Basketball court dimensions may vary depending on the level of the match and the rules of the organizing body. For international tournaments and professional leagues, the court dimensions are clearly defined. However, in professional, street, or amateur basketball, some flexibility in these dimensions may exist.
Why is that?
FIBA (International Basketball Federation) and NBA (National Basketball Association) follow different playing styles, historical developments, and geographic focuses. These differences lead to variations in court layouts.
In this article, we’ll compare the court dimensions of both FIBA and the NBA.
FIBA Basketball Court Dimensions
The FIBA (International Basketball Federation) defines these basketball court dimensions for official games played around the world.
| Area | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Straight Court Length | 28 meters |
| Court Width | 15 meters |
| Hoop Height | 3.05 meters |
| Free Throw Line Distance | 4.6 meters from the hoop |
| Three-Point Line Distance | 6.75 meters (radius) |
| Paint Area (Free throw lane) | 4.9 m x 5.8 m |
NBA Basketball Court Dimensions
| Area | Dimension |
|---|---|
| Court Length | 28.7 meters |
| Court Width | 15.2 meters |
| Hoop Height | 3.05 meters |
| Free Throw Line | 4.6 meters from the hoop |
| Three-Point Line | 7.24 meters (at the farthest point) |
| Paint Area | 4.88 m x 5.79 m |
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Differences Between FIBA and NBA
- Different Organizations, Different Rules
- FIBA and NBA were founded independently and developed their own regulations over the years, including court dimensions.
- Style of Play
- NBA features faster, more physical play, so courts are slightly larger. FIBA courts are more compact and tactical.
- Broadcast & Spectator Experience
- NBA prioritizes audience experience. Larger courts enhance both play and TV aesthetics. FIBA courts are simpler and globally adaptable.
- Local vs. Global Scope
- NBA is U.S.-based and follows its own standards. FIBA sets globally applicable rules for countries worldwide.
This article outlines the standard court sizes of both FIBA and NBA, which can be used as a reference for professional basketball court construction. However, not every project site can accommodate these exact sizes.
Especially for public spaces or school playgrounds, court dimensions should be tailored to fit the available space and the user profile.
For example, school courts may feature reduced court and hoop sizes suited to student age groups. The goal is to maintain playability and safety while adapting to physical constraints. Reform Sports also enhances space efficiency by offering multi-purpose court solutions that support various sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to FIBA standards, a basketball court measures 28 meters long and 15 meters wide. These dimensions are used in international tournaments.
NBA courts are slightly larger than FIBA courts: 28.7 meters in length and 15.2 meters in width.
Each organization evolved in different countries with different basketball cultures. NBA uses larger courts tailored to U.S. standards, while FIBA focuses on universal standards for international play.
Yes, both FIBA and NBA use the same hoop height: 3.05 meters.
- In FIBA, the three-point line is 6.75 meters from the basket.
- In NBA, the line extends to 7.24 meters at its farthest point.
Yes, the free-throw line is 4.6 meters from the hoop in both FIBA and NBA courts.
Amateur or school courts typically use dimensions close to FIBA standards, sometimes adjusted to fit smaller spaces. Courts can be customized to the area available.