What Is a Good Dart Average? Chart and How to Improve
What is a good dart average? It depends on your level, but the clearest way to judge it is how many darts you need to win a leg of 501. A 3-dart average is total points divided by darts thrown, times three, so finishing in 30 darts works out to about 50, in 21 darts about 72, and in 15 darts about 100. For most league players, steadily finishing sooner matters more than one big leg.
Below: how to calculate your average, a quick chart, and how to raise it. Looking for a bold team look? Browse our red dart shirts.
How to calculate your 3-dart average
A-Z Darts explains it this way: "your 1 dart average would be the total points scored (in a win or loss) divided by the number of darts thrown, then multiply that number by 3 to get your 3 dart average." The 3-dart average is also called points per round (PPR).
Example: you score 501 in a leg using 27 darts. 501 ÷ 27 = 18.6 per dart. × 3 = 55.7.
Source: A-Z Darts, Understanding Your 3 Dart Average.
What is a good dart average by darts per leg?
For a won 501 leg, the math is 501 ÷ darts × 3:
| Darts to win a 501 leg | 3-dart average |
|---|---|
| 45 | 33.4 |
| 36 | 41.8 |
| 30 | 50.1 |
| 24 | 62.6 |
| 21 | 71.6 |
| 18 | 83.5 |
| 15 | 100.2 |
| 9 | 167.0 |
The A-Z Darts article makes the point with a clinic question: few players say they would be happy throwing 30-dart legs, yet many want a 50 PPR, and "they are surprised to find out they are the same."
Why one great leg is not your average
A single 15-dart leg is a 100+ average for that leg, but A-Z Darts notes that when people ask your average, "they are asking about the 3 dart average you can sustain over many legs." Track it over a full night or a season to know your real level. Your league's own stats are the best guide for where you sit in your division.
Average vs winning legs
A higher average does not always mean wins. As the article says, "if you want to know who won, you need to look at who hit more leg-winning doubles." Two players with the same scoring can have very different results if one finishes faster.
How to improve your dart average
- Fix your throw first. A repeatable stance, grip and release keeps darts grouped. See how to throw darts.
- Practice for a target leg. The A-Z Darts author describes practicing every leg for 18 darts and counted a miss as a loss. Set a target a few darts below your current legs.
- Practice doubles. Finishing sooner raises your average and wins legs.
- Learn checkouts. Our 501 darts guide covers rules and common finishes.
Does a team shirt help?
Not your score, but a matching team jersey with names on the back makes league night easier to follow. Our red dart polos and quarter-zips are printed with your name or team name.
See every style in our red dart shirts collection.
FAQ
What's a decent average in darts?
Judge it by darts per leg. Winning a 501 leg in 30 darts is about a 50 average; 21 darts is about 72. Compare yourself with players in your own league.
What is a 20 dart leg average?
501 ÷ 20 × 3 = 75.15.
What is a 9 dart average?
A nine-dart leg, the perfect 501 leg, is 501 ÷ 9 × 3 = 167.
How do you calculate a 3-dart average?
Total points scored divided by darts thrown, multiplied by three.
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