Darts Averages Explained

What Is a Darts Average?

In 501 and other x01 games, your average is a simple way of showing how many points you score per turn. Two numbers are used most often: the 3-dart average and PPR (points per round).

Higher averages usually mean you’re scoring heavier, finishing legs quicker, and putting more pressure on your opponent.

Key Definitions

• 3-Dart Average
  Formula: (Total points scored ÷ darts thrown) × 3
  This shows how many points you score per “set” of three darts, on average.
• PPR (Points Per Round)
  Formula: Total points scored ÷ rounds (turns)
  Each round is a turn of up to three darts. If you always throw three darts, your PPR and 3-dart average line up closely.

Worked Examples

Example 1 – Simple 501 Leg

You finish a 501 leg in 18 darts.

• Total points scored: 501
• Darts thrown: 18
• 3-dart average: (501 ÷ 18) × 3 ≈ 83.5

So you’d say you averaged about 83.5 in that leg.

Example 2 – Using PPR

Imagine you play three legs and throw a total of 45 darts, scoring 1,503 points (three full legs of 501).

• Total points: 1,503
• Darts thrown: 45
• Rounds (turns): 15 (because 45 ÷ 3 = 15)
• 3-dart average: (1,503 ÷ 45) × 3 ≈ 100.2
• PPR: 1,503 ÷ 15 = 100.2

In this neat case, PPR and 3-dart average are the same number.

What Is a “Good” Darts Average?

These are rough guides for 3-dart averages in 501. They will vary by area and league level, but they’re useful benchmarks:

3-Dart Average	Level (Approximate)
20–40	New player / casual pub darts
40–60	Regular pub player
60–80	Strong local / league standard
80–95	Very strong league, county standard
95+	Elite level, pro territory

Don’t obsess over one leg. Averages are most useful across many games.

How to Improve Your Darts Average

• Hit solid big singles (20, 19) consistently – reduce wild darts.
• Focus on one main treble (usually T20) instead of chasing everything.
• Plan your finishes early so you don’t waste visits leaving awkward numbers.
• Practice doubles regularly – a lot of average is lost missing at the end.
• Play structured practice (e.g. 501 vs a marker) instead of random throws.

The quickest jump usually comes from tidier scoring and shorter time spent missing on doubles.

Darts Average FAQ

• Why is my 3-dart average lower than I expected?
  Missing doubles at the end of legs pulls the average down quickly.
• Does busting affect my average?
  Yes. Those darts still count as thrown, even if the score doesn’t change.
• Is PPR or 3-dart average better?
  Both show similar things. 3-dart average is more common in TV darts, PPR is popular in some apps.