Dart Board Distance & Height — The Complete Setup Guide
Official measurements, step-by-step instructions and everything you need to set up your dartboard correctly at home.
- What Is the Official Dart Board Distance?
- What Is the Official Dart Board Height?
- The Diagonal Method
- Steel Tip vs Soft Tip Comparison
- How to Set Up a Dart Board — Step by Step
- What You'll Need
- Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
- Dart Board Distance for Kids
- Wheelchair Darts Distance
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Official Dart Board Distance?
The official throwing distance for steel tip darts is 237cm (7ft 9¼in) from the front face of the dartboard to the oche (throwing line).
This measurement is used by all major governing bodies including the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), WDF (World Darts Federation) and the BDO (British Darts Organisation).
It's important to note that the distance is measured from the face of the dartboard — not from the wall. Since most dartboards sit about 3-4cm away from the wall when mounted, make sure you account for this when measuring.
The official throwing distance is measured from the front face of the board to the oche.
For soft tip darts (electronic dartboards), the distance is slightly longer at 244cm (8ft). This is because soft tip darts are lighter and the extra distance helps balance the game.
What Is the Official Dart Board Height?
The official dart board height is 173cm (5ft 8in) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye.
This height is the same for both steel tip and soft tip darts. It's also consistent across all major darts organisations worldwide.
A common mistake is measuring to the top of the board or to the mounting bracket. Always measure to the dead centre of the bullseye.
Always measure from the floor to the centre of the bullseye — not the top of the board.
If your floor is uneven or carpeted, use a spirit level to ensure your measurement is accurate. Even a 1-2cm difference can affect your game over time.
The Diagonal Method — The Easiest Way to Check Your Setup
The diagonal measurement is the most accurate way to verify your dartboard setup. It's a single measurement from the centre of the bullseye to the front of the oche.
This method works because of basic geometry — the height (173cm) and distance (237cm) form a right-angled triangle. The diagonal (293.4cm) is the hypotenuse.
The diagonal method uses one measurement to verify both height and distance are correct.
How to Use the Diagonal Method
- Attach a piece of string to the centre of the bullseye
- Measure the string to 293.4cm (9ft 7½in)
- Pull the string taut to the floor at an angle
- The point where the string touches the floor is where your oche should be
If you've already set up your board and oche, simply measure the diagonal to double-check everything is correct. If it matches 293.4cm, your setup is spot on.
Steel Tip vs Soft Tip — Distance Comparison
While most measurements are the same, there is one key difference between steel tip and soft tip darts setups:
| Measurement | Steel Tip | Soft Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Throwing Distance | 237cm (7ft 9¼in) | 244cm (8ft) |
| Board Height | 173cm (5ft 8in) | 173cm (5ft 8in) |
| Diagonal | 293.4cm (9ft 7½in) | 299.4cm (9ft 10in) |
| Board Type | Bristle / Sisal | Electronic / Plastic |
If you're playing at home for fun, steel tip measurements are the standard to follow. These are the same measurements used in every PDC tournament you see on TV, from the Premier League to the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
How to Set Up a Dart Board at Home — Step by Step
Follow these steps to set up your dartboard to official specifications. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes.
Choose Your Wall
Pick a solid wall with enough space around it. You'll need at least 60cm of clearance on each side of the board and around 3 metres of open space in front for the throwing area. Avoid walls near windows, doors or walkways.
Mark the Height
Measure 173cm (5ft 8in) from the floor and make a small pencil mark on the wall. This is where the centre of the bullseye will sit. Use a tape measure and spirit level for accuracy.
Mount the Bracket
Most dartboards come with a mounting bracket. Fix it to the wall at your marked height using appropriate wall fixings. For plasterboard walls, use heavy-duty wall anchors. For brick walls, use standard rawl plugs and screws.
Hang the Board
Place the dartboard onto the bracket. Make sure the number 20 segment is at the top (12 o'clock position). The board should sit flush and not wobble. Double-check the bullseye is at 173cm.
Measure the Throwing Distance
From the face of the dartboard (not the wall), measure 237cm (7ft 9¼in) along the floor. Mark this point — this is where your oche will go.
Set Up the Oche
Place your oche at the marked distance. You can use a dart mat with a built-in oche line, a raised oche strip, or simply a piece of tape on the floor. A proper dart mat also protects your floor from stray darts.
