Darts is a game of precision, skill, and strategy. Having a correct understanding of the distance to the dart board and the height of a dart board is crucial. In this Quick guide for dartboard distances, we’ll delve deep into the nuances of dart board distances, rules, and more.
Quick guide for dartboard distances
Our quick guide can be used to refresh yourself of the dartboard distances and height when hanging a dartboard. We have covered this extensively in our comprehensive guide on how to hang a dartboard if you are hanging a dart board for the first time.
Distance to Dart Board: The Standard Measurement
The official distance to a dart board, as set by the World Darts Federation (WDF) and the Processional Darts Corporation (PDC), is 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm) from the front of the board. This distance is measured horizontally from the face of the dartboard, not the wall it’s mounted on.

Distance Variations for Different Dart Board types
While the standard distance is widely accepted for steel-tip darts, soft-tip darts often have a slightly different requirement. For soft-tip boards, the distance is usually set at 8 feet. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines or the rules of the venue you’re playing at to be sure.
Darts Distance Board: Why It Matters
Maintaining the correct distance is crucial for a fair game. It ensures that every player, regardless of where they play, faces the same challenge. It also helps in practicing and honing skills, as muscle memory plays a significant role in achieving consistency in darts.
Darts Distance from the Board: The Vertical Measurement
Apart from the horizontal distance, the height at which the dartboard is hung is equally important. The standard height, measured from the floor to the center of the bullseye, is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
Dart Distance to Board: The Oche
The oche (pronounced “ockey”) is the line a player must stand behind when throwing their darts. It’s set at the official distance from the dartboard. Some venues use a raised oche, ensuring players don’t step over the line, while others simply mark the distance on the floor. A dart mat with throw line (oche) is often used to protect the floor and ensure the correct distances are maintained.
Quick guide for dartboard distances: Beyond Distances
While distance is a fundamental aspect, there are other rules to consider:
Scoring: The outer ring doubles the score of the segment, the inner ring triples it, and the bullseye scores 50.
Game Variations: Popular games include ‘501’, ‘301’, and ‘Cricket’.
Turns: Each player gets three darts per turn.
Winning: In games like ‘501’, players must reach zero by hitting a double.
Recap on the importance of the correct measurements
Understanding the correct distances and rules is essential for anyone serious about darts. Whether you’re setting up a new board at home or preparing for a tournament, this guide should serve as a comprehensive resource. Remember, while rules and measurements are crucial, practice and passion are the keys to truly mastering the game of darts.