Anyone who’s ever set up a dartboard in a garage or spare room knows the feeling: you measure twice, cut once, and still wonder if that throw line is really right. The difference between a satisfying thud and a frustrating bounce-out often comes down to a few centimeters. This guide lays out the exact regulation distances for steel tip and soft tip darts, explains why 2.37 m is the magic number, and shows you how to measure everything correctly — including the diagonal check that most home setups miss.

4 related posts

Steel tip distance: 2.37 m (7 ft 9 1/4 in) ·
Soft tip distance: 2.44 m (8 ft) ·
Bullseye height: 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) ·
Diagonal measurement: 2.93 m (9 ft 7 1/2 in) ·
Oche minimum length: 61 cm (24 in)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact date when 2.37 m became the official distance
  • Whether governing bodies allow slight deviations for home setups
  • Whether the diagonal measurement method is officially recognized by all governing bodies
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Check your setup with the diagonal measurement method
  • Adjust for wheelchair play if needed

The following table summarizes the key dimensions for both formats.

Five key dimensions, one pattern: steel tip and soft tip share the same bullseye height but differ at the oche.
Dimension Steel tip Soft tip
Horizontal distance (face of board to oche) 2.37 m (7 ft 9 1/4 in) 2.44 m (8 ft)
Bullseye height (floor to center) 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in)
Diagonal (bullseye to oche) 2.93 m (9 ft 7 1/2 in) 2.98 m (approx 9 ft 9 in)
Oche minimum length 61 cm (24 in) 61 cm (24 in)
Board diameter 45 cm (17.75 in) 45 cm (17.75 in)
Wheelchair board height (alternative) 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in) 1.37 m (4 ft 6 in)

The implication: if you switch between formats, only the throw line moves — the board stays at the same height. That makes a dual-format setup simpler than most players expect.

Why is darts 2.37 m?

The origin of the 7 ft 9 1/4 in distance

The 7 ft 9 1/4 in measurement likely came from the length of two beer barrels placed end-to-end, according to Dr. Patrick Chaplin, darts historian and author.

  • The standard distance evolved from pub floorboards and barrel lengths in the early 20th century, according to darts historian Shot Darts (darts equipment brand).
  • Historical sources confirm 2.37 m as the official distance, though no single moment of standardization exists — it was a gradual adoption across British pubs.

Dr Patrick Chaplin’s research on the oche length

  • Chaplin’s work traces the oche back to the word “hockey” (a line in pub games) and notes that the 7 ft 9 1/4 in measurement likely came from the length of two beer barrels placed end-to-end.
  • The PDC and BDO formalized this distance in the 1970s, locking it into competitive play.
The upshot

Home players who treat 2.37 m as a suggestion rather than a rule are practicing at a disadvantage. The distance isn’t arbitrary — it’s the product of decades of competitive calibration.

The pattern: what started as pub convenience became a global standard. For the serious player, there’s no good reason to deviate.

How far do I stand away from my dart board?

Steel tip dartboard distance (2.37 m)

  • Steel tip: 7 ft 9 1/4 in (2.37 m) from the front of the board to the oche, as confirmed by Darts Corner (darts retailer) and GLD Products (dartboard manufacturer).
  • Measure from the face of the board, not the wall — a common mistake that adds 2-3 cm.

Soft tip dartboard distance (2.44 m)

The soft tip distance was increased from 2.37 m to 2.44 m to account for electronic board depth and sensor sensitivity, according to Shot Darts (darts equipment brand).

  • Soft tip: 8 ft (2.44 m) from the front of the board to the oche, per Shot Darts (darts equipment brand).

Diagonal measurement from bullseye (2.93 m)

  • Diagonal from center of bullseye to oche: 2.93 m (9 ft 7 1/2 in) for steel tip, per Darts501.com (darts reference site).
  • For soft tip, the diagonal is approximately 2.98 m (9 ft 9 1/2 in), according to GLD Products (dartboard manufacturer).
  • Derived from Pythagoras: sqrt(2.37² + 1.73²) ≈ 2.93.
Why this matters

The diagonal check is the fastest way to verify your setup without a long tape measure. If the diagonal is off, the horizontal distance is almost certainly wrong too.

The trade-off: steel tip gives you a slightly shorter throw, which rewards precision. Soft tip’s extra 7 cm gives electronic boards room for sensor registration — but changes the angle of entry for your darts.

How far away should darts be?

Regulation distances for competitive play

  • Official distances apply to all PDC and BDO tournaments — no exceptions for venue size.
  • The Shot Darts (darts equipment brand) guide confirms that competitive play demands exact adherence.

Recreational and home setup allowances

  • Home setups should match regulation for practice consistency — practicing at a different distance changes muscle memory.
  • Slight variations are acceptable for casual play if space is limited, but the diagonal check will tell you how far off you really are.

The catch: a 5 cm error in throw distance changes your dart’s trajectory by roughly 1 degree at the board. Over a session, that’s the difference between hitting treble 20 and double 5.

