by A shot can be worth three points from one spot and only two from another because basketball courts do not all use the same three-point distance. The difference matters in Nigeria, where most organised basketball follows FIBA rules, while NBA footage and American college games use their own court markings.
How far is the three-point line?
On a FIBA basketball court, the three-point arc is 6.75 metres from the centre of the basket, or about 22 feet 1.75 inches. In the two corner areas, the line is closer: the distance is 6.60 metres, approximately 21 feet 8 inches.
The NBA three-point line is farther away at 23 feet 9 inches from the basket at the top of the arc. It comes in to 22 feet in the corners. This is why an NBA three-pointer from the wing requires more range than a FIBA three-point attempt, even though the court markings look broadly similar.
| Competition | Arc distance | Corner distance |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA | 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) | 6.60 m (21 ft 8 in) |
| NBA | 23 ft 9 in (7.24 m) | 22 ft (6.71 m) |
| WNBA | 22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m) | 22 ft (6.71 m) |
| NCAA men | 22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m) | 21 ft 8 in (6.60 m) |
| U.S. high school | 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m) | 19 ft 9 in (6.02 m) |
The three-point line distance used in Nigeria
For Nigerian basketball played under FIBA regulations, the relevant measurement is 6.75 metres from the centre of the hoop. This applies to competitions governed by the international rules used by FIBA and typically followed by national and organised domestic basketball.
The corner sections can cause confusion. The FIBA arc does not continue as a perfect semicircle all the way to the sidelines. Short straight lines run parallel to the sidelines, leaving the corner three-point distance at 6.60 metres. A player standing in the corner therefore has a slightly shorter three-point shot than a player at the top of the arc.
On a regulation FIBA court, the basket is 3.05 metres above the floor and the three-point distance is measured horizontally from the point on the floor directly beneath the centre of the basket. The painted line itself is not treated as part of the three-point area: a shooter touching the line has not made a three-point attempt.
Why the distance changes between competitions
Different governing bodies set different distances to fit their court dimensions, playing style and competitive history. The NBA uses a larger court and a longer arc, creating more space around the paint and demanding greater range from perimeter shooters. FIBA’s 6.75-metre line gives international courts a consistent standard across countries, including Nigeria.
That distinction also affects statistics. A player who shoots 40% from three-point range in an NBA game is working from a longer arc than a FIBA player shooting from the top of the key. Comparing percentages without considering the competition can hide the difference in shot difficulty.
How to check the distance on a court
Measure from the centre of the basket—not from the front of the backboard, the edge of the rim or the baseline. The measurement should follow the floor to the nearest point of the arc. If the court has multiple markings, identify the competition rule set before deciding which line is official.
For a FIBA court, the main reference is 6.75 metres from the basket’s centre. A tape measure can confirm the arc, but the corner sections should be checked separately because they use the shorter 6.60-metre measurement. Temporary or school courts may have faded, incorrectly placed or overlapping lines.
Common questions about three-point distance
Is the three-point line the same in NBA and FIBA basketball?
No. The NBA arc is 23 feet 9 inches at the top, while the FIBA arc is 6.75 metres, or about 22 feet 1.75 inches. Their corner measurements differ as well.
How far is a three-pointer from the corner?
On a FIBA court, the corner three-point distance is 6.60 metres. In the NBA, it is 22 feet. The corner is shorter than the top of the arc because of the straight sections beside the sidelines.
Does standing on the line count as a three-pointer?
No. If the shooter’s foot touches the three-point line at release, the basket counts for two points. Both feet must be completely behind the line for the attempt to be worth three points.
What is the three-point line distance in metres?
The standard FIBA distance is 6.75 metres at the arc and 6.60 metres in the corners. The NBA distance is 7.24 metres at the arc and about 6.71 metres in the corners.
