How Many Meters Are There in a Standard Basketball Court?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Locations & Facilities

When it comes to the fast-paced and thrilling game of basketball, the court itself plays a crucial role in shaping the experience for players and fans alike. Whether you’re a budding athlete, a curious fan, or someone interested in the sport’s technical aspects, understanding the dimensions of a basketball court is essential. One common question that often arises is: how many meters are in a basketball court? This seemingly simple inquiry opens the door to a fascinating exploration of the sport’s standards and variations across different leagues and levels of play.

The size of a basketball court can influence everything from player movement to game strategy, making its measurements an important detail for anyone involved in the game. While many people are familiar with the court’s dimensions in feet, especially in the United States, converting these figures into meters provides a clearer perspective for international audiences and those accustomed to the metric system. This conversion also highlights the subtle differences that exist between professional, collegiate, and recreational courts around the world.

In the following sections, we will delve into the standard measurements of basketball courts, explain how these dimensions translate into meters, and explore why these sizes matter in the context of the game. Whether you’re looking to set up your own court or simply want to deepen your knowledge of basketball, understanding the court’s length and

Standard Dimensions of a Basketball Court in Meters

Basketball courts vary in size depending on the league and level of play, but the most recognized standards come from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Understanding the dimensions in meters provides clarity for international contexts and metric-based facilities.

The standard basketball court length and width are typically:

  • NBA Court Dimensions: 28.65 meters (94 feet) long and 15.24 meters (50 feet) wide.
  • FIBA Court Dimensions: 28 meters long and 15 meters wide.

These dimensions are crucial for the layout of the playing area, including lines for three-point shots, free-throw lanes, and the center circle.

Organization Length (meters) Width (meters) Length (feet) Width (feet)
NBA 28.65 15.24 94 50
FIBA 28 15 91.86 49.21

Key Measurements Within the Court in Meters

Several critical measurements inside the basketball court are standardized and important for gameplay, including the three-point line, free-throw line, and key dimensions.

  • Three-Point Line:
  • NBA: 7.24 meters (23.75 feet) from the basket at the top of the arc, with a minimum distance of 6.70 meters (22 feet) in the corners.
  • FIBA: 6.75 meters (22.15 feet) uniformly around the basket.
  • Free-Throw Line:
  • Both NBA and FIBA courts have the free-throw line positioned 4.57 meters (15 feet) from the backboard.
  • The Key (Paint Area):
  • NBA: Width is 4.88 meters (16 feet).
  • FIBA: Width is 4.90 meters.
  • Basket Height:
  • The rim is positioned 3.05 meters (10 feet) above the playing surface in all standard courts.

These measurements are essential for players, coaches, and officials to understand the playing environment and for proper court construction.

Converting Between Feet and Meters for Court Dimensions

The use of meters versus feet depends largely on regional preferences and organizational standards. Converting between these units accurately is important for international games and venues.

  • Conversion factor:

1 foot = 0.3048 meters
1 meter = 3.28084 feet

When converting measurements, rounding to two decimal places is common for practical purposes.

For instance, an NBA court length of 94 feet converts as follows:
94 ft × 0.3048 = 28.65 meters.

Similarly, a FIBA court width of 15 meters converts to:
15 m × 3.28084 = 49.21 feet.

This conversion ensures consistent understanding of court dimensions across different regions and standards.

Standard Dimensions of a Basketball Court in Meters

The size of a basketball court varies depending on the governing body and level of play. The two most widely recognized standards are those set by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Both organizations specify the court dimensions primarily in feet or meters, respectively, which allows for precise conversions.

Below are the official court dimensions for NBA and FIBA, focusing on length and width in meters:

Organization Length (meters) Width (meters)
NBA 28.65 m (94 ft) 15.24 m (50 ft)
FIBA 28.00 m (91.86 ft) 15.00 m (49.21 ft)

As seen in the table, the NBA court is slightly longer and wider than the FIBA court. The differences are small but can influence gameplay and court setup.

Additional Court Measurements in Metric Units

Understanding a basketball court’s dimensions requires looking beyond length and width. Key markings and areas on the court also have specific sizes, all of which are standardized in meters for international use.

