The Height of College Basketball Rims

In order to promote a fair playing environment and uniform rules, the NCAA mandates that all basketball hoops meet strict measurement requirements. Basketball goal height measurements are the same for men's and women's basketball.

  1. Dimensions

    • The NCAA requires that a basketball hoop measure 10 feet in height from the base of the floor to the top-edge of the rim at all points. Thus, the rim must be secured parallel to the floor.

    Backboard Measurements

    • In addition to the height of the rim, a basketball hoop also includes a backboard, which must meet one of two acceptable measurements. The NCAA allows backboards with a vertical height of 4 feet or 3 feet, 6 inches. For all newly installed backboards, 3 feet, 6 inches is the preferred size.

    Shot-Clock Attachment

    • Although the NCAA permits shot clocks to be secured to the top of the backboard structure, it strictly mandates that any such attachment be recessed from the edge of the backboard. Thus, any ball that comes in contact with the shot clock is clearly out of bounds. There are no restrictions on the size of a shot clock display.