In basketball, a shot made inside the three-point line is worth two points, a shot from beyond it is worth three and a free throw is worth one. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins; if the scores are level, the game goes to overtime. The basketball scoring system is simple once the basics are clear. With the basketball scoring system explained step by step, this guide covers each scoring method, the three-point line, free throws and the rules that decide whether points are awarded.
How Points Are Scored
How does basketball scoring work in practice? The table below sets out each type of score in the basketball scoring system. Made shots inside the arc count for two points, made shots from beyond it count for three and free throws count for one. An and-one adds a single free throw when a player is fouled while making a shot. Officials record each score and attribute it to the player who made the shot.
| Type of score | Points |
| Field goal (inside the arc) | 2 |
| Three-pointer | 3 |
| Free throw | 1 |
| And-one (score + foul) | 2 or 3, plus 1 free throw |
The Three-Point Line
The three-point line marks the distance from which a made shot counts for three points rather than two. Distances vary by competition. In the NBA, the arc sits 7.24 m (23 ft 9 in) from the basket and drops to 6.71 m (22 ft) in the corners. FIBA-rules competitions, such as the EuroLeague, use 6.75 m (22 ft 1¾ in). The NCAA adopted the same distance for men’s basketball from the 2019–20 season and for women’s basketball from 2021–22. A shooter’s feet must be behind the line, without touching it, when the ball is released for the score to count as three, and officials can review foot position on a close call. This part of the basketball scoring system rewards long-range accuracy without making closer shots less valuable. The three-point shot was first used in the ABL in 1961, adopted by the NBA in 1979 and by NCAA basketball in 1986.
Free Throws
Free throws are awarded when a player is fouled in the act of shooting, or when a team has committed enough fouls in a period for the bonus to apply. Each attempt is taken from the free-throw line, 4.6 m (15 ft) from the backboard, and is worth one point. A player fouled in the act of shooting receives two attempts if the shot misses, or three if it was taken from beyond the arc. If the shot goes in, the basket counts and one free throw follows. Free throws are the only uncontested scores in the basketball scoring system. They are also awarded for technical and other fouls.
Other Scoring Rules
Several rules decide whether a basket counts at all. Goaltending occurs when a defender touches the ball on its downward flight towards the basket while it is above the level of the rim; the basket is then awarded. Basket interference covers players touching the ball, net or rim while the ball is within the cylinder. The shot clock gives a team 24 seconds to attempt a shot that touches the rim, and it resets to 14 seconds after an offensive rebound. A shot released before the buzzer counts if it passes through the basket after time expires.
Game Length and Overtime
Game length differs by league, and that shapes how many scoring opportunities a team gets. The NBA plays four 12-minute quarters, while FIBA games use four 10-minute quarters. Overtime periods last five minutes in both. If the scores are tied when regulation ends, teams play additional overtime periods until one side leads when the period finishes. Scoring totals carry over, as points from regulation are not reset. As a result, every game produces a winner. Each league also sets its own rules on team fouls and timeouts during these extra periods.
| League | Quarters | Overtime |
| NBA | 4 × 12 minutes | 5 minutes |
| FIBA | 4 × 10 minutes | 5 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you score 4 points in basketball?
Yes. A four-point play occurs when a player is fouled while making a three-pointer and then converts the resulting free throw. The basket is worth three points and the free throw adds one, so the player is credited with four points on a single possession.
Is there a draw in basketball?
No. If the scores are level at the end of regulation, the game continues into overtime, and as many extra periods as needed are played until one team leads when a period ends.
Betting is only available to participants above 18 years. Please bet responsibly. BeGambleAware.org