Dartboard Setup: Dimensions & Height

Official Steel-Tip Measurements

These are the standard dimensions used in professional steel-tip darts. If you hit these numbers, your setup will feel the same as a league or tournament board.

• Board height (bull centre) – 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from the floor to the centre of the bull.
• Throw line / oche distance – 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) measured horizontally from the face of the board to the front of the oche.
• Diagonal check – 9 ft 7½ in (2.93 m) from the floor at the oche to the centre of the bull.

The diagonal distance is a great way to double-check your setup: if the floor-to-bull measurement and the oche distance are right, the diagonal will match automatically.

How to Mount Your Dartboard

1. Mark the bull height. Measure 5 ft 8 in / 173 cm from the floor and put a light pencil mark on the wall where the centre of the bull will sit.
2. Fix the backing / bracket. If you’re using a surround or wooden backing, mount that first, then attach the board bracket so the bull lines up with your mark.
3. Hang the board. Fit the board onto the bracket and rotate it so the 20 segment is centred at the very top.
4. Measure the oche. From the front face of the board (not the wall), measure out 7 ft 9¼ in / 2.37 m and mark where your toe line will be.
5. Check the diagonal. Finally, measure from the oche mark on the floor to the centre of the bull – it should be about 9 ft 7½ in / 2.93 m.

Oche Ideas & Room Tips

• Temporary oche: use tape on the floor or a slim rubber mat with a raised edge.
• Permanent oche: a small wooden beam or purpose-built oche screwed to the floor gives a consistent toe line.
• Ceiling height: make sure there’s enough space for a full throwing motion – low ceilings or light fittings can get in the way.
• Lighting: aim for even, shadow-free light on the board, ideally from above and slightly in front. A dedicated dartboard light works best.
• Wall & floor protection: use a surround, cabinet or backing board, and consider a mat or rug to protect the floor from bounce-outs.

Soft-Tip & Electronic Boards

Many soft-tip and electronic boards copy steel-tip dimensions, but not all. A common standard is:

• Board height: still 5 ft 8 in / 173 cm to the bull.
• Throw line: often around 8 ft / 2.44 m, but this can vary by manufacturer or league.

If you play in a specific soft-tip league, always check their handbook or website and match their numbers at home so your practice feels natural.

Quick FAQ

• Can I adjust the height for kids?
  Yes – for children, many people lower the board slightly so they can learn good throwing mechanics. For serious practice, use full height.
• Does floor type matter?
  Hard floors are fine, but a mat protects darts and reduces noise from bounce-outs.
• How often should I rotate the board?
  Rotate the board regularly (moving the 20 segment around) so wear is spread evenly.