Quick answer
The NBA 3-point line is 23 ft 9 in from the basket at the top of the arc and 22 ft in the corners. College (men's and women's), the WNBA, and FIBA use 22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m). High school uses 19 ft 9 in.
3-point line distance by level
| Level | Top of the arc | Corners |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | 23 ft 9 in | 22 ft |
| WNBA | 22 ft 1.75 in | 21 ft 8 in |
| NCAA (men's and women's) | 22 ft 1.75 in | 21 ft 8 in |
| High school (NFHS) | 19 ft 9 in | 19 ft 9 in |
| FIBA / Olympics | 6.75 m (22 ft 1.75 in) | 6.6 m (21 ft 8 in) |
The distance is measured from the center of the basket. In the NBA and college the arc flattens into straight lines near the sidelines, which is why the corner three is shorter. The high school arc is the same distance all the way around.
NBA 3-point line
The NBA 3-point line is an arc 23 ft 9 in from the middle of the basket. Near the sidelines it becomes two straight lines 3 ft from each sideline, which makes the corner three 22 ft.
High school 3-point line
The high school 3-point line is 19 ft 9 in from the center of the basket to the outside edge of the line. See the full high school court dimensions.
When was the 3-point line added?
The ABA used a 3-point line from 1967, at 23 ft 9 in. The NBA adopted it for the 1979–80 season. College basketball followed nationally in 1986 and US high schools in 1987, though histories differ by a year on those last two dates.
Compare every marking in the court dimensions guide.
Frequently asked questions
How far is the NBA 3-point line?
23 ft 9 in at the top of the arc and 22 ft in the corners.
How far is the college 3-point line?
22 ft 1.75 in (6.75 m) at the top of the arc, the same as FIBA, for both men's and women's NCAA basketball.
How far is the high school 3-point line?
19 ft 9 in from the center of the basket, all the way around the arc.
When did the NBA add the 3-point line?
The NBA adopted the 3-point line for the 1979–80 season. The ABA had used one since 1967.