Setting up a dartboard properly is more important than most people realise. Get the measurements wrong and you’ll develop muscle memory that doesn’t translate to playing anywhere else. Whether you’re mounting a board in your garage, spare room, or dedicated games room, taking the time to get it right from the start will pay dividends.
The good news is that the official measurements are straightforward, and with basic tools you can have a regulation setup in under an hour.
Official Dartboard Measurements
These are the standard measurements used in all professional darts, from the PDC World Championship to your local pub league. They apply to both steel-tip and soft-tip darts.
Dartboard Height
The centre of the bullseye must be 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 metres) from the floor. This is measured vertically from the floor to the exact centre of the bull.
This measurement is non-negotiable. Every dartboard in every venue worldwide uses this height, which is why it’s crucial to get it right at home. Playing at the wrong height will affect your stance, release point, and overall technique.
Throwing Distance (Oche)
The oche must be 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 metres) from the face of the dartboard. This is measured horizontally from the front surface of the board to the front edge of the oche.
The oche (pronounced “ockey”) is the line behind which you must stand when throwing. Your feet must not cross this line during your throw, though you can lean forward as much as you like.
Diagonal Distance
If you want to double-check your measurements, the diagonal distance from the bullseye to the oche is 9 feet 7½ inches (2.93 metres). This creates a right-angled triangle with the height and throwing distance, so if your diagonal measurement is correct, everything else should be too.
This diagonal check is particularly useful if your floor isn’t perfectly level or if you’re mounting the board on an uneven surface.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
What You’ll Need
- Dartboard and mounting bracket
- Tape measure
- Spirit level
- Pencil
- Drill and appropriate wall fixings
- Oche or tape for the throwing line
Mounting the Dartboard
1. Find your location. Choose a wall with enough clearance around it. You’ll want at least 2 feet of clear space either side of the board and nothing fragile nearby. Consider what’s on the other side of the wall too—darts that miss can vibrate through.
2. Mark the bullseye height. Measure 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m) from the floor and make a small pencil mark. This is where the centre of your bullseye will sit.
3. Mount the bracket. Most dartboards come with a bracket that screws into the wall. The bracket typically has a central screw or hook that the board hangs from. Make sure the bracket is level using a spirit level—a wonky board is surprisingly distracting.
4. Hang the board. Place the dartboard on the bracket. The 20 segment should be at the top, directly above the bullseye. Some boards have a black 20 segment, others have a different colour scheme, but it’s always at the 12 o’clock position.
5. Check the height. With the board in place, measure from the floor to the bullseye to confirm it’s exactly 5 feet 8 inches. Adjust if necessary.
Marking the Oche
1. Measure from the board face. From the front surface of the dartboard (not the wall), measure out 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37m) along the floor.
2. Mark the line. The oche should be at least 2 feet wide—enough for you to position yourself comfortably. Most players stand at a slight angle rather than square on.
For a permanent setup, you can use an adhesive oche strip, a raised wooden or metal bar, or even just a strip of tape. The key is that it’s clearly visible and in exactly the right position.
Surround and Backboard Considerations
Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to miss the board sometimes. A dartboard surround protects your wall from stray darts and gives you a more forgiving target area.
Standard surrounds are made from compressed foam and fit around the outside of the board. They’re inexpensive and save countless holes in your wall—or worse, damage to the darts themselves if they hit brick or concrete.
For additional protection, some players mount a larger backboard behind the surround. MDF or cork sheets work well, though anything soft enough to absorb a dart will do the job.
Lighting Your Setup
Good lighting makes a significant difference to your game. Ideally, you want even illumination across the entire board without glare or shadows.
Overhead ring lights designed specifically for dartboards are the best option. These mount around the board and eliminate shadows entirely. The PDC uses similar systems at televised events.
If a dedicated light isn’t in your budget, position a standard light source slightly in front of and above the board. Avoid lighting from directly overhead, which creates shadows under the number ring and wires.
Common Setup Mistakes
Wrong height measurement. Always measure to the bullseye, not the top or bottom of the board. The board itself is 18 inches in diameter, so the top of the board will be about 6 feet 5 inches from the floor.
Measuring oche from the wall. The throwing distance is measured from the face of the board, not the wall behind it. Depending on your bracket and any backing material, the board face could be several inches in front of the wall.
Ignoring the number ring orientation. The 20 must be at the top. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to hang a board with the wrong segment at 12 o’clock if you’re not paying attention.
Mounting on a hollow door or thin partition. Darts generate significant force on impact, and the vibration can damage weak surfaces or cause the board to shift over time. A solid wall or properly reinforced mounting point is essential.
Soft-Tip vs Steel-Tip Darts
If you’re using a soft-tip electronic dartboard, the same height measurement applies—5 feet 8 inches to the bullseye.
However, the throwing distance for soft-tip is slightly shorter at 8 feet (2.44 metres). This is the standard used in soft-tip leagues and tournaments. If you’re only playing casually at home, using the steel-tip distance of 7 feet 9¼ inches won’t cause any problems.
Quick Reference
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye height | 5 ft 8 in | 1.73 m |
| Throwing distance (steel-tip) | 7 ft 9¼ in | 2.37 m |
| Throwing distance (soft-tip) | 8 ft | 2.44 m |
| Diagonal to bullseye | 9 ft 7½ in | 2.93 m |
Final Thoughts
A properly set up dartboard transforms your practice sessions. You’ll build muscle memory that transfers directly to competitive play, whether that’s a local league, a tournament, or just a serious game with mates.
Take the time to measure twice and mount once. Double-check your bullseye height and oche distance, invest in a surround to protect your walls, and sort out decent lighting. With these fundamentals in place, you can focus on what matters: throwing darts and improving your game.
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