Hang the board so the center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor. For steel-tip darts, the throw line (oche) is 7 feet 9.25 inches from the face of the board, measured along the floor; for soft-tip, it is commonly 8 feet. Check with a diagonal of 9 feet 7.375 inches from bullseye to oche for steel tip. Protect the wall and light the board evenly.
A board at the wrong height trains the wrong throw. These measurements match common league standards.
Measurements
| Measurement | Steel tip | Soft tip |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye height | 5 ft 8 in | 5 ft 8 in |
| Throw line from board face | 7 ft 9.25 in | Follow the board and league rules |
| Diagonal, bullseye to throw line | 9 ft 7.375 in | Follow the board and league rules |
Leagues and organizations publish their own rules; check yours.
Board types
| Board | Darts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bristle (sisal) | Steel tip | Self-healing; rotate to spread wear |
| Electronic | Soft tip | Automatic scoring and games |
Look for thin wire or bladed spider systems on bristle boards for fewer bounce-outs. Our bristle vs electronic dartboard comparison explains the dart types and scoring trade-offs.
Darts
Compare dart weight and barrel dimensions against the board maker’s limits and your league rules. Tungsten and brass barrels differ in density, but barrel shape and dimensions vary by model; compare the exact product rather than assuming a material guarantees a tighter grouping.
Wall and light
- A cabinet or surround protects walls from misses.
- A throw mat marks the oche and protects floors.
- Light the board from above or with a ring light to avoid shadows.
- Leave a clear lane with no foot traffic.
Planning a whole room? See our game room layout guide. Browse darts.
Common questions
How high is a dartboard?
The center of the bullseye is 5 feet 8 inches from the floor for both steel and soft tip.
How far is the throw line for darts?
7 feet 9.25 inches from the board face for steel tip; 8 feet is standard for most soft-tip play.
How do I check my dartboard setup?
For steel tip, measure diagonally from the bullseye to the back of the throw line: it should be 9 feet 7.375 inches.
Bristle or electronic dartboard?
Bristle boards are for steel-tip darts and traditional play; electronic boards score automatically and use soft tips.