How long is a basketball game?
B · Beginner · Scoring, time and winning · 2 of 9Checked 13 October 2026
How it works
- Four quarters of 10 minutes; the clock stops whenever the whistle blows.
- Intervals: 2 minutes between quarters 1 and 2 and between 3 and 4; 15 minutes at half-time; 2 minutes before each overtime.
- Teams swap baskets for the second half. In overtime they keep the fourth-quarter baskets.
- Overtime: as many 5-minute periods as needed.
- A quarter ends when the game clock signal sounds. A red light around the backboard, where fitted, takes precedence.
- A game cannot start unless each team has 5 players ready.
Tricky cases
Can a basketball game end in a tie?
No. Overtime periods are played until there is a winner. The one exception is the first game of a two-game aggregate series, which may stand level.
How many overtimes can there be?
As many as it takes.
Why does a 40-minute game take about two hours?
Because the clock stops for fouls, the ball going out, free throws and time-outs.
Why the rule exists
A stopped clock means the playing time is real playing time, and overtime makes sure every game has a winner.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | 4 × 10 minutes; 5-minute overtimes | A8 |
| NBA and NCAA | Different period lengths | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Articles 8 and 9, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).