How to Calculate Basketball Key Dimensions

If you’re planning to play basketball, you may be wondering about the basketball key dimensions. The NBA, NAIA, and NCAA all have slightly different dimensions for their basketball keys. The NBA, for example, requires two six-inch (15-cm) hash marks that are placed three feet (0.91 m) from the basket, but allow for up to four players to occupy the key. The NBA does not have the same rule, however, as the NCAA does.

To calculate the dimensions of a basketball key, it’s important to understand the differences between high school and college courts. High school and college basketball courts have a key that is 16 feet wide and 19 feet long. Each court also has a four-foot overhang on the backboard, ensuring that players are not restricted to shooting over the baseline. The dotted line inside the key is also an important measurement, as it creates a clear boundary for jump balls.

The length of a basketball court is determined by subtracting the number of feet the rim protrudes from the baseline. When you subtract the overhang, the total length of the key is 19 feet long. A pole-type system can reduce the size of the court. In addition, these systems can significantly reduce the size of the playing area. Finally, the height of a basketball hoop should be 10 feet high from the playing surface to the top of the goal.