Hang the board so the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. For steel-tip darts, the throw line (oche) is 7 feet 9.25 inches from the face of the board, measured along the floor; for soft-tip, it is commonly 8 feet. Check with a diagonal of 9 feet 7.375 inches from bullseye to oche for steel tip. Protect the wall and light the board evenly.
A board at the wrong height trains the wrong throw. These measurements match common league standards.
Measurements
| Measurement | Steel tip | Soft tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye height | 5 ft 8 in | 5 ft 8 in |
| Throw line from board face | 7 ft 9.25 in | 8 ft (common) |
| Diagonal, bullseye to throw line | 9 ft 7.375 in | About 9 ft 9.5 in |
Leagues and organizations publish their own rules; check yours.
Board types
| Board | Darts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bristle (sisal) | Steel tip | Self-healing; rotate to spread wear |
| Electronic | Soft tip | Automatic scoring and games |
Look for thin wire or bladed spider systems on bristle boards for fewer bounce-outs.
Darts
Steel-tip darts typically weigh about 18 to 26 grams; tungsten barrels are slimmer than brass for the same weight, so darts group closer. Soft-tip darts are lighter, often around 16 to 20 grams.
Wall and light
- A cabinet or surround protects walls from misses.
- A throw mat marks the oche and protects floors.
- Light the board from above or with a ring light to avoid shadows.
- Leave a clear lane with no foot traffic.
Planning a whole room? See our game room layout guide. Browse darts.
Common questions
How high is a dartboard?
The center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor for both steel and soft tip.
How far is the throw line for darts?
7 feet 9.25 inches from the board face for steel tip; 8 feet is standard for most soft-tip play.
How do I check my dartboard setup?
For steel tip, measure diagonally from the bullseye to the back of the throw line: it should be 9 feet 7.375 inches.
Bristle or electronic dartboard?
Bristle boards are for steel-tip darts and traditional play; electronic boards score automatically and use soft tips.