Everything You Need to Know About Basketball Court Dimensions and Lines

An in-depth look at the official dimensions and layout of a standard basketball court, highlighting the importance of each area for gameplay.

The Dimensions of a Basketball Court: What You Need to Know

Basketball may be almost as straightforward as soccer: one ball, two hoops, and the game is on! Like soccer, basketball is played on a rectangular court. In this article, we’ll explore the standard dimensions of a basketball court, highlighted by official guidelines from the Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA).

Understanding Basketball Court Dimensions: Size, Lines, and Area

A typical basketball court is rectangular in shape, designed with a solid surface beneath. European leagues specifically require a hardwood floor, whereas an indoor basketball court could also feature linoleum, and outdoor courts are often made of asphalt. For FIBA-sanctioned competitions, the court must measure 28 meters in length and 15 meters in width, with acceptable variations of up to 4 meters in length and 2 meters in width. The minimum ceiling height over the court is set at 7 meters.

The distinct zones found on the court are delineated by visible lines and (semi-)circles, essential for maintaining structured gameplay. The out-of-bounds areas are marked by the “baseline”; if the ball crosses these sidelines, it is considered out of play.

Every line on the basketball court must be at least 5 cm wide, designed to be easily distinguishable. The playing area is divided down the middle by the center line, with the opponent’s half referred to as the “frontcourt” and the team’s own half called the “backcourt.”

Key Playing Areas and Lines

The game starts with a jump ball at the center circle, which has a radius of 1.80 meters. This central circle is a crucial point for initiating play.

Similar to the “penalty area” in soccer, basketball possesses a key region under the hoop demarcated by a rectangle. Offensive players cannot stay in this area for longer than three seconds. Additionally, directly beneath the basket, there is the “no-charging” semicircle, a zone where charging fouls are not called.

On the opposite side of this area lies the free-throw line. Each half of the court features a free-throw line extending 6.75 meters from the hoop. Shots taken beyond this line score three points instead of two. It’s worth noting that the basketball hoop must be positioned at a height of 3.05 meters from the court’s surface.

Overview of a typical basketball court layout.