Dart Distance – Official Rules & Setup Guide for Your Dartboard

Setting up a dartboard correctly is one of the first challenges every player faces. Whether you’re a beginner mounting a board in your garage or a seasoned competitor preparing for league play, the question always comes down to a few key numbers: how high should the bullseye be, and how far do you stand from the board? The answers are surprisingly simple once you know the official measurements.

Darts is a game of precision, and the throwing distance is no accident. The standard distance has been refined over decades to balance skill and fairness. Yet there’s confusion online, with different numbers for steel tip, soft tip, and even suggestions that the distance might change for women. This guide clears up the facts using verified rules from major darts organisations.

Below you’ll find the exact numbers in centimetres, inches, and metres, along with practical advice for measuring and setting up your own board. We also cover the special considerations for wheelchair users and explain how diagonal measurements work.

What is the Official Dartboard Distance in Standard Units?

The core question for any dart player is straightforward: how far away does the dartboard have to be? For steel-tip darts, the answer is 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in) from the front face of the board to the back of the throw line, known as the oche. This measurement is used by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the British Darts Organisation (BDO), and the World Darts Federation (WDF).

The official distance is consistent across major governing bodies. Here are the key insights to remember when setting up your board:

• The official steel-tip dartboard distance is universally 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in) from the face of the board to the toe line (oche).
• The bullseye must be exactly 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) above the floor.
• A diagonal measurement from bullseye to oche (293 cm) can serve as a quick check if space is limited.
• There is no separate distance for ladies; all players use the same standard.
• Soft-tip electronic dartboards often use a slightly shorter distance (usually 244 cm or 8 ft), but the official steel-tip rule remains dominant.
• Always measure from the face of the board, not the wall, because the board has depth that affects the true line position.
• Both feet must remain behind the oche during a throw for standing players; for wheelchair users, both rear wheels must be behind the line.

What is the Correct Dartboard Height and Distance from the Wall?

The height of the dartboard is just as important as the throwing distance. The center of the bullseye must be 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) from the floor. This measurement is identical for both steel-tip and soft-tip boards.

Mounting the Board Correctly

When hanging a dartboard, first mount the board so the bullseye center is at the correct height. Use a level to ensure the board is straight. The distance from the wall to the oche is the same as the straight distance: 237 cm for steel tip. Because the board face is typically 1-2 cm from the wall due to mounting brackets, always measure from the board face, not the wall (Darts Corner).

Measuring from the Wall vs. the Board Face

A common mistake is to measure from the wall instead of the board face. The board has depth, and using the wall can place the oche too far forward. Many guides recommend either measuring horizontally from the board face or diagonally from the bullseye; both are accepted methods if you use the correct regulation numbers (GLD Products).

Is the Dartboard Distance Different for Ladies or Wheelchair Users?

There is a persistent myth that women should stand closer to the dartboard. This is not true. The official distance and height are the same for all players, regardless of gender. The PDC, BDO, and WDF do not have separate divisions or rules for women regarding board placement.

Wheelchair Darts Setup

Wheelchair users follow a modified height. The bullseye should be lowered to 137 cm (4 ft 5 in) from the floor. The throwing distance remains the same 237 cm for steel tip. The key difference is the wheelchair positioning rule: both rear wheels must be behind the oche line, while the front wheels may be in front (Facebook Darts Group). Some sources mention an alternative height of 4 ft 6 in, but 137 cm / 4 ft 5 in is the more widely accepted value.

How to Measure Dartboard Distance Accurately Using a Calculator?

A dart distance calculator can help convert between units or verify diagonal measurements. Most calculators require you to input the straight distance or diagonal distance and output the equivalent in other units. For a standard steel-tip setup, the diagonal from bullseye to oche is about 293 cm (9 ft 7.5 in). For soft tip, the diagonal is about 298 cm (9 ft 9.5 in) (GLD Products).

Diagonal Measurement Method

The diagonal measurement is particularly useful in rooms where floor space is constrained. Measure from the center of the bullseye to the back of the oche. For steel tip, that distance is 293 cm. For soft tip, it is 298 cm. Both diagonal values are accepted as long as the straight distance is also correct.

Using a Calculator Tool

While dedicated dart distance calculators exist online, you can also use a standard calculator: for steel tip, multiply the height (173 cm) squared plus distance (237 cm) squared and take the square root to get 293 cm. This helps you double-check diagonal measurements without specialized tools.

What Are the Rules for Dartboard Distance in Professional Play?

Professional darts tournaments enforce strict rules for distance and height. The PDC and BDO both require the steel-tip distance of 237 cm and bullseye height of 173 cm. The oche is usually a raised wooden bar, but a tape line or mat is acceptable in practice.

Foot Placement Rule

For standing players, both feet must remain behind the oche during the throw. Leaning over the line is not allowed. For wheelchair players, both rear wheels must be behind the line (Facebook Darts Group).

Soft-Tip Differences

Soft-tip electronic dartboards often use a distance of 244 cm (8 ft) from the board face to the throw line. This is not universal, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines. The height remains 173 cm. In professional soft-tip tournaments, the distance may vary, but 244 cm is common (Shot Darts).

How Did the Official Dart Distance Rules Develop Over Time?

The standardisation of darts rules has its roots in early 20th century pub leagues in the United Kingdom.

1. 1920s – Standardisation of darts rules in the UK by pub leagues.
2. 1930s – British Darts Organisation (BDO) sets official throwing distance.
3. 1990s – PDC adopts same distance; electronic boards introduce alternative distances.
4. Present – Distance remains unchanged; wheelchair adaptations recognised by some bodies.

The timeline is based on historical darts standardisation; exact dates are approximate.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About Dartboard Distance Rules?

While many aspects of dartboard setup are clearly defined, there are a few points where information is less consistent.

Why Does the Dartboard Distance Matter?

The dartboard distance is designed to create a fair challenge—far enough to require skill but close enough for recreational play. The diagonal measurement helps in rooms where direct straight measurement is difficult. Understanding the difference between steel-tip and soft-tip rules helps avoid setup errors.

Incorrect distance negatively impacts practice, tournament preparation, and potentially damages equipment if the board or oche is placed too close or far. Consistency across venues is key for competitive integrity.

What Do the Official Sources Say About Dartboard Distance?

Several authoritative sources confirm the standard measurements.

“For steel-tipped darts matches, the correct distance to stand from a dart board is 7ft 9¼in, or 237cm.”

— Net World Sports (source)

“The official distance from the dartboard is 237cm (7 feet, 9.25 inches) from the front of your dartboard to the back of the throw line.”

— Shot Darts (source)

“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 (source)

What Is the Final Word on Dartboard Distance?

The standard dartboard distance is 237 cm (7 ft 9.25 in) for steel tip, with a bullseye height of 173 cm (5 ft 8 in). For soft tip, check the manufacturer’s guidelines, often 244 cm. Wheelchair users should lower the board to 137 cm but keep the throwing distance the same. No special distance exists for women. These rules have been consistent for decades and are unlikely to change soon. For further reading, see our 350 F in C – Exact Oven Conversion & Baking Tips and Teacher Pay Scale 25/26 Ireland: Primary & Post-Primary Salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dartboard Distance