Dart Board Height and Distance: Official Measurements

Dart board height? Hang the board so the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) above the floor. The throw line (oche) sits 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 m) from the face of the board for steel tip darts and 8 feet (2.44 m) for soft tip. The height is the same for both types.

Below we cover exact measurements, the diagonal check, how to hang a board step by step and how to set up a safe home darts area. Getting ready for league night? See our USA flag dart shirts.

Dart board height: what is the exact height of a dart board?

Darts retailer Darts Corner puts it simply: "The height from the floor to the center of the dartboard (known as the bullseye) is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m). This is the same measurement for a soft tip dartboard" (Darts Corner, How to Hang a Dartboard).

Always measure from the floor where the player stands to the very center of the bull, not to the top or bottom of the board.

How far away do I stand from a dartboard?

Darts Corner stresses: "It's important to measure from the face of the dartboard and not the wall." If your board sits in a cabinet or a clamp that pushes it out from the wall, measure from the board face so your throw line is not too long.

How to set a dart board up step by step

1. Pick the right spot

Choose a wall with room for the full throw distance plus a little space behind the line, and no doorway in the throwing lane. Keep the area free of furniture and away from where people walk past.

2. Fit the center screw

Most boards come with a center screw, a U-shaped bracket and spring clips. Screw the center screw into the dead center of the back of the board and spread the clips in a triangle.

3. Mount the bracket at the right height

According to Darts Corner, the bracket should be placed "so that the bottom of the U-slot sits at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m) high," because that is where the center screw will rest.

4. Hang and level the board

Slide the screw into the U-slot. The board should sit snugly with little movement. If it wobbles, adjust the screw depth and try again. Rotate the board so the 20 segment is at the top.

5. Mark the throw line

Measure from the board face and mark the oche with tape, a strip of wood or a dart mat. Double-check with the diagonal measurement from the bullseye to the line.

How to protect your wall and floor

• Use a surround or cabinet. Missed darts hit the surround instead of the drywall.
• Add a mat. A dart mat protects the floor from dropped darts and shows the throw line.
• Add lighting. A board light cuts shadows so you can see the segments and the scores clearly.
• Keep the lane clear. Nobody should walk between the thrower and the board during a game.

What is the hardest number to hit on a dartboard?

There is no official answer, but many players find the bull hardest because it is the smallest target, and doubles hard because they are thin outer rings. That is one reason games like cricket and 501 feel so different: one rewards hitting specific numbers, the other finishing on a double. Learn both with our guides on how to play cricket darts and how to play 501 darts.

Practice tips once your board is up

With the board at regulation height, your practice matches what you will see at a bar or league. Throw the same three darts every session, stand in the same spot on the line and focus on a smooth, repeatable release. Our guide on how to throw darts covers grip, stance and follow-through.

What to wear for league night

Many dart teams wear matching jerseys so teammates stand out at a busy bar. Our USA flag dart shirts are printed with your name and team name and come in styles such as Men Polo, Women Polo and Men Quarter-Zip, with some designs offering a pocket option. Styles and sizes vary by design, so check each product page; for example the American Flag eagle dart shirt.

FAQ

How far away do I stand from a dartboard?

Stand behind a throw line 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 m) from the board face for steel tip, or 8 feet (2.44 m) for soft tip.

What is the exact height of a dart board?

The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) from the floor, for both steel tip and soft tip boards.

How to set a dart board up?

Fit the center screw, mount the U-bracket so its slot sits at 5 feet 8 inches, hang and level the board with 20 at the top, then mark the throw line measured from the board face.

What is the hardest number to hit on a dartboard?

Many players find the bull hardest because it is the smallest target, with the thin double ring close behind.