Verify with the Diagonal
Finally, measure the diagonal from the centre of the bullseye to the front of the oche. It should be 293.4cm (9ft 7½in). If it matches, your setup is perfect.
What You'll Need
Here's everything you need to set up a dartboard properly at home:
Winmau Blade 6 Dartboard
The most popular professional-grade bristle dartboard. Used in PDC events worldwide. Ultra-thin wiring reduces bounce-outs.
Winmau Fixing Kit / Mounting Bracket
A dedicated mounting bracket makes hanging your board simple and secure. Comes with all fixings included for a hassle-free installation.
Dartboard Surround
Protects your wall from stray darts. A surround fits around the board and catches any missed shots. Essential for home setups.
Dart Mat with Oche Line
A heavy-duty dart mat protects your floor and has the official oche distance marked. Just roll it out and you're ready to play.
Tape Measure (3m+)
You'll need a tape measure of at least 3 metres to measure the throwing distance and diagonal. Any standard tape measure will do.
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Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common errors people make when setting up a dartboard at home:
Measuring from the wall instead of the board face
The dartboard sits 3-4cm away from the wall when mounted. Always measure the throwing distance from the front face of the board, not the wall behind it.
Measuring height to the top of the board
The 173cm measurement is to the centre of the bullseye, not the top of the board. The top of a standard dartboard sits at roughly 190cm from the floor.
Not verifying with the diagonal measurement
The diagonal check (293.4cm) catches errors in both height and distance with a single measurement. Always do this as a final check.
Number 20 not at the top
The number 20 segment should always be at the 12 o'clock position. This is the standard orientation used in all professional play.
Not accounting for uneven floors
If your floor slopes or has thick carpet, your measurements can be off. Use a spirit level and measure from the most level point of the floor.
Dart Board Distance for Kids
There are no official junior darts distance rules, but here are the commonly recommended adjustments based on age:
| Age Group | Recommended Distance | Board Height |
|---|---|---|
| Under 8 | 150cm (4ft 11in) | 137cm (4ft 6in) |
| 8 – 11 | 190cm (6ft 3in) | 155cm (5ft 1in) |
| 12 – 14 | 220cm (7ft 3in) | 173cm (5ft 8in) |
| 15+ | 237cm (7ft 9¼in) | 173cm (5ft 8in) |
Start with a shorter distance and gradually move back as your child's throwing improves. The most important thing is that they're having fun and can actually hit the board consistently.
Wheelchair Darts Distance
Wheelchair darts follows modified measurements to ensure fair play:
| Measurement | Standard | Wheelchair |
|---|---|---|
| Board Height | 173cm (5ft 8in) | 137cm (4ft 6in) |
| Throwing Distance | 237cm (7ft 9¼in) | 237cm (7ft 9¼in) |
| Diagonal | 293.4cm (9ft 7½in) | 274cm (8ft 11¾in) |
The throwing distance remains the same, but the board is lowered to 137cm (4ft 6in) so that the bullseye is at a comfortable eye-level height for seated players. These are the official measurements used in PDC wheelchair darts events.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far do you stand from a dart board?
The official throwing distance is 237cm (7ft 9¼in) for steel tip darts and 244cm (8ft) for soft tip darts. This is measured from the front face of the dartboard to the front of the oche (throwing line).
How high should a dart board be from the floor?
The official height is 173cm (5ft 8in) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye. This is the same for both steel tip and soft tip darts.
What is the oche in darts?
The oche (pronounced "ockey") is the throwing line in darts. Players must stand behind this line when throwing their darts. It is placed 237cm from the face of the dartboard for steel tip darts.
Can I set up a dartboard on a plasterboard wall?
Yes, but use proper wall fixings such as plasterboard anchors or toggle bolts. A standard bristle dartboard weighs around 5kg. Using a dedicated mounting bracket with appropriate fixings is recommended for a secure setup.
Is the distance the same for steel tip and soft tip darts?
No. Steel tip darts use 237cm (7ft 9¼in) and soft tip darts use 244cm (8ft). The board height of 173cm remains the same for both.
Do I need to measure from the wall or the board?
Always measure from the front face of the dartboard, not from the wall. The board sits 3-4cm away from the wall when mounted, so measuring from the wall would give you an incorrect distance.
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