NBA Court Dimensions & Markings

The National Basketball Association (NBA) sets the gold standard for basketball around the world, and its expanded court dimensions play a role in the league's elite level of competition. Below, we will break down the exact measurements that define an NBA court.

NBA Court Size

An NBA regulation basketball court measures:

• 94 feet long × 50 feet wide
• Total playing surface: 4,700 square feet
• Ceiling height: 30 feet for professional arenas

For context, an NBA court is the same length as college basketball courts and WNBA courts. International FIBA courts are slightly smaller at 91.9 feet x 49.2 feet.

NBA Court Markings & Lines

While basketball court dimensions vary slightly between competition levels, the detailed markings and line placements differ most significantly. NBA court markings follow strict regulations to guarantee consistency across all 30 teams.

The Three-Point Line

The NBA three-point line is the most distinctive marking that separates it from the rest:

• Arc Distance: 23 feet 9 inches from the basket center
• Corner three-point distance: 22 feet from the basket
• Width: 2 inches

Baseline & Sideline Markings

The boundary lines define the court's perimeter:

• Baseline (end lines): 50 feet wide, located behind each basket
• Sidelines: 94 feet long, running the length of the court
• Line width: 2 inches (measured as part of the out-of-bounds area)

Pro arenas typically feature custom gym wall padding behind the baselines for player safety.

The Key (Paint Area)

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

• Width: 16 feet
• Length: 19 feet (from baseline to free throw line)

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)

Free Throw Line & Circle

The free-throw line (also called the foul line) specifications are consistent across 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

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 47-foot halves
• Purpose: Establishes backcourt and frontcourt for violation rules

These measurements are identical across NBA, college, and high school courts.

Protect Your Athletes with Court Padding

Player safety extends beyond the court lines. High-speed plays often send athletes toward walls, bleachers, and obstacles surrounding the playing surface. Custom gym wall padding reduces injury risk during aggressive gameplay.

Shop Basketball Floor Covers & Wall Padding

Key padding locations:

• Baseline walls (behind each basket)
• Sideline walls along the 94-foot length
• Columns and structural obstructions
• Scorer's tables and team benches
• Camera platforms and equipment stands

Partner with CoverSports

CoverSports provides custom wall padding solutions for basketball facilities at every competitive level. Our padding protects athletes while complementing your gym's appearance with custom colors and logo options. Facilities built to NBA specifications use premium hardwood that requires protection during non-game events. Our gym floor cover guide walks through cover types and sizing for regulation courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is an NBA court?

An NBA court measures 94 feet long from baseline to baseline. This is the same length used in NCAA college basketball and 10 feet longer than the standard high school court.

How wide is an NBA court?

An NBA court is 50 feet wide from sideline to sideline. This width is also used in the WNBA, NCAA, and most high schools. FIBA courts are slightly narrower at 49.2 feet.

How far is an NBA three-pointer?

An NBA three-pointer is 23 feet 9 inches from the center of the basket along the arc. In the corners, the distance shortens to 22 feet because of the court layout.

How far is the NBA foul line from the basket?

The NBA free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard and 13 feet 9 inches from the front of the rim. This distance matches NCAA, WNBA, high school, and FIBA standards.

What are the markings on an NBA basketball court?

An NBA court includes the three-point arc, free-throw line and circle, center circle, restricted area arc, lane lines (the key), midcourt line, baselines, and sidelines. All markings are 2 inches wide and count as part of the playing surface.

How does an NBA court compare to a college basketball court?

Both NBA and NCAA courts measure 94 × 50 feet, but several markings differ. The NBA three-point line is farther out (23'9" vs 22'1.75"), and the NBA key is wider (16 feet vs 12 feet), which changes spacing and shot selection at each level.