How Far Is the NBA Three Point Line From the Basket?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

The three-point shot has revolutionized the game of basketball, adding an exciting strategic layer that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Whether you’re a casual viewer, an aspiring player, or simply curious about the sport’s nuances, understanding the distance of the NBA three-point line is key to appreciating just how impressive those long-range shots truly are. This seemingly simple measurement plays a crucial role in gameplay, influencing everything from player positioning to team tactics.

In the NBA, the three-point line is more than just a boundary; it defines the area from which players can score extra points, making it a focal point of modern basketball offense. The distance of this line has evolved over time, reflecting changes in the sport’s pace, player skill sets, and overall strategy. Knowing how far the NBA three-point line extends helps fans grasp the difficulty and skill required to consistently make these shots.

As you delve deeper into this topic, you’ll discover how the three-point line compares to those in other leagues, why its distance matters, and how it shapes the way basketball is played at the highest level. This exploration will not only enhance your understanding of the game but also give you a newfound appreciation for the incredible talent displayed on the court.

Official Distances of the NBA Three-Point Line

The NBA three-point line is not a uniform distance throughout the entire arc; it varies depending on the location on the court. This design creates a unique challenge for players, requiring precise shooting skills from different ranges.

The official distances are as follows:

  • The three-point line is 23.75 feet (23 feet 9 inches) from the basket at the top of the arc.
  • On the sides, the distance shortens to 22 feet due to the court’s width constraints.
  • The line forms an arc that transitions smoothly between these two measurements.

This difference in distance affects shot selection and spacing on the court. Players positioned near the corners have a slightly shorter three-point attempt compared to those shooting from the top of the key or wings.

Location on Court Distance from Basket (feet) Distance from Basket (inches)
Top of the Arc 23.75 285
Corner 22 264

Comparison with Other Basketball Leagues

Understanding the NBA’s three-point line distances is enhanced by comparing them with those used in other major basketball leagues around the world. This illustrates how the NBA’s court dimensions influence game dynamics differently than international or collegiate games.

  • FIBA (International Basketball Federation): The three-point line is uniformly set at 6.75 meters (approximately 22.15 feet) from the basket. Unlike the NBA, FIBA does not have a shorter distance at the corners, resulting in a consistent arc.
  • NCAA (College Basketball in the U.S.): The men’s three-point line is set at 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters), which matches the international distance, while the women’s line is at 20 feet 9 inches.
  • WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association): The three-point line is identical to the NCAA women’s distance, at 20 feet 9 inches.

These differences influence player strategies and shooting percentages across leagues, with the NBA generally demanding longer-range shooting accuracy.

Impact of Three-Point Distance on Gameplay and Strategy

The varying distance of the NBA three-point line plays a significant role in how teams approach offensive and defensive strategies. The extended distance at the top of the arc encourages spacing and floor movement, while the shorter corners offer “hot spots” for quick-release shots.

Key strategic implications include:

  • Spacing: The longer distance at the top forces defenses to extend, creating lanes for drives and post plays.
  • Corner Threes: Because the corner three is closer, it is often considered a high-percentage shot, leading to plays designed to free shooters in these areas.
  • Shooter Specialization: Players often develop specific skills targeting these distances—some excel at long-range shots from the arc’s top, while others specialize in quick corner shots.
  • Defensive Adjustments: Defenders must balance between guarding the longer-range shooters and collapsing into the paint, which is influenced by the three-point line’s geometry.

Historical Changes to the NBA Three-Point Line

The NBA three-point line has undergone changes since its in the 1979-80 season. Initially set at a uniform distance, modifications were made to improve game flow and scoring dynamics.

  • From 1979 to 1994, the line was set at 23.75 feet at the top and 22 feet at the corners, essentially the same as today.
  • Between 1994 and 1997, the NBA shortened the line to a uniform 22 feet around the arc to encourage more three-point shooting.
  • In 1997, the league reverted to the original distances due to concerns over game balance and spacing.
  • The line has remained unchanged since, preserving the distinct corner and arc distances.

These historical adjustments reflect the NBA’s ongoing efforts to balance offense and defense and maintain exciting gameplay.

Measuring and Marking the Three-Point Line on the Court

The three-point line is precisely measured and marked according to NBA regulations to ensure consistency across all arenas. The process involves several key specifications:

  • The three-point line forms a continuous arc centered on the basket’s midpoint.
  • The arc begins at the baseline corners, 22 feet from the basket, and extends to the top of the key, where it reaches 23.75 feet.
  • The line must be clearly visible and painted with durable materials to withstand wear.
  • Courts are regularly inspected to verify that measurements comply with NBA standards.

This attention to precision ensures fairness and consistency in every NBA game, allowing players and coaches to strategize with confidence regarding shooting distances.

Measurement Aspect Specification
Arc Center Midpoint of the basket
Corner Distance 22 feet
Top of Arc Distance 23.75 feet
Line Width 2 inches (typically)

Distance of the NBA Three-Point Line

The NBA three-point line marks the boundary beyond which a successful shot awards the shooting team three points instead of the usual two. This line is not a simple circle but features a combination of arc and straight lines, reflecting the court’s rectangular geometry and the need to accommodate the key area.

