of the court, behind the baskets
• Sidelines: Run along each side of the court

Stepping on or over these lines results in an “out of bounds” call, turning the ball over to the other team. These boundaries keep players aware of their positioning and add an extra layer of challenge, especially when they’re tightly guarded near the edge of the court.

So, next time you’re watching a game or playing one, keep an eye on these lines, arcs, and dimensions. They’re not just marks on the floor—they’re the framework for every layup, dunk, and game-winning shot.

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