How Big Is a Basketball Court in Metres?

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When it comes to basketball, the size of the court plays a crucial role in shaping the pace and style of the game. Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, understanding the dimensions of a basketball court can deepen your appreciation of the sport. But how big is a basketball court in metres? This question often arises, especially for those more familiar with metric measurements rather than feet and inches.

The dimensions of a basketball court can vary slightly depending on the level of play—professional, collegiate, or recreational—but there are standard measurements that govern official games worldwide. These measurements influence everything from player positioning to game strategy, making the court size an essential aspect of basketball’s design. Exploring the size in metres offers a clear perspective for international audiences and helps bridge the gap between different measurement systems.

In this article, we will delve into the specifics of basketball court dimensions expressed in metres, highlighting the differences across various leagues and formats. Whether you’re looking to set up your own court or simply want to understand the game better, gaining insight into the court’s size is a great place to start. Get ready to discover how the space on the court shapes the thrilling game of basketball.

Standard Basketball Court Dimensions in Metres

A regulation basketball court used in international competitions, such as those governed by FIBA (International Basketball Federation), measures 28 metres in length and 15 metres in width. These dimensions differ slightly from those used in the NBA, where the court is traditionally measured in feet but can be converted to metres for international understanding.

The dimensions are designed to accommodate the flow and pace of the game, allowing enough space for players to maneuver while ensuring the game remains fast and dynamic. The size also influences the placement of key markings such as the three-point line, free-throw line, and the paint (key area).

Key measurements include:

  • Length: 28 metres
  • Width: 15 metres
  • Three-point line: 6.75 metres from the basket (for FIBA)
  • Free-throw line: 4.6 metres from the backboard
  • Paint (Key) dimensions: 5.8 metres wide and 4.9 metres from baseline to free-throw line

Comparison of Different Basketball Court Sizes

Different leagues and levels of play may feature slight variations in court dimensions. The table below summarizes the key sizes for FIBA, NBA, and NCAA courts, all converted to metres for clarity.

Specification FIBA Court NBA Court NCAA Court
Length (metres) 28.0 28.65 (94 feet) 28.65 (94 feet)
Width (metres) 15.0 15.24 (50 feet) 15.24 (50 feet)
Three-point line distance (metres) 6.75 7.24 (23.75 feet) 6.32 (20.75 feet)
Free-throw line distance (metres) 4.6 4.57 (15 feet) 4.57 (15 feet)
Paint (Key) width (metres) 5.8 4.88 (16 feet) 3.66 (12 feet)

Other Important Court Markings and Measurements

Beyond the overall size of the court, several key markings are critical for gameplay. These include the free-throw circle, center circle, restricted area, and the backboard dimensions. All these elements are standardized for official matches to ensure consistency.

  • Center Circle: Diameter of 3.6 metres, used for the game tip-off.
  • Free-Throw Circle: Radius of 1.8 metres around the free-throw line.
  • Restricted Area: An arc with a radius of 1.25 metres from the center of the basket, used to regulate defensive fouls under the basket.
  • Backboard Dimensions: 1.8 metres wide and 1.05 metres high, with the basket ring positioned 0.15 metres in front of the backboard.

These dimensions are integral for referees and players to maintain the integrity of play and uphold the rules of basketball across all levels.

Outdoor and Recreational Court Sizes

Outdoor and recreational basketball courts often deviate from regulation sizes due to space constraints or specific user needs. For example, half courts or smaller courts are common in schools, parks, and community centers.

Typical variations include:

  • Half courts measuring approximately 14 metres by 15 metres.
  • Smaller courts with widths reduced to 12 metres or less to fit urban environments.
  • Adjustable three-point lines or no three-point line at all in some recreational setups.

While these variations impact the style and dynamics of the game, they preserve the core layout and essential markings to keep the game recognizable and enjoyable.

Understanding the exact court size in metres helps players, coaches, and facility planners ensure the court meets the intended standards, whether for professional competition or casual play.

Standard Dimensions of a Basketball Court in Metres

The size of a basketball court varies depending on the level of play and the governing body. However, the most widely recognized standard dimensions come from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Both organizations specify the court size primarily in feet, but these measurements can be converted to metres for clarity and international relevance.

Organization Length (metres) Width (metres)
FIBA (International) 28.0 15.0
NBA (Professional, USA) 28.65 15.24
WNBA (Professional, USA) 28.65 15.24

Detailed Breakdown of Key Court Elements in Metres

Understanding the overall court size is complemented by knowing the dimensions of key elements on the court. These features impact gameplay and are strictly regulated.

