Dartboards are an excellent addition to any game room. For the best game experience, you’ll need to set up your dartboard properly and know the right height and measurements for it. If you’re not sure how to measure your board or what height is best for your room, read on!
The two main factors that affect dartboard setup are:
- The distance from which you should throw darts (the “throw line”)
- The height of the dartboard at its center point (it should be 5 feet 8 inches).
By getting these measurements right, you can enjoy the game at the same level the professionals do, challenge friends and family and get better at the game.
Table of Contents
What You Will Need
Last update on 2024-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dartboard Height Measurements
The correct height for your dartboard is 5’8” from the ground to the center of your dartboard or bullseye. This is the same whether you are using a bristle or electronic dartboard.
What is the Correct Distance to the Oche (Throw Line)?
To save the floor measurements you could opt for a darts mat. These have the oche clearly marked and also protect your floor and darts.
In accordance with the World Darts Federation, the correct distance from your dartboard for steel tip darts is 7’9 1/4” from the bullseye to the oche (throw line).
Soft Tip Darts
The most commonly used regulation distance for soft tip (or electronic dartboards) is an 8′ (243cm) throw line. That means a distance of 9’9 3/4” (299cm) diagonal measurement from the bullseye to the oche.
However, if you are setting up your board at home so you can improve to compete in local leagues, it’s a good idea to get in touch and confirm the throw line distance. It may not seem like a big deal to get it exact, but it does make a considerable difference.
Don’t Forget
If this is your first time putting up a dartboard – don’t forget that the number 20 goes at the top.
How to Hang a Dartboard
- Mounting hardware – most new dartboards will come with this included, but make sure to check. Also consider you may need some basic tools and even a drill to properly mount your board.
- First measurement – using a measuring tape, masure 5’8” from the floor upwards. This is the height of your bullseye.
- Screw – Usuaully boards come with a large screw that you insert in the back of the board directly behind the bullseye.
- Bracket – The mounting bracket needs to go on the wall. Line up the bottom ‘U’ of the bracket to the bullseye mark on your wall. You may need ot use a drill to get the bracket mounted ot your wall.
- Hang the board – now hang to board on the mounting bracket using the screw in the center of the back of your board. If the board is loose at all, take it off, tighten the screw and try again.
American Dartboards
In the United States, there are dartboards commonly known as American-style dartboards, where the boards are entirely different (see pic) as are the measurements.
An “American” board is mounted a few inches lower, and a few inches closer, than the more commonly seen “English” board. The center of the cork is 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) from the floor.[1] The distance is set at 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) from the back of the dartboard. This would result in a distance of 106.4 inches (2.70 m) from the center of the cork to the throw line. On the other hand, the ABDA (American Baseball Darts Association) sets the distance at 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) from the front of the board. This is 107.4 inches (2.73 m) from the centre of the cork to the throw line.
Wikipedia
Dartboard Height & Distance for Wheelchair Users
Wheelchair darts set up is very different – as you can see in the diagram the bullseye should be 4’6” (137cm) from the floor and the throw line is 7’9 1/4” from the wall. When throwing the player ensures their back wheels are behind the oche. For more information on disability, darts check out British Disability Darts Association.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article helps you set up your dartboard at home. Remember to follow mounting instructions for your dartboard if they are included.
If you want to make things a little easier, you could get a darts mat that has throw lines clearly marked for you – all you have to do is line it up with the wall. We like this one from Winmau as it has lots of darts finishes on it:
- Winmau Dartboard Mats
- Protect your floor from stray darts
- Create an oche line
- Available in a variety of designs and materials
Last update on 2024-05-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alex Cooper is the editor of this website. He loves darts and helping people. Alex started playing darts at the young age of 10, as his father was also a keen darts player, and has loved it ever since. Alex enjoys writing about darts and helping others learn more about the sport.
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