Basketball Court Dimensions: Full, Half, and Backyard Court Sizes
Whether you’re planning a full regulation court for a school or a half-court for the backyard, getting the dimensions right is the foundation of a court that plays well and lasts. This guide covers official basketball court dimensions for every level of play, half-court and backyard sizes, hoop height, and the key markings — plus how to plan a court for a real Connecticut property.
When you’re ready to build, we offer basketball court installation in Connecticut — from driveway hoops to backyard half-courts to full regulation courts.
Official Basketball Court Dimensions
Court length differs by level of play, but the width is a consistent 50 feet across American basketball:
| Level | Length | Width | Total Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA | 94 ft | 50 ft | 4,700 sq ft |
| NCAA (college) | 84 ft | 50 ft | 4,200 sq ft |
| High school | 84 ft | 50 ft | 4,200 sq ft |
| FIBA (international) | 91.86 ft (28 m) | 49.21 ft (15 m) | ~4,520 sq ft |
The rim height is 10 feet on every regulation court, regardless of level.
Half-Court Dimensions
Most residential and many recreational courts are half-courts, which keeps the footprint — and cost — manageable:
| Level | Half-Court Size |
|---|---|
| NBA | 50 ft × 47 ft |
| College / High school | 50 ft × 42 ft |
| Typical backyard half-court | 30 ft × 50 ft |
| Compact practice court | 20 ft × 25 ft |
A backyard half-court doesn’t need to match a regulation half exactly — it needs enough room for the key, a three-point area, and safe run-off behind the baseline. A practical sweet spot for most yards is about 30’ × 50’.
Key Markings and Their Sizes
A regulation court has several standardized markings:
- The key (free-throw lane): 16 feet wide in the NBA, 12 feet wide in college and high school.
- Free-throw line: 15 feet from the backboard on every level.
- Three-point line: 23 ft 9 in at the top of the arc (NBA), 22 ft 1.75 in (college and FIBA), 19 ft 9 in (high school).
- Center circle: 12 feet in diameter.
- Backboard: 6 feet wide by 3.5 feet tall, with the rim 10 feet off the floor.
For a backyard court, you can include as many or as few of these markings as you like — a top-of-key and three-point arc are the most popular for a half-court.
Hoop Height
The standard rim height is 10 feet (120 inches) from the playing surface to the top of the rim, identical for NBA, college, high school, and FIBA. For youth play, adjustable systems let you lower the rim — commonly to 8 or 9 feet — so younger players can develop proper form. For an in-ground hoop done right, see our guide to basketball hoop installation in Connecticut.
Planning a Backyard Basketball Court in Connecticut
Beyond the raw dimensions, a few site factors determine whether a court will play well and last through Connecticut winters:
Level, Well-Drained Ground
The court needs a level base graded to about a 1% slope so water sheets off after rain. Connecticut’s freeze-thaw cycle cracks courts that hold standing water, so drainage planning is essential — the same principles that protect tennis and pickleball courts apply.
Surface Choice
Most Connecticut basketball courts use either an acrylic hard-court system over asphalt or concrete or a modular tile surface. Acrylic gives a smooth, custom-colored finish; modular tile drains fast and is forgiving on joints. For color and design ideas, see our guide to basketball court design in Connecticut.
Clearance and Run-Off
Leave room behind the baseline (at least a few feet) and around the sidelines so players aren’t running into fences or the house. A driveway hoop needs far less than a true half-court.
Fencing and Lighting
Perimeter fencing keeps the ball in play; LED lighting extends play into the evening. Both are worth planning for from the start.
Build a Basketball Court in Connecticut
Precision Sports CT designs and builds basketball courts across Connecticut and Florida — driveway hoops, backyard half-courts, and full regulation courts. As ASBA members certified on the major surface systems, we handle grading, drainage, base, surfacing, and line marking, and deliver an itemized written scope.
We serve homeowners and facilities across Connecticut, including Greenwich, Stamford, Fairfield, and Westport — see our full Connecticut service area. For resurfacing an existing court, see basketball court resurfacing in Connecticut.
Contact us today or call (203) 415-4532 to schedule a free site evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dimensions of a regulation basketball court?
An NBA regulation basketball court is 94 feet long by 50 feet wide. College (NCAA) and high school courts are the same 50-foot width but 84 feet long. FIBA international courts measure 91.86 feet by 49.21 feet (28 by 15 meters). The rim is 10 feet high on every regulation court.
How big is a half basketball court?
A regulation half-court is 50 feet wide by 47 feet deep for NBA dimensions, or 50 by 42 feet for college and high school. Most backyard half-courts are scaled down to a practical 30 by 25 feet up to 50 by 47 feet depending on available space.
How tall is a basketball hoop?
A regulation basketball hoop is 10 feet (120 inches) from the floor to the top of the rim. This height is the same for NBA, college, high school, and FIBA play. Youth courts often use adjustable hoops set lower, commonly 8 to 9 feet.
What size is a backyard basketball court?
Backyard basketball courts commonly range from a small 20 by 25 foot key-and-hoop area up to a 30 by 50 foot half-court. A driveway hoop needs only the hoop clearance, while a true half-court needs about 30 by 50 feet of level, surfaced space.
How far is the three-point line?
The three-point line is 23 feet 9 inches from the basket at the top of the arc in the NBA (22 feet in the corners), 22 feet 1.75 inches in college, and 19 feet 9 inches in high school. FIBA sets it at 22 feet 1.75 inches (6.75 meters).
How much space do I need for a backyard basketball court?
For a comfortable backyard half-court, plan for roughly 30 by 50 feet of level, well-drained space, which gives room for the key, three-point area, and safe run-off behind the baseline. A compact practice court can fit in as little as 20 by 25 feet.