Setting up a dartboard sounds simple until someone gets the tape measure out and the arguments start. Is it from the wall or the board? Is the height to the top, the middle or the bullseye? And why does the diagonal measurement never seem to match?
Here is the answer.
A standard steel-tip dartboard should be mounted with the bullseye 5ft 8in from the floor, and the oche should be 7ft 9.25in from the face of the dartboard. In metric, that is 1.73m high and 2.37m throwing distance.
If you are setting up at home, the most important thing is to measure from the right places. The height is measured to the centre of the bullseye. The throwing distance is measured from the front face of the board, not from the wall.
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Official dartboard height and distance
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric | How to measure it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dartboard height | 5ft 8in | 1.73m | From the floor to the centre of the bullseye |
| Throwing distance | 7ft 9.25in | 2.37m | From the face of the board to the front of the oche |
| Diagonal check | 9ft 7.5in | 2.93m | From the bullseye to the front of the oche |
How high should a dartboard be?
The centre of the bullseye should be 5ft 8in from the floor. In metric, that is 1.73m.
Do not measure to the top of the dartboard, the bottom of the dartboard, or the number 20. The only measurement that matters is from the floor to the centre of the bullseye.
A good quick check is to stand back and make sure the 20 is at the top, the bullseye is level, and the board is fixed firmly enough that it will not wobble when darts land.
How far should you stand from a dartboard?
For a standard steel-tip dartboard, the throwing distance is 7ft 9.25in. In metric, that is 2.37m.
This distance is measured from the face of the dartboard to the front edge of the oche. That detail matters. If your board is mounted in a cabinet or sits proud of the wall, measuring from the wall will make the oche too close.
The player can lean forward when throwing, but their foot must not go past the front edge of the oche.
What is the diagonal dartboard measurement?
The diagonal measurement is a handy way to check your setup. Measure from the centre of the bullseye to the front of the oche. It should be about 9ft 7.5in, or 2.93m.
This is useful if your floor is awkward, your skirting board gets in the way, or you are not confident you have measured perfectly from the face of the board.
That said, the diagonal check should not replace the two proper measurements. Set the bullseye height first, then set the throwing distance from the board face.
How to set up a dartboard at home
- Choose a safe wall. Make sure there is enough room behind the thrower and no doors, windows, TVs or breakables near the board.
- Mark the bullseye height. Measure 5ft 8in from the floor and mark the centre point.
- Mount the board securely. The bullseye should sit exactly on your height mark.
- Measure the oche. Measure 7ft 9.25in from the face of the board to the throw line.
- Add wall protection. A surround is not glamorous, but it saves your wall from looking like it lost a fight with a hedgehog.
- Use a proper throw line. A darts mat, oche strip or tape line keeps practice consistent.
If you are building a home setup from scratch, start with a quality board from the dartboards collection, then add useful extras from darts accessories.
Soft-tip dartboard distance
Soft-tip darts are slightly different. A soft-tip board is normally mounted at the same bullseye height of 5ft 8in, but the throwing distance is usually 8ft, or 2.44m.
If you are using an electronic soft-tip board, check the manufacturer's instructions as well. Most players use the 8ft distance, but it is still worth checking the board you own.
Wheelchair darts height
For wheelchair darts, the board is commonly set lower, with the bullseye at 4ft 6in, or around 1.37m. The throwing distance remains the same.
This gives seated players a fairer equivalent setup while keeping the throwing line consistent.
Common dartboard setup mistakes
Measuring from the wall instead of the board
This is the most common mistake. The oche distance is from the face of the board, not the wall behind it. If the board is in a cabinet, the difference can be enough to make your setup wrong.
Measuring to the top of the board
The correct height is to the bullseye. Measuring to the top or bottom of the board will throw everything off.
Using a loose floor marker
A bit of tape is fine for a quick session, but if it moves every week your practice will be inconsistent. A fixed oche or decent darts mat is better.
Skipping wall protection
Even good players miss. Beginners miss more. A surround is one of the most sensible purchases for a home board.
Not leaving enough space
You need room for the thrower, space to retrieve darts safely, and enough clearance around the board. Do not set the board up somewhere people walk across the throwing area.
Home dartboard setup checklist
- Bullseye height: 5ft 8in / 1.73m
- Steel-tip oche distance: 7ft 9.25in / 2.37m
- Soft-tip oche distance: 8ft / 2.44m
- Diagonal check: 9ft 7.5in / 2.93m
- Board measured from the face, not the wall
- Wall protected with a surround or cabinet
- Throw line clearly marked
- Safe space around the board
What do you need for a proper home setup?
At minimum, you need a dartboard, a safe wall, darts and a clear throw line. For a better setup, add a surround, mat and good lighting.
Newer players should focus on getting the basics right rather than overcomplicating the setup. A correctly mounted board and a clear oche will do more for your practice than buying every accessory at once.
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FAQs
How high is a dartboard from the floor?
A standard dartboard should be mounted so the centre of the bullseye is 5ft 8in, or 1.73m, from the floor.
How far away do you stand from a dartboard?
For steel-tip darts, stand 7ft 9.25in, or 2.37m, from the face of the dartboard to the front of the oche.
Do you measure dartboard distance from the wall or the board?
Measure from the face of the dartboard, not the wall. This is especially important if the board is mounted in a cabinet or sits away from the wall.
What is the diagonal distance from bullseye to oche?
The diagonal distance from the bullseye to the front of the oche is about 9ft 7.5in, or 2.93m.
How far is the oche for soft-tip darts?
Soft-tip darts usually use an 8ft throwing distance, or 2.44m, from the board to the oche.
Can I lean over the oche?
Yes. You can lean forward when throwing, but your foot must not go past the front edge of the oche.
Do I need a dartboard surround?
You do not strictly need one, but it is strongly recommended for a home setup. It protects the wall and keeps the setup looking tidier.