What is the diagonal measurement from bullseye to oche?

How to measure diagonally

  • Run a tape measure from the center of the bullseye to the back edge of the oche.
  • For steel tip: 2.93 m (9 ft 7 1/2 in). For soft tip: 2.98 m (approx 9 ft 9 in).
  • This method works even if the floor is uneven or the board is mounted on a bracket that extends from the wall.

Why the diagonal measurement is sometimes used

  • Used as a quick check when horizontal distance is hard to measure — for example, if furniture blocks a straight tape run.
  • Derived from Pythagoras: sqrt(2.37² + 1.73²) ≈ 2.93, as confirmed by Darts501.com (darts reference site).

The implication: the diagonal is your insurance policy. If you can only take one measurement, make it this one — it verifies both height and distance simultaneously.

What are the differences in dartboard distance for women and wheelchair players?

Women’s dart distance regulations

  • No separate distance for women — the same regulation applies to all players, per Shot Darts (darts equipment brand).
  • Bullseye height remains 1.73 m regardless of player height.

Wheelchair dartboard setup

  • Wheelchair players use the same horizontal distance: 2.37 m for steel tip, 2.44 m for soft tip.
  • Darts501.com (darts reference site) recommends setting the board height at 137 cm (4 ft 6 in) for wheelchair play, with the oche height adjustable.
  • Check local tournament rules for modifications — some events allow a lowered board.
What to watch

Wheelchair players face a double challenge: the board height drops by 36 cm, but the throw distance stays the same. That changes the angle of entry significantly — practice at the correct height is essential.

The pattern: darts is one of the few sports where gender doesn’t change the playing field. The only accommodation is for wheelchair players, and even then the horizontal distance remains fixed.

How to set up a dartboard: step-by-step guide

  1. Mark the bullseye height. Measure 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) from the floor and mark the wall. This is the center of the bullseye.
  2. Mount the bracket. Place the bracket so the bottom of the U-slot sits at the 1.73 m mark, as recommended by GLD Products (dartboard manufacturer).
  3. Attach the board. Secure the board to the bracket. Ensure it’s level — a spirit level helps.
  4. Measure the throw line. From the face of the board, measure 2.37 m (steel tip) or 2.44 m (soft tip) and mark the oche.
  5. Check the diagonal. Measure from the bullseye center to the oche. It should be 2.93 m (steel tip) or 2.98 m (soft tip).
  6. Mark the oche. Use tape, a raised bar, or a painted line. Minimum length: 61 cm (24 in).
  7. Test with a throw. Throw a few darts to confirm the setup feels natural. Adjust if the diagonal is off by more than 1 cm.

The catch: most home setups fail at step 4 because people measure from the wall instead of the board face. A wall-mounted bracket adds 2-3 cm — that’s enough to throw off your game.

Additional sources

gldproducts.com, youtube.com, youtube.com, facebook.com, colombiahoteles.co

Related coverage: official dartboard distance guide fördjupar bilden av Dart Board Distance – Official Height and Throwing Line for Steel & S.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the oche in darts?

The oche (pronounced “ock-ee”) is the throw line — the line behind which a player must stand when throwing. It’s typically marked with tape, a raised bar, or a painted line on the floor. The word likely comes from the Old English “hockey,” meaning a line in pub games.

Can I use a tape measure for dartboard setup?

Yes — a standard tape measure works fine. For best accuracy, use a metal tape measure (fabric tapes can stretch). Measure from the face of the board, not the wall, and double-check with the diagonal method.

Do I need to consider floor slope when setting up?

Yes. If the floor slopes, measure horizontally from the board face to the oche at the same height as the bullseye. A spirit level helps ensure the board is vertical. The diagonal measurement is especially useful on sloped floors.

How often should I check dartboard distance?

Check the distance whenever you move the board, after floor renovations, or if the board bracket shifts. For competitive players, a quick diagonal check before each session is good practice.

Is the distance the same for electronic dartboards?

Electronic (soft tip) boards use 2.44 m (8 ft) — 7 cm longer than steel tip. The bullseye height remains 1.73 m. Some older electronic boards may use 2.37 m, so check the manufacturer’s instructions.

What happens if the distance is slightly off?

A small error (1-2 cm) won’t ruin casual play, but it changes your muscle memory. Over a 501 match, a 2 cm error shifts your average grouping by roughly 5 mm at the board — enough to turn treble 20 into single 5.

What is the best way to mark the oche line?

Use a raised oche bar (available from darts retailers) for the most consistent feel. Tape works for temporary setups. Paint is permanent but harder to adjust. Minimum length: 61 cm (24 in).

For the home player in Stoke-on-Trent or anywhere else, the choice is clear: measure once with the diagonal check, or spend months wondering why your darts keep landing low. The diagonal is your shortcut to a regulation setup — and a better game. For help with other measurement conversions, see our guide on How Many Square Feet in an Acre?