If you play basketball, watch the NBA, or are building a court, you may wonder: How many feet is a free throw line?
The answer is straightforward:
The free throw line is 15 feet from the front of the backboard.
This distance is used in most levels of basketball, including the NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and high school leagues. Players shoot free throws from this line after certain fouls occur during a game.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact measurements of the free throw line, its history, and how it compares with other basketball court dimensions.
Quick Answer: How Many Feet Is a Free Throw Line?
The official basketball free throw line is:
- 15 feet from the front of the backboard
- 13 feet 9 inches from the basket (rim)
- 4.57 meters
Therefore:
A player stands 15 feet away from the backboard when taking a free throw.
Official Free Throw Line Distance
The free throw line distance is the same across most basketball organizations.
| League | Distance |
|---|---|
| NBA | 15 feet |
| WNBA | 15 feet |
| NCAA | 15 feet |
| High school | 15 feet |
| FIBA | 15 feet |
This standard measurement has been used for decades.
How Far Is the Free Throw Line From the Rim?
Many people assume the free throw line is 15 feet from the hoop itself, but the official measurement is taken from the backboard.
The rim extends 6 inches from the backboard.
Calculation:
- Distance from backboard to free throw line: 15 feet
- Distance from backboard to rim: 1.25 feet
Therefore:
The free throw line is approximately 13 feet 9 inches from the center of the rim.
Free Throw Line Dimensions
The free throw line itself measures:
- 12 feet wide
- Parallel to the baseline
- Located inside the free-throw lane
The lane dimensions vary slightly by league.
| Court Feature | Measurement |
| Free throw line width | 12 feet |
| Distance from backboard | 15 feet |
| Rim height | 10 feet |
| Backboard width | 6 feet |
Why Is the Free Throw Line 15 Feet Away?
The 15-foot distance has been part of basketball for more than a century.
The distance was chosen to:
- Balance skill and difficulty.
- Reward accurate shooters.
- Standardize the game.
- Keep scoring fair.
Even as basketball has evolved, the free throw distance has remained unchanged.
How Long Is 15 Feet?
To help visualize the distance, 15 feet is roughly equal to:
- The length of a midsize car.
- Five average adult steps.
- Three standard doors placed end to end.
- About half the height of a two-story building.
Professional players practice thousands of shots from this exact distance.
Free Throw Line in Meters
Many countries use the metric system.
Conversion:
- 15 feet = 4.57 meters
This is the official distance used in international basketball competitions.
How Big Is the Free Throw Circle?
The free throw circle surrounding the line has:
- A radius of 6 feet
- A diameter of 12 feet
Players stand outside the circle until the ball touches the rim during a free throw attempt.
What Is a Free Throw?
A free throw is an uncontested shot awarded after certain fouls.
Players receive:
- One free throw.
- Two free throws.
- Three free throws.
The number depends on:
- The type of foul.
- Whether the shot was made.
- League rules.
Each successful free throw is worth:
1 point.
Which Players Have the Best Free Throw Percentages?
Some of basketball’s greatest shooters are known for their free throw accuracy.
Notable players include:
- Stephen Curry
- Steve Nash
- Mark Price
- Rick Barry
- Ray Allen
Elite players often make more than 90% of their free throws.
Other Important Basketball Court Measurements
| Court Feature | Distance |
| Free throw line | 15 ft |
| Three-point line (NBA) | 23 ft 9 in |
| Rim height | 10 ft |
| Backboard width | 6 ft |
| Court length (NBA) | 94 ft |
| Court width (NBA) | 50 ft |
Tips for Shooting Better Free Throws
Improving free throw accuracy requires practice and consistency.
Helpful tips include:
- Use a consistent routine.
- Keep your eyes on the rim.
- Bend your knees.
- Follow through after release.
- Practice regularly.
Many professional players shoot hundreds of free throws every week.
FAQs
How many feet is a free throw line?
The free throw line is 15 feet from the front of the backboard.
How far is the free throw line from the rim?
The free throw line is approximately 13 feet 9 inches from the rim.
Is the free throw line the same in the NBA and college basketball?
Yes. The NBA, NCAA, WNBA, and high school basketball all use a 15-foot free throw line.
How wide is the free throw line?
The free throw line is 12 feet wide.
How many meters is the free throw line?
The free throw line measures 4.57 meters.
How many points is a free throw worth?
Each successful free throw is worth one point.
Has the free throw distance ever changed?
No. The standard distance has remained 15 feet for many years.
Quick Facts
- The free throw line is 15 feet from the backboard.
- It is approximately 13 feet 9 inches from the rim.
- The line is 12 feet wide.
- A free throw is worth 1 point.
- The distance is the same in the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and high school basketball.
Final Thoughts
The official free throw line is 15 feet from the front of the backboard, making it one of the most recognizable measurements in basketball.
Whether you’re practicing your shot, watching a game, or designing a court, understanding the dimensions of the free throw line helps you appreciate the skill and precision required to make every free throw count.
