Credit: www.dartscorner.co.uk
Mounting a dartboard incorrectly can ruin your throw accuracy, distort scoring, and even damage walls and darts. Whether setting up a home game room, pub area, or competitive practice zone, mastering the correct dartboard height and throwing distance is the first step to playing darts the right way.
This full, in-depth guide explains:
Professional height standards
How to properly measure the throw line
How mounting affects gameplay precision
Safety, wall protection, and board rotation
Mistakes to avoid and accessibility adjustments
Let’s set up your dartboard like a true pro! 🎯
Why Proper Dartboard Height Is Essential
The placement of a dartboard might seem simple, but it affects:
✔ Muscle Memory & Throw Mechanics
When you throw darts repeatedly from the same height and distance, your body trains itself automatically. If the board is too high or low, you’ll build incorrect habits.
✔ Scoring Accuracy
Incorrect placement tilts scoring. A low board encourages upward throws, increasing bounce-outs. A high board results in downward angles, reducing triple and double ring hits.
✔ Consistency With Official Standards
Maintaining regulation measurements ensures your practice matches real tournament play. If you aim to compete someday, you’ll already be prepared.
📝 Professional tournaments under the PDC, WDF, and DRA all follow the same height standards.
Exact Regulation Measurements (Steel & Soft Tip Dartboards)
🔹 Official Height
5 feet 8 inches (68 inches or 173 cm) measured from the floor to the center of the bullseye.
This is based on the average eye-level of adult players across global dart standards.
🔹 Throwing Distance (Oche Distance)
| Dartboard Type | Throw Line Distance (From Board Face) |
|---|---|
| Steel Tip Dartboard | 7 ft 9¼ in (237 cm) |
| Soft Tip Dartboard (Electronic) | 8 ft (243 cm) |
🛑 Do NOT measure from the wall. Always measure from the front surface of the dartboard, because different board thicknesses change the distance if measured from the wall.
Complete Measurement Chart
| Area Measured | Steel Tip | Soft Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye Height | 68″ (173 cm) | 68″ (173 cm) |
| Throw Line Distance | 7’ 9¼″ (237 cm) | 8’ (243 cm) |
| Diagonal (Floor to Bullseye) | 9’ 7½″ (293.36 cm) | Not used |
💡 Pro Trick: If you don’t want to measure floor + line separately, measure from floor to bullseye diagonally = 9’ 7½.”
How to Mount a Dartboard: Step-by-Step Installation (Pro-Level)
Before mounting, gather:
Tools & Materials
Measuring tape
Pencil or marker
Drill and masonry bits (if brick/concrete)
Screws and wall anchors
Spirit level
Mounting bracket
Dartboard surround (optional but recommended)
Protective board/backboard
STEP 1: Measure the Bullseye Height
Mark the center point of the bullseye: exactly 68 inches from the floor.
Use a level to ensure the mark is perfectly straight.
STEP 2: Install the Mounting Bracket
Align the bracket hole to your 68″ center mark.
If mounting on:
Wood studs: screw directly
Drywall: use anchors
Brick/concrete: use masonry screws & anchors
💡 Why Anchors Matter: Dartboards are heavy and absorb impact; without anchors, screws eventually rip out.
STEP 3: Attach and Level the Dartboard
Hang the board on the bracket
Rotate until the 20 segment is at the top
Confirm with a spirit level
STEP 4: Measure and Mark the Throwing Line (Oche)
Measure from the front face of the dartboard
Mark the exact spot using:
Floor sticker
Tape
Wooden raised oche
Choosing the Right Wall Surface
| Surface Type | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Brick/Stone | Ideal. Use masonry anchors. |
| Drywall | Use a wooden backing or strong anchors. |
| Wood Panel | Mount directly using wood screws. |
| Concrete | Heavy-duty anchors required. |
👉 If unsure, install a backboard. Learn more in What to Put Behind a Dart Board (internal link).
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)
| Mistake | Consequences | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring from board bottom | Incorrect height | Always measure bullseye |
| Measuring throw distance from wall | Wrong throw line | Measure from board face |
| Installing without anchors | Board falls; damage risk | Use proper anchors |
| Mounting on a moving surface (e.g., door) | Dangerous; inaccurate | Always use a stable wall |
| Misaligned number ring | Unfair scoring; confusion | Make 20 number straight up |
| Poor lighting | Blind spots on doubles | Add dartboard lighting |
Safety & Wall Protection Tips
Use surround rings or wall protectors to protect walls
Avoid putting dartboards near TVs, windows, corridors, or glass
Keep throw zone clear; no seating within throwing distance
👉 Check: Best Dart Board Wall Protector
Accessibility: Children & Wheelchair Players
Playing Height Recommendations
| Player Group | Rule |
|---|---|
| Children | Adjustable for practice only; standard height for training |
| Wheelchair Players | Height remains the same; some organizations adjust distance slightly |
To play professionally, always practice at official measurement: 5’8” bullseye height.
Board Maintenance After Mounting
To increase dartboard lifespan:
✔ Rotate the Number Ring Weekly
Prevents wear on high-hit areas like triple 20.
✔ Control Humidity
Sisal boards dry out and crack if too dry.
✔ Avoid Oily Hands
Oil damages board fibers over time.
Read: How to Clean and Care for Your Dartboard
Final Thoughts: Play the Game the Right Way
The correct dartboard height is 5’8” to the bullseye, and the throw line distance is 7’ 9¼” for steel tip and 8 feet for soft tip. With secure mounting, proper lighting, and wall protection, you’ll create a safe, professional-level setup that sharpens your skill and protects your gear.
A perfectly installed dartboard is the first step to throwing like a champion… so measure carefully, drill smart, and enjoy every bullseye!