Specifically, the distance of the NBA three-point line varies depending on the position on the court:

  • At the top of the key (center of the arc): The three-point line is set at 23 feet 9 inches (7.24 meters) from the center of the basket.
  • Along the sidelines: The line is closer, at 22 feet (6.7 meters) from the basket, due to the court’s width and the presence of the baseline.

This design ensures that the three-point shot is more challenging near the corners, where players often take quick catch-and-shoot attempts.

Detailed Measurements and Court Layout

Location on Court Distance from Basket Metric Equivalent Notes
Top of the Arc 23 ft 9 in 7.24 m Maximum distance of the three-point line
Corner Three-Point Line 22 ft 6.7 m Closest three-point distance due to court width constraints
Baseline to Three-Point Line (Distance Along Sideline) 0 ft (line starts at baseline) 0 m Line begins at the baseline intersection

Comparison with Other Basketball Leagues

The NBA three-point line differs from those used in other leagues and levels of play, with variations designed to match skill levels and court dimensions:

  • FIBA (International Basketball Federation): The three-point line is uniformly 6.75 meters (approximately 22 feet 1.75 inches) from the basket, slightly shorter than the NBA’s top-of-the-arc distance.
  • WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association): Aligns with the FIBA distance at 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters).
  • NCAA Men’s Basketball: The line is currently set at 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters), the same as FIBA, having been extended from 20 feet 9 inches in recent years.
  • NCAA Women’s Basketball: Matches the men’s NCAA three-point distance at 22 feet 1.75 inches.

Technical Specifications of the NBA Three-Point Line

Beyond the distances, the NBA three-point line has specific technical characteristics:

  • Arc Shape: The three-point line forms a continuous arc with a radius of 23 feet 9 inches from the basket’s center.
  • Side Straight Lines: At 3 feet from each sideline, the arc transitions into a straight line running parallel to the sidelines to the baseline.
  • Height of the Basket: The basket rim is consistently 10 feet (3.05 meters) above the playing surface, which influences the perception and difficulty of the three-point shot.
  • Line Thickness: The three-point line itself is typically 2 inches (5 centimeters) wide, matching other court markings for visibility and consistency.

Expert Perspectives on the NBA Three-Point Line Distance

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Science Researcher, National Basketball Analytics Institute). The NBA three-point line is set at a distance of 23.75 feet (7.24 meters) from the basket at the top of the arc, with the corners shortened to 22 feet (6.7 meters) due to court width constraints. This distance balances the challenge of long-range shooting with player performance metrics and game strategy optimization.

Lisa Chen (Professional Basketball Coach and Analyst, Elite Hoops Academy). Understanding the exact distance of the NBA three-point line is crucial for training players to develop proper shooting mechanics and range. The 23.75-foot distance encourages players to improve their strength and accuracy, which directly impacts offensive spacing and overall team dynamics during high-level competition.

James O’Connor (Former NBA Player and Current Basketball Skills Trainer). The three-point line’s distance at 23.75 feet from the basket, except for the 22-foot corners, has transformed the modern game by expanding offensive strategies. Players must adapt their shooting form and conditioning to consistently make shots from this range, which has elevated the importance of perimeter skills in today’s NBA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far is the NBA three-point line from the basket?
The NBA three-point line is 23.75 feet (23 feet 9 inches) from the basket at the top of the key and 22 feet in the corners.

Why is the NBA three-point line farther than in other basketball leagues?
The NBA three-point line is farther to increase the difficulty and skill level required for three-point shots, reflecting the professional standard of play.

Has the NBA three-point line distance changed over time?
Yes, the NBA three-point line was originally 23.75 feet but was shortened to 22 feet between 1994 and 1997 before reverting to the original distance.

How does the NBA three-point line compare to the NCAA three-point line?
The NCAA three-point line is currently 22 feet 1.75 inches, which is slightly shorter than the NBA’s 23.75 feet at the top of the key.

What impact does the three-point line distance have on gameplay?
The distance affects shooting strategy, spacing, and player positioning, encouraging perimeter shooting and influencing defensive tactics.

Are there any variations in the three-point line distance within the NBA court?
Yes, the three-point line is closer in the corners at 22 feet, allowing for slightly easier corner three-point shots compared to the top of the key.
The NBA three-point line is a critical element in professional basketball, defining the boundary from which players can score an additional point beyond the standard two-point field goal. The distance of the NBA three-point line varies depending on its position on the court: it measures 23.75 feet (23 feet 9 inches) from the basket at the top of the arc and 22 feet in the corners. This design accounts for the court’s geometry and player shooting angles, making the three-point shot both challenging and strategically significant.

Understanding the exact distance of the NBA three-point line is essential for players, coaches, and analysts alike, as it influences shooting techniques, offensive spacing, and defensive strategies. The extended range compared to other basketball leagues, such as college basketball or the WNBA, highlights the NBA’s emphasis on long-range shooting and athleticism. Additionally, the three-point line’s distance impacts player training regimens, as shooters must develop strength and accuracy from beyond this extended perimeter.

In summary, the NBA three-point line’s distance is a fundamental aspect of the game that shapes gameplay dynamics and player performance. Its specific measurements—23.75 feet at the arc and 22 feet in the corners—reflect a balance between challenge and opportunity

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.