What is the official distance to a dartboard?
The official throwing distance for steel tip darts is 2.37 metres, measured from the front of the board to the throw line. In this guide you read how to set that distance correctly, and why a fixed distance quickly improves your game.
The measurements at a glance
- Steel tip throwing distance: 2.37 metres (horizontal)
- Bullseye height: 1.73 metres
- Diagonal bullseye to throw line: 2.93 metres
- Soft tip (electronic board): 2.44 metres
Why a fixed distance matters so much
Darts is a game of repetition: your body learns one movement at one distance. Stand a few centimetres differently every evening and you train a slightly different throw every evening. A fixed, correct throw line is therefore the cheapest improvement to your game.
The practical solution is a dart mat with a marked oche: lay it against the wall and the line sits exactly at 2.37 metres. No tape measure, no discussion, and your floor is protected from falling darts straight away.
Frequently asked questions
Do I measure the distance from the wall or from the board?
From the front of the board (the playing surface), not from the wall. A board sticks out a few centimetres, so it really makes a difference.
Where exactly do I stand at the throw line?
Your front foot may touch the line but not cross it. Leaning over the line is allowed.
