Dartboard Height and Distance: UK Setup Measurements

For a regulation steel-tip setup, place the centre of the bull 1.73 metres above the floor and mark the oche 2.37 metres from the face of the dartboard. A diagonal check from the bull to the oche should measure 2.93 metres.

Those three measurements are the quickest way to confirm that a UK home board is ready for standard play. The detail that catches most people out is where to measure from: the throwing distance starts at the front face of the board, not the wall.

Steel-tip dartboard measurements at a glance

Measurement	Metric	Imperial
Floor to centre of bull	1.73 m	5 ft 8 in
Board face to back of oche	2.37 m	7 ft 9¼ in
Bull to oche, diagonally	2.93 m	9 ft 7½ in

These dimensions are consistent with published competition rules from the Darts Regulation Authority and World Darts Federation competition documents.

How high should a dartboard be?

Measure vertically from the finished floor to the exact centre of the bull. That point should be 1.73 metres, or 5 feet 8 inches, high. Measure from the floor players will stand on; a thick mat or raised platform changes the effective height.

Ask someone to hold the tape while you mark the wall, then use a spirit level when fitting the board bracket. Rotate the dartboard until the 20 sits at the top and the number ring is aligned.

How far away is the oche?

The steel-tip throwing distance is 2.37 metres, or 7 feet 9¼ inches. Measure horizontally from a plumb line dropped from the face of the board to the back edge of the oche—the edge closest to the player.

If the board projects 4 centimetres from the wall, the oche will be 2.41 metres from the wall. This is why measuring straight from the wall can leave the throwing line too close.

Use the 2.93 m diagonal check

Once the board and oche are marked, measure diagonally from the centre of the bull to the back of the oche at floor level. The result should be 2.93 metres, or 9 feet 7½ inches.

The diagonal does not replace the height and horizontal measurements, but it is an excellent final check. If it is wrong, recheck the bull height, the position of the board face and whether the tape is reaching the correct edge of the line.

Steel tip and soft tip are not always the same

The measurements above are for a regulation steel-tip board. Many soft-tip machines use a longer throwing distance—commonly 2.44 metres, or 8 feet—but cabinet and league specifications can differ. Follow the instructions for the machine or competition you are using instead of assuming steel-tip dimensions apply.

Lighting, clearance and safety

• Leave enough space behind the oche for a comfortable stance and passing players.
• Use even, shadow-free light without shining it into the thrower’s eyes.
• Fit a surround or suitable wall protection around the board.
• Keep doors and busy walkways outside the throwing lane.
• Use a non-slip mat and a removable marker if you cannot install a raised oche.
• Make sure darts are retrieved only after the score is confirmed.

A simple setup checklist

1. Choose a solid wall with a clear throwing lane.
2. Mark the bull centre at 1.73 m from the finished floor.
3. Fit the bracket and check the board is secure and level.
4. Drop a plumb line from the face of the board.
5. Measure 2.37 m horizontally to the back of the oche.
6. Confirm 2.93 m diagonally from the bull to the oche.
7. Add lighting, wall protection and a clear safety routine.

Dartboard setup FAQs

Is the distance measured from the wall or the dartboard?

Measure from the front face of the dartboard. Use a plumb line to transfer that point to the floor before measuring to the oche.

How wide should an oche be?

Competition rules may specify a raised oche, but a clearly marked tape line is practical for most homes. Make it wide enough for a natural stance and ensure the front edge is unambiguous.

Can I put a dartboard above skirting boards?

Yes, provided the board can sit securely and the bull is at the correct height. Remember that the board may project farther from the wall, so calculate the oche from the board face.