High School Basketball Court Dimensions & Markings

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) governs the majority of high school basketball across the US, and its standardized court dimensions keep high school competition consistent nationwide. Below, we will break down the exact measurements and markings that define a high school basketball court.

High School Basketball Court Size

An NFHS regulation basketball court measures:

• 84 feet long × 50 feet wide
• Total playing surface: 4,200 square feet
• Ceiling height: Minimum 24 feet

For context, a high school court is 10 feet shorter than NCAA, NBA, and WNBA courts, which measure 94 feet long. International FIBA courts measure 91.9 feet x 49.2 feet. The shorter length accommodates smaller gymnasiums while maintaining the standard 50-foot width. Schools hosting non-athletic events like graduations or assemblies on their court should consider gym floor covers to protect the playing surface from damage. Our gym floor cover buying guide covers the types, weights, and sizing you need to find the right fit for your facility.

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High School Court Markings & Lines

High school court markings follow NFHS regulations to guarantee consistency across state associations and school programs.

The Three-Point Line

The high school three-point line is positioned closer than at the college and professional levels:

• Arc Distance: 19 feet 9 inches from the basket center
• Corner three-point distance: 19 feet 9 inches from the basket (measured from the center of the basket)
• Width: 2 inches

This shorter distance compared to the NCAA (22'1.75") and NBA (23'9") makes three-point shooting more accessible for developing high school players.

Baseline & Sideline Markings

The boundary lines define the court's perimeter:

• Baseline (end lines): 50 feet wide, located behind each basket
• Sidelines: 84 feet long, running the length of the court
• Line width: 2 inches (measured as part of the out-of-bounds area)

High school gymnasiums often feature custom gym wall padding behind the baselines for player safety during fast-paced gameplay.

The Key (Paint Area)

The painted area under the basket, commonly called "the key," "the lane," or "the paint," has specific high school dimensions:

• Width: 12 feet
• Length: 19 feet (from baseline to free throw line)

For multi-use facilities, gym floor runners help protect high-traffic areas like the paint during non-game events.

Restricted Area Arc

The restricted area is a semi-circular arc underneath the basket:

• Radius: 4 feet from the center of the basket
• Purpose: Defensive players cannot take charging fouls within this area (with exceptions)

This marking is consistent across high school, NCAA, and NBA courts.

Free Throw Line & Circle

The free-throw line (also called the foul line) specifications are consistent across all basketball levels:

• Distance from backboard: 15 feet
• Distance from basket: 13 feet 9 inches (measured from the front of the rim)
• Line length: 12 feet wide (same as the key width at the free throw line)
• Free throw circle diameter: 12 feet

Keeping court markings crisp through a full season of play starts with proper gym floor protection during non-athletic events.

Center Court & Jump Circle

The center circle divides the court and is used for jump balls:

• Center circle diameter: 12 feet
• Midcourt line: Bisects the circle and divides the court into two equal 42-foot halves
• Purpose: Establishes backcourt and frontcourt for violation rules

While the circle diameter remains standard, the 84-foot court length creates shorter backcourt and frontcourt zones compared to college and professional play.

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CoverSports provides custom gym wall padding solutions for high school basketball facilities nationwide. From wall padding to GymGuard® gym floor covers, our products protect student-athletes and your facility while complementing your gym's appearance with custom school colors and logo options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a high school court compare to an NCAA basketball court?

High school courts measure 84 × 50 feet, making them 10 feet shorter than the NCAA's 94 × 50-foot courts. The high school three-point line is also closer (19'9" vs 22'1.75"), but both use the same 12-foot-wide key and 15-foot free throw distance.

What is the distance of the high school three-point line?

The NFHS high school three-point line measures 19 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket. This distance applies uniformly around the arc, including the corners. This is shorter than the NCAA's 22'1.75" arc and the NBA's 23'9" arc, providing more three-point opportunities for developing high school players.

How long is a high school basketball court?

A high school basketball court measures 84 feet long from baseline to baseline. This is 10 feet shorter than NCAA, NBA, and WNBA courts, which all measure 94 feet long.

How wide is a high school basketball court?

A high school basketball court is 50 feet wide from sideline to sideline. This width is standard across high school, NCAA, NBA, and WNBA courts. Looking to protect your basketball court? Browse our full lineup of basketball facility products, including gym floor covers, wall padding, and divider curtains.