Dart board regulation height

Dart Board Regulation Height: The Ultimate Guide for Perfect Setup

Setting up a dartboard correctly is essential for a fair and competitive game. Whether you’re a casual player or preparing for a professional match, understanding the dart board regulation height and throwing distance ensures consistency. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, from official height measurements to best practices for setup.

Dart Board Regulation Height: What You Need to Know

1. Official Dart Board Height According to Regulations

The standard dart board height is determined by professional organizations such as:

• World Darts Federation (WDF)

• Professional Darts Corporation (PDC)

• British Darts Organisation (BDO)

According to these regulations:

• The bullseye should be exactly 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.

• This height is based on the eye level of an average adult male.

2. Regulation Throwing Distance (Oche Distance)

Just as important as the height is the correct throwing distance, known as the "oche."

• Steel-Tip Darts: The official distance from the front of the dartboard to the toe line (oche) is 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm).

• Soft-Tip Darts: The standard distance is 8 feet (244 cm).

3. Diagonal Distance Measurement

For accuracy, another method is to measure diagonally:

• From the bullseye to the oche, the diagonal distance should be 9 feet 7.5 inches (293 cm).

  
  
  

4. Setting Up Your Dartboard Properly

Step 1: Choose the Right Wall and Location

• Find a flat, solid wall that can withstand the impact of darts.

• Ensure there’s enough space around for movement.

Step 2: Mark the Dart Board Height

• Use a measuring tape and mark 5 feet 8 inches from the floor.

• This is where the center of the bullseye should be.

Step 3: Mount the Dartboard

• Secure it to a dartboard backboard or wall bracket.

• Double-check that the board is level.

Step 4: Mark the Throwing Line (Oche)

• Use a tape measure to mark 7 feet 9.25 inches (steel-tip darts) or 8 feet (soft-tip darts) from the face of the dartboard.

• You can use tape, a raised bar, or a dart mat to indicate the oche.

Step 5: Confirm the Diagonal Measurement

• From the bullseye to the oche, measure 9 feet 7.5 inches (293 cm).

• Adjust if necessary for accuracy.

5. Additional Dartboard Setup Tips

• Lighting: Use a bright, non-glare light to avoid shadows.

• Flooring: Avoid hard surfaces like concrete; a carpet or rubber mat protects darts from damage.

• Backboard Protection: A cork or foam backboard prevents wall damage.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Hanging the dartboard too high or too low.
❌ Measuring from the bottom of the board instead of the bullseye.
❌ Setting up in a small, cramped space.
❌ Forgetting to mark a proper oche distance.

Conclusion

By following the official dart board regulation height and setup guidelines, you’ll ensure a professional playing experience. Whether for casual fun or competitive play, precision in measurement guarantees fairness and consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I hang my dartboard at a different height?

For casual play, you can adjust the height, but for official games, 5 feet 8 inches is mandatory.

2. What’s the best way to mark the throwing line?

You can use tape, a raised oche bar, or a dart mat with pre-marked distances.

3. Do soft-tip and steel-tip darts have different setup requirements?

Yes, soft-tip dartboards typically require an 8-foot throwing distance instead of 7 feet 9.25 inches.

4. Can I mount my dartboard on drywall?

Yes, but it’s best to use a backboard to protect the wall and secure the board properly.

5. Why is the dartboard height 5 feet 8 inches?

This height was chosen based on the average eye level of an adult male for consistency in play.