Dart Distance – Official Guide to Height and Oche Setup

Getting the dartboard distance right is one of the first steps to enjoying a fair and consistent game. Whether you play steel tip or soft tip, knowing the exact measurements for height, throw line, and diagonal can make the difference between casual practice and competitive readiness. This guide covers the official standards in both metric and imperial units, explains how to measure correctly, and addresses common questions about variations for different setups.

What Is the Official Dartboard Distance in Feet and CM?

Key Insights

• Regulation distance is universal for men and women in standard play.
• Soft tip darts require an additional ~17 cm to compensate for shorter darts and board design.
• A small margin of error (1–2 cm) is acceptable for home play but affects consistency.
• Proper measurement from the face of the board (not the wall) is critical for accuracy.
• The diagonal measurement provides a reliable way to double-check overall setup.

The center of the bullseye must be exactly 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) above the floor, according to the Shot Darts guide. This height applies equally to steel tip, soft tip, and electronic dartboards. For players using a wheelchair, the height is lowered to 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in) while the throwing distance remains 2.37 m, as noted by Shot Darts.

How to Measure the Dartboard Distance from the Wall Correctly

Measuring from the Front Face of the Board

The horizontal distance is always measured from the front face of the dartboard (the playing surface) to the rear edge of the throw line, known as the oche. The DartShopper guide emphasizes that if the board is mounted inside a cabinet, the cabinet’s depth must be added to the wall measurement. For direct wall mounting, the board’s thickness (roughly 40–50 mm) should be factored in so the oche is placed at the correct distance from the board face.

Diagonal Measurement from Bullseye

An alternative way to confirm the setup is to measure diagonally from the bullseye to the rear of the oche. According to GLD Products, the steel tip diagonal is 2.93 m (9 ft 7.375 in) and the soft tip diagonal is 2.98 m (9 ft 9.5 in). If these diagonal distances do not match, either the board height or the throw line distance is off.

Tools Needed for Accurate Setup

• Tape measure (metric and imperial markings are helpful)
• Spirit level to ensure the board is level
• Oche tape or a physical raised oche (25 mm high, 915 mm long)
• Dart to anchor the measuring tape at the bullseye

The oche itself is a raised line 25 mm high and 915 mm long, according to the City of Stirling sports dimensions guide. An encroachment line is placed 1.5 m behind the oche to mark where opponents must stand while another player is shooting.

Is the Dart Board Height and Distance Different for Ladies?

Regulation Height and Distance for Women

The official height and distance for darts are the same for men and women in all major professional organisations. The bullseye height of 173 cm and the steel tip distance of 237 cm are universal. The DartShopper help centre confirms that there are no different rules for children or youth competitions; the standard measurements apply to all players in official settings.

Wheelchair Darts: Adjustments for Distance and Height

For wheelchair players, the bullseye height is reduced to 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in). The throwing distance remains 2.37 m for steel tip. This adjustment is recognised by the Shot Darts reference. No other exceptions are standardised for the general playing distance.

When Did the Official Dartboard Distance Standards Evolve?

1. 1920s: Darts becomes standardised in the UK; the oche is introduced as the throw line.
2. 1970s: The British Darts Organisation formalises the steel tip distance at 7 ft 9.25 in (237 cm).
3. 1990s: Soft tip darts rise in popularity; the throwing distance extends to 8 ft (244 cm) to accommodate the lighter, shorter darts and electronic boards.
4. 2020s: The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and World Darts Federation (WDF) maintain consistent steel tip regulations, with soft tip distances sometimes varying by league or manufacturer.

How Exact Does the Distance at Home Need to Be?

A margin of 1–2 cm is acceptable for casual home use, but players training for competition should aim for exact measurements to develop consistent muscle memory.

What Is the Purpose of the Oche and the Diagonal Measurement?

The standardisation of dartboard distance emerged from a need for fair competition. The oche ensures every player throws from the same starting point. The diagonal measurement (293 cm for steel tip) helps players who prefer an angled reference point – for example, when setting up a board without a clear horizontal line of sight. Both metric and imperial units are used internationally, so understanding both systems is useful for players who travel or compete abroad.

What Do Official Sources Say About Dartboard Distances?

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

Net World Sports

“The official dartboard distance is 2,37 meters (7 feet 9¼ inches).”

DartShopper

“Stand at a distance of 7ft 9¼in from front of Dartboard to Oche.”

Red Dragon Darts

Building Your Perfect Dart Space

Once the height and distance are correctly set, ensure lighting is evenly distributed without glare on the board. Consider adding a surround to protect the wall and a mat to clearly mark the oche. Regular measurement checks help maintain practice accuracy over time. For more on home setup and related equipment, see our guide on Golf Clubs – Complete UK Buying Guide 2025 and Kitchen Cupboards – Complete Guide to Types, Painting and Door Replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions