How to Set Up a Dartboard at Home (Official Height & Distance)

How to Set Up a Dartboard at Home (Official Height & Distance)

How to Set Up a Dartboard at Home (Official Height & Distance)

Setting up a dartboard at home sounds simple, but getting the height and throwing distance wrong can seriously affect your accuracy and practice quality. Whether you’re a casual pub player or training for league matches, using the official dartboard measurements ensures your practice actually transfers to real games.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exact dartboard height, distance, mounting tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Official Dartboard Height (Bullseye Measurement)

The official dartboard height is measured from the floor to the centre of the bullseye.  Official Height:

  • 5 feet 8 inches

  • 173 cm

This measurement is the same for home, pub, and professional matches.

 Heres a tip: Measure from the floor to the exact centre of the bull, not the top or bottom of the board.

Official Dart Throwing Distance

The distance from the dartboard to the throwing line (also called the oche) depends on whether you’re playing steel tip or soft tip darts.

 Steel Tip Darts (Most Common in the UK)

  • 7 feet 9¼ inches

  • 237 cm

  • Measured from the front of the dartboard face to the oche

Soft Tip Darts

  • 8 feet

  • 244 cm

 Always measure from the board face, not the wall behind it.

How to Mark the Oche at Home

You don’t need a permanent setup to practice properly.

Easy Oche Options:

  • A strip of tape on the floor

  • A thin piece of wood or metal

  • A raised oche if you want a pro-style feel

The key rule: Your leading foot must stay behind the oche when throwing.

Step-by-Step Dartboard Setup

  1. Measure 173 cm from the floor and mark the wall

  2. Mount the dartboard so the bullseye sits on that mark

  3. Measure 237 cm straight out from the board face

  4. Mark your oche position

  5. Check the board is flat and secure

If the board tilts forward or wobbles, your darts will land inconsistently.

Common Dartboard Setup Mistakes

❌ Measuring from the wrong point on the board
❌ Hanging the board too low or too high
❌ Standing closer than the official distance
❌ Board wobbling due to poor mounting
❌ Not rotating the board regularly

All of these can hurt accuracy and create bad habits.

Extra Tips for a Better Home Dart Setup

  • Use a dartboard surround to protect walls

  • Rotate your board every few weeks to reduce wear

  • Install a dartboard light to remove shadows

  • Use a level to ensure the board is perfectly straight

Good lighting alone can massively improve grouping.

Why Correct Dartboard Setup Matters

Practicing with the wrong height or distance can:

  • Reduce scoring consistency

  • Create bad muscle memory

  • Make league matches feel uncomfortable

  • Hold back improvement

If you’re serious about getting better, setup matters as much as your darts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official dartboard height in the UK?

The bullseye must be 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor.

How far do you stand from a dartboard?

For steel tip darts, the official distance is 7 feet 9¼ inches (237 cm).

Do professionals use the same measurements?

Yes — these measurements are used in professional tournaments worldwide.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a dartboard at home using official height and distance is one of the easiest ways to instantly improve your game. It costs nothing, takes minutes, and ensures your practice actually counts.

If you want your home setup to feel like a proper match environment, getting these measurements right is non-negotiable.

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