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What is a Standard Basketball Court with Dimensions? Length, Width & Markings You Need to Know

a basketball court

What is a standard basketball court with dimensions?
A standard
basketball court dimension is 94 feet long and 50 feet wide (28.65m x 15.24m), used in NBA and NCAA games. High school courts are 84 x 50 feet, while FIBA courts are slightly smaller at 28m x 15m (~92 x 49 feet

What is a Standard Basketball Court with Dimensions?

standard basketball court with the dimensional markings
standard basketball court with the dimensional markings

The standard basketball court dimensions is 94 feet (28.65m) in length and 50 feet (15.24m) in width, totaling 4,700 square feet.

Details:

  • Length: 94 feet (28.65 m)
  • Width: 50 feet (15.24 m)
  • Total Area: 4,700 sq. ft. (436.6 m²)

This is the official size used in NBA and NCAA competitions.

NBA Court Size vs. High School vs. FIBA

The standard basketball court with dimensions of  NBA measure 94 x 50 feet, High School courts are 84 x 50 feet, and FIBA courts are 28 x 15 meters (~92 x 49 feet).

Comparison Table:

Level of Play

Length

Width

Notes

NBA

94 ft (28.65 m)

50 ft (15.24 m)

Largest court size.

High School

84 ft (25.6 m)

50 ft (15.24 m)

Shorter, same width.

FIBA

28 m (91.9 ft)

15 m (49.2 ft)

Used in Olympics, World Cup.

Key Basketball Court Markings

The most important basketball court markings are the free-throw line (15 ft), three-point line (19.75–23.75 ft), paint/lane area (12–16 ft wide), and center circle (12 ft diameter).

Breakdown by Marking:

  • Free-Throw Line: 15 ft (4.6 m) from backboard.
  • Three-Point Line:
    • NBA: 23.75 ft (top), 22 ft (corners)
    • FIBA: 6.75 m (~22.1 ft)
    • High School: 19.75 ft
  • Paint / Lane Area:
    • NBA: 16 ft wide
    • High School: 12 ft wide
    • FIBA: 4.9 m (~16 ft)

Center Circle: NBA = 12 ft, FIBA = 3.6 m

Key Basketball Court Markings: basketball court dimensions
Key Basketball Court Markings

Indoor vs. Outdoor Basketball Court Dimensions

 Indoor courts follow official standards (NBA, FIBA, or High School), while outdoor basketball courts may be smaller or modified based on space.

  • Indoor Courts: Always regulated for official play.

  • Outdoor Courts: Often community-based; markings may vary but generally follow high school or FIBA rules.

Why Do Basketball Court Dimensions Matter?

Court dimensions impact game strategy, shooting difficulty, player spacing, and defensive setups. Even a few feet make a big difference.

  • Longer three-point lines = lower shooting percentages.

  • Wider paint areas = tougher for post players.

  • Larger courts = faster pace and more open play.

This is why NBA strategies differ from international and high school games.

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Conclusion

Understanding basketball court dimensions goes beyond numbers—it shapes how the game is played. From the standard 94 x 50 ft court to the differences in NBA court size vs. high school vs. FIBA, every measurement affects shooting, spacing, and strategy.

So next time you step on the court, pay attention to those lines and markings—they define the game you love.

FAQs on Basketball Court Dimensions

What is the size of a half-court in basketball?
  • NBA half-court: 47 x 50 feet

  • High School half-court: 42 x 50 feet
How wide is the free-throw lane?
  • NBA & FIBA: 16 feet

  • High School: 12 feet
Are college basketball courts the same size as NBA courts?

Yes, NCAA courts are also 94 x 50 feet.

Can outdoor courts have different dimensions?

Yes, many outdoor courts adjust size due to space, but key lines follow standard rules.

What is the diameter of the basketball rim and height of the hoop?
  • Rim diameter: 18 inches (45.7 cm)

  • Hoop height: 10 feet (3.05 m) (standard worldwide).
What is the restricted area in basketball?

In the NBA, it’s a 4 ft arc under the basket where defensive players cannot draw charging fouls.

How big is the center circle on a basketball court?
  • NBA: 12 feet in diameter

  • FIBA: 3.6 meters (~11.8 feet)
What is the difference between a full-court and a half-court game?
  • Full-court: Played on the entire 94 x 50 ft (NBA) or standard size.

  • Half-court: Played on half that length, commonly used in practice and pickup games.
How long is the free-throw line distance?
  • NBA, NCAA, High School: 15 feet (4.57 m) from the backboard.

  • FIBA: 4.6 meters (~15 ft)

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Basketball Coaching in Kolkata

Ajit Sharma

Coach & Senior National Player

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