Distance & Height regulations for Darts

If you have any questions about the standard distance and height of a dartboard, we’ll answer them in detail in this article.

The distance of a dartboard is 237 cm (93 inches) from the throwing line to the front of the board. Additionally, a diagonal of 293 cm (115 inches) must separate the center of the board from the back of the throwing line.

The height of a dartboard is 173 cm (68 inches) from the floor to the center of the target (bullseye).

However, these measurements may vary depending on various factors, such as the players’ age, gender, and the type of target used.

Height of a dartboard

The standard height is universal, whether you’re playing on a traditional sisal dartboard or an electronic one.

The center of the bullseye (the inner red circle) must be exactly 1.73 meters (68 inches) above the floor. This measurement is taken vertically from the floor to the center of the bullseye.

 Note that we are referring here to the height of the center of the dartboard, not the top or the bottom.

Installation tip: To measure the height of a dartboard, simply follow the steps below:

1. Turn the dartboard upside down.

2. Measure the diameter of the dartboard from the base to the top.

3. Divide the value by 2 to find the distance between the top and the center.

4. Make a mark on the wall at 173 cm from the floor.

5. Add the value found in the previous step to make a second mark

Now you have two marks on your wall:

• The first indicates where the center of the target should be located

• The second indicates where the top of the dartboard should be located

All you have to do is hang the dartboard, positioning yourself relative to these marks to ensure it is at the regulation height. Use a level to make sure the dartboard is perfectly straight.

Throwing distance for a dartboard

The distance varies slightly depending on the type of target, the gender or age of the players, and there’s a common pitfall to avoid when measuring that can throw off your results!

• Electronic dartboard: 2.44 meters (8 feet)

• Traditional (sisal) dartboard: 2.37 meters (7 feet 9¼ inches)

These precise measurements are the ones used in all darts tournaments, such as the Darts Premier League and the PDC World Darts Championship.

The distance from the dartboard at the World Championship is therefore 2.37 meters, and the height is 1.73 meters.

Installation tip: Stretch a tape measure horizontally from the bottom of the front of the dartboard (not the wall) to the floor. The point where the tape measure touches the floor is the location of your oche.

Women’s Darts Distance

Unlike in other sports, physical differences between men and women do not affect performance.

However, in some darts leagues, women are often allowed to stand slightly closer to the target at 2.32 m (7 feet 6 inches).

• Women’s electronic dartboard: 2.44 meters (8 feet)

• Traditional women’s target: 2.37 meters (7 feet 9¼ inches)

• Exception: 2.32 m (7 feet 6 inches)

How to properly measure the distance to the dartboard: pitfalls to avoid

When hanging a dartboard on the wall, you must factor in the board’s thickness when calculating the distance.

Since targets are generally 3 to 5 cm thick, you can quickly end up with a distance of 2.32 m. The simplest approach is therefore to measure the distance from the center of the target once it is hung.

Measuring the distance when you don’t have tools

If you want the simplest way to determine the distance for a darts game, you can roughly count a little over two long strides from the dartboard to set the throwing distance. This will position you a little over 2 meters from the board, which is a good distance for a quick game of darts during a get-together with friends or colleagues, for example.

You can also use a measurement app on your phone. On an iPhone, your camera lets you do this.

If you want to equip yourself with professional gear and never have to worry about it again when hosting friends, you can use a rubber, nylon, or polyester dart distance mat, for example.

Marking the Bullseye

Important rule: When throwing, your feet must not cross the oche, but your body can lean forward.

Many professional darts players lean forward significantly to reduce their effective distance to the target, while keeping both feet behind the line and on the ground. You cannot lift your feet off the ground, so you cannot lean forward to gain a few centimeters.

The bullseye can be marked in several ways:

• Construction tape: A quick and easy solution for beginners

• Wooden or metal bar: More durable and visible

• Darts mat: Professional solution with built-in bullseye and floor protection

Space around the target

For optimal play:

• Sideways: Leave at least 1.5 meters on each side of the target

• Behind the bullseye: At least 2 meters for the thrower’s stance and spectators

• Wall protection: Install a protective panel around the dartboard to prevent damage to the wall from bouncing darts

• Lighting: Ensure good lighting around the dartboard without creating distracting shadows

Distance and Height of a Children’s Dartboard

Distance from a children’s dartboard

Most often, according to darts league rules, children may stand 2.13 meters (7 feet) away from the dartboard, whether traditional or electronic.

Height of a children’s dartboard

As for the height at which to place a children’s dartboard, there are no official recommendations. I personally recommend placing the center of the board at eye level, and to do this, simply:

1. Measure the child’s height from the feet to the top of the head

2. Subtract 5 cm from the result

3. Place the center of the dartboard at that height

This will ensure that the center of the dartboard is at eye level and allow them to play like an adult who is 1.80 meters tall.