how far do darts players stand from the board
Players in standard steel-tip darts stand 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 m) from the face of the dartboard, measured horizontally to the throwing line (the “oche”).
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How Far Do Darts Players Stand From the Board?
If you’ve ever watched darts on TV and wondered, “Wait, how far are they actually standing from that board?”, you’re not alone. The distance is not random—it’s carefully standardized so everyone, from pub regulars to world champions, plays under the same conditions.
Quick Scoop
- Standard steel-tip darts distance: 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) from the face of the board to the throwing line (oche).
- Bullseye height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from the floor.
- Soft‑tip/electronic darts often use 8 ft (2.44 m).
- The distance is chosen to balance fairness , difficulty , and safety.
Official Distance: The Core Answer
In professional and regulation play, the World Darts Federation and most major bodies use a standard throwing distance: 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters).
This measurement is taken from the front surface of the dartboard (not the wall) straight out along the floor to the oche , the line players must stand behind. Both feet must remain behind that line when throwing in formal play.
Board Height and Setup Basics
Getting the distance right is only half the story; the board position also matters.
- Bullseye height: 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) from floor to the center of the bullseye.
- Horizontal distance to oche: 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m).
- Diagonal “check” distance (floor to bullseye): about 9 ft 7½ in (2.93 m).
These measurements create a consistent throwing geometry so that practicing at home feels similar to stepping onto a league or tournament stage.
Different Distances: Steel Tip vs Soft Tip
Not every setup uses the exact same distance, especially once you cross into soft-tip or casual play.
Steel-tip (Traditional)
- Standard: 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m).
- Used in most pro events, pubs, and serious home setups.
Soft-tip / Electronic
- Common distance: 8 ft (2.44 m) from board face to oche.
- Some casual or brand-specific boards may slightly tweak this, so manufacturers often recommend checking their instructions.
Beginner / Kids Variations
Some guides suggest moving beginners closer—around 6 ft (1.83 m) —to make it easier and safer, especially for children. That’s not “official,” but it’s widely accepted for fun practice and learning.
Why That Exact Distance?
The 7 ft 9¼ in standard isn’t arbitrary; it has evolved to balance challenge and accessibility.
- It provides enough room for a natural arm swing and follow-through.
- It keeps the focus on skill , not simply being close to the target.
- It reduces the risk of players accidentally hitting the board with their body or clothing.
- Standardization ensures competitive fairness across venues and tournaments worldwide.
In other words, it’s the “sweet spot” where darts feels challenging but not absurd, and where practice in one place reliably translates to performance elsewhere.
Mini How-To: Setting Up Your Own Throw Line
If you’re turning a spare wall or garage corner into a mini darts zone, here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Measure 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) from floor to mark the center point for the bullseye; mount the board so the bullseye aligns there.
- From the face of the board, measure 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) straight out along the floor, and mark your oche (tape, a strip of wood, or a raised bar).
- Optionally, confirm with the diagonal check: bullseye to oche front edge should be around 9 ft 7½ in (2.93 m).
- Make sure there’s clear space around the board—no fragile items, and a good safety zone behind the thrower.
Forum & “Latest” Discussion Angle
On darts forums and hobby blogs, players still debate small tweaks—some Americans are used to 8 ft even for steel-tip because that’s what their local league or bar uses, while others insist on the classic 7 ft 9¼ in to match international standards. There’s also ongoing chatter about whether shorter or taller players should adjust slightly for comfort, but official rules do not change the oche distance by height.
Recently updated online guides (from 2024–2025) still consistently reinforce the same core standard dimensions, which shows how stable these rules have become despite brand-specific or regional nuances.
Quick Facts Table (Distances & Standards)
| Setup / Rule | Distance from Board | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Standard steel-tip darts | 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) | From board face to oche; used in WDF-style regulation play. | [5][3][7][9]
| Soft-tip / electronic darts | 8 ft (2.44 m) | Common throwing distance for many electronic boards and leagues. | [7][9]
| Bullseye height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | Measured from floor to center of bull; universal standard in most guides. | [8][1][5][9]
| Diagonal check distance | 9 ft 7½ in (2.93 m) | From bullseye to oche front edge; used to verify correct setup. | [9]
| Beginner / kids casual setup | Approx. 6 ft (1.83 m) | Non-official, suggested to make the game easier and safer for new players. | [7][9]
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TL;DR: Darts players stand 7 ft 9¼ in (2.37 m) from the dartboard in standard steel-tip play, with the bullseye at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) high—measure from the front of the board to your oche and you’re playing by the book.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