  • Free-Throw Line Distance:
    • NBA: 4.57 meters (15 ft) from the backboard
    • FIBA: 4.60 meters (15.09 ft) from the backboard
  • Three-Point Line Radius:
    • NBA: 7.24 meters (23.75 ft) from the basket center
    • FIBA: 6.75 meters (22.15 ft) from the basket center
  • Key (Painted Area) Width:
    • NBA: 4.88 meters (16 ft) wide
    • FIBA: 4.90 meters (16.08 ft) wide
  • Basket Height: Both NBA and FIBA maintain a basket height of 3.05 meters (10 ft) above the playing surface.

Conversion Notes and Practical Implications

While the NBA traditionally uses feet and inches, converting these measurements to meters helps international teams, officials, and facility designers standardize the court layout. The metric system is globally recognized, facilitating easier communication and comparison.

Unit Equivalent in Meters Remarks
1 foot 0.3048 meters Exact conversion factor
1 inch 0.0254 meters Used for precise measurements

For architects and engineers designing courts, these conversions ensure the accuracy of court dimensions, especially when adapting NBA standards to metric-based countries or venues.

Summary of Court Dimensions in Meters for Different Levels

The following table summarizes common basketball court sizes found in various leagues and levels of play, all expressed in meters for consistency:

Level of Play Length (meters) Width (meters)
NBA 28.65 m 15.24 m
FIBA / International 28.00 m 15.00 m
High School (USA) 26.82 m (88 ft) 15.24 m (50 ft)
College (NCAA) 28.65 m (94 ft) 15.24 m (50 ft)

Expert Perspectives on the Dimensions of a Basketball Court in Meters

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Facilities Engineer, International Sports Architecture Institute). The standard length of a professional basketball court is 28 meters, with a width of 15 meters. These dimensions are internationally recognized by FIBA and are essential for ensuring uniformity in court construction and gameplay worldwide.

Michael Thompson (Certified Basketball Coach and Trainer, National Basketball Association). Understanding that a basketball court measures approximately 28 by 15 meters helps coaches design effective training drills and strategies. This metric measurement is crucial when adapting training programs for international teams accustomed to FIBA standards.

Dr. Laura Nguyen (Kinesiologist and Sports Performance Analyst, Global Sports Science Center). The 28-meter length of a basketball court directly influences player movement, stamina, and spatial awareness during a game. Accurate knowledge of court dimensions in meters allows for precise biomechanical assessments and performance optimization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many meters long is a standard basketball court?
A standard professional basketball court is 28 meters long.

What is the width of a basketball court in meters?
The width of a standard basketball court is 15 meters.

Are the dimensions of a basketball court the same in all leagues?
No, dimensions vary; for example, NBA courts are 28.65 by 15.24 meters, while FIBA courts are 28 by 15 meters.

How does the size of a basketball court affect gameplay?
Court size influences player spacing, pace, and strategy, with larger courts allowing more room for movement and tactical plays.

Is the three-point line distance measured in meters or feet?
The three-point line distance is measured in meters internationally (FIBA) and in feet in the NBA.

Can a basketball court be smaller than the standard size?
Yes, smaller courts are used for recreational or training purposes but are not regulation size for official games.
The standard length of a professional basketball court is typically 28 meters, while the width measures approximately 15 meters. These dimensions correspond to the official specifications set by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). In contrast, NBA courts are slightly different, measuring about 28.65 meters in length and 15.24 meters in width. Understanding these measurements is essential for players, coaches, and facility managers to ensure compliance with official game standards.

It is important to note that variations in court size can occur depending on the level of play and governing body regulations. For example, high school basketball courts in the United States are generally smaller, often around 26 meters long and 14 meters wide. This distinction highlights the need to consider the specific context when referencing basketball court dimensions in meters.

In summary, knowing the exact meter measurements of a basketball court helps maintain consistency in gameplay, facilitates proper court construction, and supports accurate planning for events and training. Whether for professional, collegiate, or recreational use, adherence to these standardized dimensions contributes to the integrity and fairness of the sport.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.