Dartboard Distance – Official Measurements and Setup Guide

Getting the dartboard distance right is one of the most important steps in setting up a home or club board. Whether you play steel-tip or soft-tip darts, the official measurements determine fair play, consistency, and the overall feel of the game. This guide breaks down the exact distances, heights, and measurement methods you need.

Many players assume one measurement fits all, but steel-tip and soft-tip boards have different throwing distances. The height of the board, the position of the oche (throw line), and even the way you measure can affect your practice. Understanding these details helps you create a regulation setup and avoid developing habits that won’t transfer to competitive play.

Below you’ll find the core numbers, step-by-step measurement instructions, and answers to common questions about tolerance and space constraints. The information is based on official rules from the World Darts Federation and the British Darts Organisation, as well as practical guides from specialist retailers.

What Is the Official Dartboard Distance?

Key Insights

• The official dartboard distance is standardised by the World Darts Federation (WDF) and British Darts Organisation (BDO).
• Steel tip and soft tip darts have different throwing distances, which many casual players overlook.
• The diagonal measurement from bullseye to oche is often used as a quick check but is less common than horizontal measurement.
• For home setups, slight deviations are acceptable for casual play, but competitive practice should adhere to exact regulations.
• Measuring from the front of the board (not the wall) is critical to avoid errors due to board thickness.
• Some sources round the steel-tip diagonal as 293 cm, while others specify 293.4 cm or 9 ft 7⅜ in – the underlying regulation is the same.

Quick Reference Table

How to Measure Dartboard Distance Correctly?

Getting the measurement right is about knowing where to place the tape. The official rules specify that the distance is measured from the front face of the dartboard (the playing surface) to the front edge of the oche. Here are the three most common methods.

Measuring from the Front of the Dartboard

Place the end of a tape measure at the front face of the board – the surface where the dart tips land. Extend it horizontally to the floor position where you want the oche. For steel-tip, that distance is 2.37 m (7 ft 9¼ in); for soft-tip, it is 2.44 m (8 ft). This is the method used in official tournaments and is the most reliable.

Measuring from the Wall

If your dartboard is mounted flush against the wall, you can measure from the wall, but you must add the depth of the board. Most dartboards are about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. To avoid confusion, always use the front face of the board as the starting point. The wall measurement alone will be shorter than the correct distance.

Creating the Oche (Throwing Line)

Once you have the correct distance, mark the oche. A raised oche (a wooden or rubber strip) is common in professional settings. For a raised oche, some guides note that the minimum throwing distance is measured from the rear of the raised oche to the dartboard face, and the diagonal is then measured to the oche at floor level. For a flat taped line, simply place tape at the measured distance from the board face.

What Is the Official Dartboard Height?

Bullseye Height

The centre of the bullseye must be 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) from the floor. This measurement is the same for both steel-tip and soft-tip dartboards. It is measured from the floor to the centre of the bullseye, not the top or bottom of the board.

How Accurate Does the Distance Need to Be for a Home Dartboard?

Recommended Tolerance

For casual play among friends, a deviation of up to 1–2 inches from the official distance is generally acceptable. However, if you are training for competition or league matches, the closer you can get to the exact regulation measurement, the better. Your muscle memory develops around the distance you practice at, and a difference of even an inch can affect your consistency.

Adjusting for Limited Space

If your room is too small for the full throwing distance, consider using a soft-tip board. Soft-tip requires 8 ft (2.44 m) instead of 7 ft 9¼ in, which is actually slightly longer. Alternatively, you can move the board to a different wall or use a shorter throw line, but be aware that this will not be official. Some players use a retractable oche or a removable board to allow for flexible setup. If you are interested in the broader world of darts, you might also enjoy reading about Chris Mason – BBC Political Editor, Actor, or Darts Player.

When Did the Standard Dartboard Distances Become Official?

1. 1920s: The British Darts Organisation standardised the dartboard height and distance, establishing the 5 ft 8 in bullseye height and 7 ft 9¼ in throwing distance for steel-tip.
2. 1970s: The World Darts Federation was formed and adopted the BDO rules for international competition, cementing the steel-tip measurements.
3. 1990s: Soft-tip darts grew in popularity, particularly in electronic dartboards, leading to the separate distance of 8 ft for soft-tip boards.

What Is Certain and What Varies About Dartboard Distance?

Why Are These Dartboard Distances Used?

The throwing distance of 7 ft 9¼ in for steel-tip darts was chosen to balance challenge and accessibility. At this distance, most players have a comfortable throwing motion while still needing accuracy to hit the smaller scoring segments. The height of 5 ft 8 in places the bullseye at roughly eye level for an average-height player, reducing the need to look up or down excessively.

Soft-tip darts are lighter than steel-tip darts, and the electronic dartboard surface is often more forgiving. The longer distance of 8 ft (2.44 m) compensates for the lighter weight and the different flight characteristics. The diagonal measurement – from bullseye to oche – is a convenient installation check, especially when furniture or wall fixtures make it hard to measure horizontally from the board face.

What Do Governing Bodies and Experts Say About Dartboard Distance?

“The throwing distance shall be 2.37 meters (7 ft 9.25 in) from the front of the dartboard to the oche.”

World Darts Federation (WDF) official rules

“The center of the bullseye must be 1.73 meters (5 ft 8 in) from the floor.”

British Darts Organisation (BDO) rulebook

“The official dartboard distance is 2.37 meters (7 feet 9¼ inches).”

Dartshopper.co.uk

What Should You Remember When Setting Up a Dartboard?

The official dartboard distance is 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) for steel-tip and 8 ft (2.44 m) for soft-tip, measured from the front face of the board to the front edge of the oche. The bullseye height is 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) for both types. For a quick diagonal check, measure about 293 cm from bullseye to oche for steel-tip. If you are practising for competition, stick to the exact numbers. For casual home play, small deviations are fine, but consistency helps your game. If you are interested in the broader world of darts, you might also enjoy reading about Dennis Taylor – The Snooker Legend Behind the 1985 World Title.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dartboard Distance