Getting the dartboard height and distance right is the foundation of a proper game. Whether you are setting up a board for the first time or checking a home setup against official standards, a few key measurements make all the difference. This guide covers the official dartboard distance, height, and the variations for steel-tip, soft-tip, and wheelchair play.
What is the official dartboard distance and height?
The official dartboard setup is built around two fixed numbers: the height of the bullseye from the floor and the horizontal distance from the board face to the throw line. These measurements are set by the British Darts Organisation, the World Darts Federation, and the Professional Darts Corporation.
Official Distance
Steel-tip: 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in) from front of board to oche line.
Official Height
Bullseye center at 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) from floor.
Measurement Method
Measure horizontally from the front face of the board (not the wall) to the oche line.
Variations
Soft-tip: 244 cm (8 ft); Wheelchair: same horizontal distance, but height adjusted based on seated thrower.
- The official steel-tip dartboard distance is universally 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in), measured from the face of the board to the throw line.
- The height to the bullseye (173 cm) is critical for proper angle and consistency.
- Soft-tip electronic dartboards typically use 244 cm (8 ft) due to dart weight and board design.
- For wheelchair users, the horizontal distance remains the same but the board height may be lowered to accommodate a seated thrower.
- The diagonal measurement from the bullseye to the front of the oche is about 293 cm (9 ft 7.5 in), used as an alternative check when a straight horizontal measurement is difficult.
- The oche line itself should be a minimum of 61 cm (2 ft) wide and placed perpendicular to the board.
- Measurement must be taken from the front face of the dartboard (not the wall) to the back edge of the oche line.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance (steel-tip) | 237 cm | 2.37 m | 7 ft 9.25 in |
| Distance (soft-tip) | 244 cm | 2.44 m | 8 ft 0 in |
| Height to bullseye | 173 cm | 1.73 m | 5 ft 8 in |
| Oche line width | Minimum 61 cm (2 ft) wide, perpendicular to board |
| Board center to floor | 173 cm |
Regarding the question of whether the distance is different for ladies: there is no separate official distance. The same 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in) measurement applies to all players in standard competition, regardless of gender. The mistaken belief that women use a shorter distance likely arises from confusion with wheelchair regulations.
How to measure the dartboard distance correctly
Measuring the distance accurately is where many home setups go wrong. The most common error is measuring from the wall behind the board instead of the front face of the dartboard. Because the board is mounted on a backboard or cabinet, the wall is further back than the actual throwing face.
Where should I measure from?
The correct measurement starts at the front face of the dartboard. A metal tape measure is the best tool for this job. Measure horizontally from the front of the board to the back edge of the oche line. For a standard steel-tip setup, that distance is exactly 237 cm. A few sources mention the diagonal measurement from the bullseye to the front of the oche as roughly 293 cm, which can serve as a useful cross-check in rooms where a straight horizontal line is hard to measure.
What is the oche line distance?
The oche is the throw line. It should be a straight line, ideally a raised strip of wood or a taped mark on the floor, that runs perpendicular to the line from the board center. The line itself must be placed at the correct distance. The oche line width should be a minimum of 61 cm (2 ft) wide, according to GLD Products and DartCounter.
Measuring from the wall instead of the board face can add several centimeters to the throwing distance, throwing off your aim. Always use the front face of the board as your starting point. The cabinet or backboard thickness must not be included.
Are there different distances for steel-tip and soft-tip darts?
Yes, the throwing distance differs between steel-tip and soft-tip (electronic) dartboards. Steel-tip boards use the classic distance of 237 cm. Soft-tip boards, however, typically require a longer throw line of 244 cm (8 ft). This difference exists because soft-tip darts are generally lighter, and the electronic boards often sit in cabinets that shift the effective throwing face forward.
What is the soft tip dart distance?
The recognised soft-tip distance is 244 cm (8 ft) as reported by multiple sources including Dartshopper and Dartshopper EU. This applies to most electronic dartboards used in home and tournament play. The World Darts Federation and most national soft-tip leagues follow this standard.
Can I use the same distance for electronic dartboards?
If you alternate between steel-tip and soft-tip boards, you cannot simply use the same distance. For casual home use, some players accept a single setup, but for proper practice, you should adjust the throw line to the correct distance for the board you are using. Using a soft-tip board at the steel-tip distance may cause darts to land higher than expected.
Steel-tip: 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in). Soft-tip: 244 cm (8 ft). Wheelchair (both types): 237 cm horizontal distance, bullseye height lowered to approximately 137 cm (4 ft 6 in).
What is the throwing distance for wheelchair users?
Wheelchair darts has specific regulations. The horizontal throwing distance remains the same as standard steel-tip play: 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in). According to Dart Rankings and A-Z Darts, the bullseye height for wheelchair players is lowered to 137 cm (4 ft 6 in) from the floor. This places the board at a comfortable height for a seated thrower.
How is the distance adjusted for wheelchair darts?
The adjustment is entirely in the board height, not the horizontal distance. The oche line remains at 237 cm from the board face. The board itself is mounted lower so that the bullseye aligns with the seated player’s natural sight line. Some players may prefer minor height adjustments for personal comfort, but the 137 cm bullseye height is the widely cited standard.
How precise does the distance need to be for a home board?
For competitive play, the distance must be exact. At home, however, small variations are unlikely to ruin a casual game. Many home players wonder just how precise they need to be.
Is a few centimeters off acceptable?
A deviation of 1 to 2 cm is generally considered acceptable for recreational play. It will not drastically affect the trajectory of the dart. However, if you are practicing seriously or preparing for league play, you should aim for exact measurements. Even slight differences can build bad habits or affect scoring consistency over time.
How do I check if my home board is set up correctly?
