Quick answer
A regulation basketball hoop is 10 feet (3.05 m) from the floor to the top of the rim. That height is the same in the NBA, WNBA, college, and high school. USA Basketball recommends 8 ft rims for ages 7–8 and 9 ft for ages 9–11.
Regulation basketball hoop height
Measure from the playing surface straight up to the top edge of the rim: it should be exactly 10 ft. The rim is 18 inches in diameter, and the backboard is 6 ft wide by 3.5 ft tall, mounted 4 ft inside the baseline.
Basketball rim height
Rim height and hoop height mean the same thing here: the distance from the floor to the top of the rim. A standard basketball rim height is 10 ft at every level from age 12 through the NBA.
Youth basketball hoop height by age
| Ages | Recommended rim height |
|---|---|
| 7–8 | 8 ft |
| 9–11 | 9 ft |
| 12–14 | 10 ft (regulation) |
| Grades 9–12 | 10 ft (regulation) |
Lower rims help young players learn proper shooting form before moving up to 10 ft.
Ball sizes
See the full basketball size chart by age.
| Ball | Circumference | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Size 7 | 29.5" | NBA, men's college and FIBA, boys from age 12 |
| Size 6 | 28.5" | WNBA, women's college and FIBA, girls from age 12, all players ages 9–11 |
| Size 5 | 27.5" | Ages 7–8 |
How to check your own hoop
Use a tape measure from the ground to the top of the front of the rim. Adjustable driveway hoops often drift a few inches; set the crank or lever so the tape reads 10 ft at the rim, not at the backboard.
Buying one? See our basketball hoop buying guide. Looking for a court with regulation hoops? Find a court near you.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is a basketball hoop?
A regulation basketball hoop is 10 feet from the floor to the top of the rim, in the NBA, WNBA, college, and high school.
How tall is an NBA hoop?
NBA hoops are 10 feet high, the same as college and high school.
What height should a hoop be for kids?
USA Basketball recommends an 8 ft rim for ages 7–8, 9 ft for ages 9–11, and the regulation 10 ft from age 12.