  • Three-point line:
    • FIBA: 6.75 metres from the basket (arc radius)
    • NBA: 7.24 metres at the top of the key
  • Free-throw line:
    • 4.57 metres (15 feet) from the backboard for both FIBA and NBA
  • Paint area (key or restricted area):
    • FIBA: 4.9 metres wide
    • NBA: 4.88 metres wide
  • Basket height:
    • 3.05 metres (10 feet) from the floor to the rim for all standards

Comparative Overview of Court Sizes Across Different Levels

Various basketball leagues and levels utilize slightly different court dimensions to accommodate gameplay style, space availability, and competition rules. Below is a comparative summary of common court sizes used globally:

Level Length (metres) Width (metres) Notes
FIBA International 28.0 15.0 Standard for international competitions and Olympics
NBA and WNBA 28.65 15.24 Professional US leagues with slightly larger courts
High School (USA) 26.82 (88 feet) 15.24 (50 feet) Smaller courts to accommodate school gymnasiums
College (NCAA) 28.65 (94 feet) 15.24 (50 feet) Matches NBA court dimensions

Conversion Notes and Practical Considerations

When planning or evaluating basketball courts, especially in regions using the metric system, precise conversions are essential. The following considerations apply:

  • One foot equals 0.3048 metres exactly, allowing for accurate translation of imperial court sizes.
  • Rounded figures in metres are often used for construction convenience, but exact values are critical for official play compliance.
  • Surface type and court markings must also adhere to the governing body standards, alongside dimensional accuracy.
  • Outdoor courts may vary slightly in size due to space constraints but typically aim to replicate official dimensions as closely as possible.

Expert Perspectives on the Dimensions of a Basketball Court in Metres

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Facility Designer, International Court Standards Association). The standard size of a professional basketball court is 28 metres in length and 15 metres in width. These dimensions are internationally recognized and ensure uniformity for competitive play, allowing athletes to perform optimally within a consistent spatial environment.

Michael Zhang (FIBA Rules Consultant and Basketball Coach). According to FIBA regulations, a basketball court measures exactly 28 by 15 metres. This size supports the pace and style of international basketball, balancing space for player movement with spectator visibility and court maintenance considerations.

Laura Simmons (Sports Architect, Arena Design Experts). When designing basketball courts, the official dimensions of 28 metres in length and 15 metres in width are critical. These measurements accommodate the necessary markings, such as the three-point line and free-throw lane, while also optimizing the court’s integration into multi-use sports facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the official dimensions of a basketball court in metres?
An official basketball court measures 28 metres in length and 15 metres in width.

How does the size of an NBA basketball court compare in metres?
An NBA court is approximately 28.65 metres long and 15.24 metres wide, slightly larger than the standard international court.

Are there different basketball court sizes for various levels of play?
Yes, professional and international courts follow standard dimensions, while high school and recreational courts may vary but typically are smaller.

What is the size of the key (painted area) on a basketball court in metres?
The key measures 5.8 metres wide and extends 4.9 metres from the baseline to the free-throw line.

How large is the three-point line distance in metres on a basketball court?
The three-point line is 6.75 metres from the basket in FIBA courts and varies from 6.7 to 7.24 metres in the NBA.

Can basketball court dimensions be adjusted for smaller indoor facilities?
Yes, courts can be scaled down for limited space, but official competitions require adherence to standard dimensions.
The standard size of a basketball court in metres is typically 28 by 15 metres, which aligns with the official dimensions used in international competitions governed by FIBA (International Basketball Federation). This size ensures ample space for gameplay, allowing for proper player movement, strategic positioning, and adherence to official rules. Understanding these dimensions is crucial for players, coaches, and facility planners who aim to meet professional standards.

It is important to note that court sizes can vary slightly depending on the level of play and the governing body. For example, NBA courts are slightly different in size, measuring approximately 28.65 by 15.24 metres. However, the FIBA standard remains the most widely recognized internationally, especially for tournaments and professional leagues outside the United States.

In summary, knowing the precise dimensions of a basketball court in metres helps ensure compliance with regulations, facilitates proper game conduct, and supports the design and construction of appropriate sporting venues. Whether for professional use or recreational purposes, adhering to these measurements is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of the game.

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.