Use a spirit level to ensure the floor is flat at the oche line. An uneven floor can subtly shift the effective throwing distance. Check the vertical alignment of the board with a plumb line or level as well. If you can, measure the diagonal distance from the bullseye to the oche line (roughly 293 cm) as a secondary verification.
While a few centimeters may not matter in a friendly game, league or tournament rules require exact measurements. If you plan to compete, take the time to set up your board with precision. The difference between a correct 237 cm and a casual 240 cm can affect where your darts land on the board.
Where can I find a dart distance chart or calculator?
Several online resources provide dart distance charts and calculators. Dimensions.com offers technical drawings with exact dimensions. Retail guides from Dartshopper and DartCounter include step-by-step setup instructions. The PDC official rules page also lists the standard measurements. For wheelchair setups, Dart Rankings provides specific guidance.
A dedicated interactive dart distance calculator that factors in board type and player height is not yet widely available, though some DIY apps are beginning to incorporate this functionality. For now, the best approach is to use a tape measure and the official numbers listed in the table above. Understanding the correct measurement method is more important than having a digital tool.
A brief timeline of official dartboard dimensions
The official dimensions were standardized by the British Darts Organisation (BDO) in the 1970s and later adopted by the PDC and World Darts Federation. Minor adjustments were made for soft-tip darts in the 1990s. The measurements have remained unchanged for decades; no significant revisions are expected.
- 1970s: BDO establishes 7 ft 9.25 in throwing distance and 5 ft 8 in board height as standard.
- 1990s: Soft-tip darts rise in popularity; manufacturers adopt 8 ft distance for electronic boards.
- 2000s: Wheelchair darts regulations formalized by WDF – same horizontal distance, board height adjusted for seated throwers.
What is certain and what remains unclear about dartboard distances?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Steel-tip dartboard distance: 237 cm / 7 ft 9.25 in is the universally accepted regulation. | Soft-tip distance is commonly 244 cm (8 ft), but some regional leagues may allow variations. |
| Board height to bullseye: 173 cm / 5 ft 8 in is confirmed by all major governing bodies. | Home setup tolerance: while exact measurement is ideal, small deviations of ±1–2 cm are unlikely to affect casual play. |
| Measurement must be taken from the front face of the dartboard (not the wall) to the back edge of the oche line. | Wheelchair distance: the horizontal distance is fixed, but there is no single ‘official’ board height for seated throwers – players often adjust based on personal comfort. |
Why do the official dimensions matter?
The game of darts demands consistency. Standardised measurements ensure fair play across all levels. The 237 cm distance balances reach and accuracy for the majority of players, while the bullseye height aligns with the natural sight line of a standing thrower. Differences between steel-tip and soft-tip distances stem from dart weight and board construction. Soft-tip boards are often mounted on electronic cabinets that shift the effective throwing face forward, hence the longer distance.
For home players, understanding the exact measurement method is the most common point of confusion. Many guides overlook whether to measure from the wall or the front face of the board, leading to improperly set up boards. Getting this right is the single most important step in achieving a correct setup. For more on UK standards across different contexts, see Warning Signs – UK Types, Colours, Meanings & Regulations.
What are experts and governing bodies saying about the measurements?
“The official dartboard distance is 2.37 meters (7 feet 9¼ inches). This is measured from the front of the dartboard to the throwline.”
— Dartshopper.co.uk
“With soft-tip standard dartboard the recognised throwing distance is 8′ (2.43m) not 7′ 9 1⁄4″ (2.37m).”
— Darts-UK.co.uk
“The throwing distance in the game of darts is regulated at 7′ 9.25″ | 2.37 m from the oche to the front face of the dartboard.”
— Dimensions.com
What is the future of dartboard setup standards?
Regulation distances are unlikely to change in the coming years. However, new digital measuring tools and apps are emerging. Expect more interactive distance calculators and augmented reality aids for home setup. Smart dartboards with auto-calibration of distance via laser may also become more common. The integration of official dimensions into DIY setup apps is a growing trend that should make precise home configuration easier for everyone. For more on notable figures in the world of sport and entertainment, check out Eddie Halls – Complete Biography, Stats, and 2026 Updates.
Frequently asked questions about dartboard distance
What is the distance for electronic dartboards?
Most electronic (soft-tip) boards use a throwing distance of 8 feet (244 cm) from the front of the board to the oche.
Can I use a tape measure to set up my dartboard?
Yes, a metal tape measure is best. Measure from the floor to 173 cm for the bullseye, then from the face of the board horizontally to 237 cm for the oche line.
Do I need a special throw line?
A raised oche (e.g., a wooden strip) is recommended but not mandatory. You can mark the floor with tape as long as it is straight and at the correct distance.
What if my room is too short for the regulation distance?
Casual play can tolerate a slightly shorter distance, but competitive practice may suffer. Consider a shorter cabinet or a wall-mounted board to save space.
Is the diagonal measurement accurate enough?
The diagonal from bullseye to oche (roughly 293 cm) is a useful cross-check, but the horizontal measurement is the official standard and should be your primary method.
Does the dartboard distance change for left-handed players?
No, the distance is the same for all players. The oche line is a straight line, and the board is centered along that line. Handedness has no effect on the distance measurement.
What if I mount my board on a cabinet?
Measure from the front face of the board, not the cabinet. The cabinet thickness adds extra distance from the wall, so always use the board face as your reference point.
Where can I find the official WDF rules?
The World Darts Federation official rules page provides the complete rulebook including setup dimensions.
Are the distances different for outdoor play?
No, the same measurements apply regardless of location. Outdoor boards follow the same standards as indoor boards for fair play.
Can I use a laser measure for setup?
Yes, a laser distance measurer can be very accurate. Ensure the laser is pointed horizontally at the face of the board, not at the wall, to get the correct reading.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.