If you think about popularity, then it is feeling free to say that darts is at their peak of popularity right now. It is very important to place it at the right distance to ensure fair play and a consistent experience.
That’s why you need to know how far the distance should be between the dartboard and the dart throw line. This article will help you understand the dartboard distance, the factors that influence it, and tips for setting up your dartboard at home.
Official Distance Measurements
The distance from where you throw the dart to the dartboard can be a little different based on the kind of dartboard you have. Here are the usual distances for the dart boards that are used most often:
Steel-Tip Dartboards (Traditional Bristle Boards)
Horizontal Distance: The distance between the dartboard and the line where you throw the darts should be 7 feet 9.25 inches (237 cm). This is measured straight across from the front of the dartboard to the back part of the throw line.
Diagonal Distance: Another method for measuring is to go in a straight line from the middle of the bullseye to the back of the throwing line. This distance should be 9 feet and 7.375 inches, or about 293.4 centimeters.
Soft-Tip Dartboards (Electronic Boards)
Horizontal Distance: The usual distance for soft-tip dartboards is 8 feet (243.84 cm) from the front of the dartboard to the line where you throw the darts.
Diagonal Distance: To measure the distance from the center of the bullseye to the throwing line diagonally, it should be 9 feet and 9.5 inches, which is equal to 298.45 centimeters.
Height of the Dartboard
In addition to the distance from the darts throw line, it’s also essential to mount the dartboard at the correct height:
Steel-Tip Dartboards: The center of the bullseye should be 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.
Soft-Tip Dartboards: The bullseye is typically set at the same height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.
This height is based on the average eye level of players, which provides a comfortable and consistent throwing experience.
Marking the Throw Line (Oche)
The throw line, or oche, can be marked in several ways:
Tape: A simple and temporary method, using masking or painter’s tape, allows you to mark the line on the floor.
Raised Bar: A more permanent option is installing a small raised bar or wooden strip, often referred to as an oche, at the correct distance.
Mat or Sticker: Dart mats or adhesive floor stickers with pre-marked throw lines are commercially available, providing an easy and accurate setup.
Factors Influencing Dartboard Distance
The usual distance for throwing darts is commonly agreed upon, but some things can affect where you should place the throwing line in various situations.
Room Size: In homes, the size and arrangement of the room might restrict your ability to follow the standard distance exactly. If your space is small, you might need to move the throwing line a bit to fit the room. But it’s important to keep the distance as close to the standard as you can to keep the game fair.
Board Type: For example, electronic dartboards need a bit more space for throwing than traditional steel tip dartboards. Make sure to look at the instructions for your particular dartboard to find out the right throwing distance.
Player Preferences: Some people might like a shorter or longer throw distance depending on their height, arm length, or how they throw. It’s good to practice at the usual distance, but sometimes changing it a little can help players feel more comfortable and throw better.
Competitive vs. Casual Play: In casual games, like playing at home with friends, the exact distance isn’t as important as it is in serious competitions. Even though it’s best to stick to the usual rules, it’s okay to be a bit flexible in casual games, especially when teaching new people how to play.
Tips for Setting up Your Dartboard at Home
Having a dartboard at home can be a fun and practical way to play and improve your skills. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your setup:
Pick the Best Spot: Find a room or space that has enough room for the dartboard, the line where you throw from, and any safety measures you need. The area should be clear of things that could get in the way and have enough space for people to move around easily.
Keep Your Walls and Floor Safe: To stop darts from damaging your walls, think about putting up a protective cover or backboard behind the dartboard. Also, putting a mat or carpet under the throw line can keep your floor safe from darts that fall and give players a nice place to stand.
Use an Oche Mat: Oche mats are designed to provide a clear and consistent throw line, making them a great addition to any home dartboard setup. Many oche mats also feature additional markings for different game formats, allowing you to easily switch between steel-tip and electronic dartboard distances.
Practice Consistently: After setting up your dartboard, make it a routine to practice regularly. Consistent practice at the right distance will help you build the skills and confidence needed to do well in both casual and competitive play.
Invite Friends and Family: Darts is a fun game to play with others, so it’s great to have your home set up for it. Ask your friends and family to come over and play, and maybe even plan some friendly competitions to make it even more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How far do I stand from a dartboard?
When playing darts, you should stand 7 feet and 9.25 inches (237 cm) away from the dartboard. This measurement is taken from the front of the dartboard to a line on the floor called the “oche.” This is the official distance for games using steel-tip darts. For games with soft-tip darts, which are often played on electronic boards, the distance is usually a bit longer, at 8 feet (244 cm).
How high and far to hang a dartboard?
The standard dartboard height is 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor to the bullseye’s center. This dimension is the same for both steel tip and electronic dartboards and is accepted worldwide.
What is the length in darts?
A standard dart is about 1.57 inches (4 centimeters) wide and usually measures between 5 and 7 inches (12.7 to 17.8 centimeters) in total length. The part of the dart that you hold, called the barrel, is typically 1.81 to 2.09 inches (46 to 53 millimeters) long. The pointed end, or tip, can be either 1.26 inches or 1.61 inches (32 or 41 millimeters) long. The best weight for a dart is usually between 0.63 and 0.92 ounces (18 to 26 grams).