Quick answer
The free-throw line is 15 feet from the face of the backboard, which puts it 19 feet from the baseline. That distance is the same in the NBA, WNBA, college, and high school; FIBA's line is 5.8 m (about 19 ft) from the baseline.
Free-throw line distance
The backboard hangs 4 ft inside the baseline, and the free-throw line is 15 ft beyond it, so the line sits 19 ft from the baseline. The rim's center is about 13.75 ft from the line, since the rim extends out from the backboard.
| Level | From backboard | From baseline | Lane width |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA / WNBA | 15 ft | 19 ft | 16 ft |
| College (NCAA) | 15 ft | 19 ft | 12 ft |
| High school (NFHS) | 15 ft | 19 ft | 12 ft |
| FIBA | about 4.6 m | 5.8 m | 4.9 m |
For younger players, USA Basketball and the NBA recommend a 14 ft free-throw line for ages 7–11, then the standard 15 ft from age 12.
See all court markings in the basketball court dimensions guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the free-throw line?
15 feet from the backboard and 19 feet from the baseline, at every US level from high school to the NBA.
Is the free-throw line the same in high school and the NBA?
Yes. The free-throw line is 15 ft from the backboard in high school, college, the WNBA, and the NBA. Only the lane width differs: 12 ft in high school and college, 16 ft in the NBA.