What Weight Darts Should I Use? Chart and Simple Test

What weight darts should I use? Most players do well starting with steel tip darts around 22–24 grams, or 18–20 grams for soft tip. From there, adjust by feel: go heavier if your darts wobble or drop, lighter if your arm tires or you throw with a fast, flat release.

Below is the weight range by dart type, how weight changes your throw, a simple test to find your number and answers to common questions. Playing league night in color? Browse our pink dart shirts.

What weight darts should I use as a beginner?

Darts Corner, a dart retailer, notes that "the most common weights for steel tip darts being 22g, 23g and 24g and for soft tip 18g and 20g." That middle range is a safe first set because it lets you move lighter or heavier once you know how you throw. (Darts Corner)

Dart weight ranges: steel tip vs soft tip

Dart type	Typical range	Most common	Board
Steel tip	About 12g to 48g	22g, 23g, 24g	Bristle (sisal) board
Soft tip	Usually 14g to 24g	18g, 20g	Soft tip, often electronic board

Soft tip darts run lighter because electronic boards have weight limits set by the board or league. Check your league rules before you buy.

How dart weight changes your throw

Heavier darts

A heavier dart holds its line better and is less affected by a slightly off release. It suits players with a smooth, steady push and a flatter arc.

Lighter darts

A lighter dart needs a higher arc and more feel. Players who throw with a lob often prefer them, and they are easier on the arm in long sessions.

The barrel matters most

Darts Corner explains that the barrel "will have the most impact on the throw of the dart as it is the heaviest part." Tungsten barrels pack the same weight into a slimmer shape than brass, which helps when you group darts close together.

How to find your dart weight in 4 steps

1. Start in the middle. Throw a 22–24g steel tip set (or 18–20g soft tip) for a few sessions.
2. Watch the flight. Darts that wobble, fade or land tail-down suggest trying 2g heavier.
3. Watch your arm. If you feel tired or strain to reach the board, try 2g lighter.
4. Test at a pro shop or league. Borrow a friend's set and throw 3 rounds at each weight before you buy.

Weight is only one part of the throw. Work on stance and release with our guide on how to throw darts, and set your board right with dart board height and distance.

Do heavier darts go straighter?

Heavier darts hold their path a little better, but they do not fix an inconsistent release. Even top players change weight to suit their game: Darts Corner points out that it is "not uncommon even at a professional level for players to tinker with the weight of their darts." Pick the weight you can repeat, then track progress with a good dart average.

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FAQ

How do you know what weight darts to use?

Start with 22–24g steel tip or 18–20g soft tip, then go heavier if your darts wobble or drop and lighter if your arm tires.

Are 25g darts too heavy?

No. 25g sits just above the most common steel tip weights and many players use it. It is too heavy only if it tires your arm or changes your release.

Are 30g darts too heavy?

For most beginners, yes as a first set. Heavier darts suit a smooth, flat throw; try them before buying.

Do heavier darts go straighter?

They hold their line a little better, but a consistent release matters more than weight.