Everything You Need to Know About Darts distance rules

In darts, precision doesn't start with your throw—it starts with how you set up your game environment. When it comes to setting up the course, the rules about distance are the most important for making sure the game is fair, everyone plays well, and we maintain professional standards.

No matter if you're just playing darts at home, hosting games in a pub, or competing in a world-class tournament, it's crucial to follow the right measurements for the dartboard-to-throw-line distance.

WillDarts is one of the top brands of electronic dart machines in China. For over 10 years, they've been making, producing, and selling dart equipment that meets strict international standards. In this guide, we'll dive deeper into the rules, the differences between steel-tip and soft-tip darts, wheelchair accessibility, and professional installation methods. Plus, we'll get some insider tips from WillDarts' engineering team.

Introduction to Darts Distance Rules

Why Distance Rules Matter for Fair Play

Darts is a game where a single millimeter can change the outcome of a throw. If the setup varies from one venue to another, players face a huge disadvantage because their muscle memory is adapted to different distances.

Standardized distance rules ensure:

• Technical Consistency—Your throwing mechanics remain the same no matter where you play.

• Fairness – All competitors face identical conditions.

• Professional Integrity – Official tournaments rely on strict measurements to maintain credibility.

For example, a player who practices at 8 feet from the dartboard but competes at 7’ 9.25” will feel a subtle difference in aiming angles, which can lead to missed targets—especially in high-pressure games.

Overview of Steel-Tip vs. Soft-Tip Distance Standards

Steel-tip darts, typically used with bristle dartboards, have slightly shorter throw lines than soft-tip darts, which are used with electronic boards.

• Steel-tip: Shorter distance due to heavier darts and slightly larger board size.

• Soft-tip: Longer distance to accommodate lighter darts and different scoring mechanisms.

Official Steel-Tip Dart Distance Rules

Throw Line (Oche) Distance

For steel-tip darts, the official horizontal distance from the front face of the dartboard to the throw line is 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters). This is the World Darts Federation (WDF) and Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) standard used in international competitions.

Why this exact distance?

• It’s the optimal range for balance between challenge and accessibility.

• It accounts for the flight characteristics of heavier steel-tip darts.

Height from Floor to Bullseye

The bullseye must be exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) above the floor. This measurement is taken from the center of the bullseye, not the top or bottom of the board.

Why height matters:

• It ensures the dart trajectory feels natural for most adult players.

• A higher or lower bullseye changes throwing angles and muscle engagement.

Diagonal Measurement Check

In addition to horizontal measurement, steel-tip setups often use the diagonal method:

• 9 feet 7.5 inches (2.93 meters) from the bullseye to the throw line.

• This acts as a cross-check to ensure both height and distance are correct.

Official Soft-Tip Dart Distance Rules

Throw Line Distance for Electronic Boards

Soft-tip darts, commonly used in electronic dart machines like those from WillDarts, follow different standards:

• 8 feet (2.44 meters) from the board face to the throw line.

The extra distance is because:

• Soft-tip darts are lighter, requiring slightly more range for balanced gameplay.

• Electronic scoring mechanisms may slightly alter the optimal trajectory.

Height and Size Differences from Steel-Tip

• Board Diameter: 15.5 inches (39.37 cm) for soft-tip vs. 18 inches for steel-tip.

• Bullseye height remains 5 feet 8 inches for consistency.

WillDarts’ Compliance with International Soft-Tip Standards

At WillDarts, every electronic dart machine is:

• Calibrated to the exact 8-foot throw line.

• Tested for accuracy with over 20 patented engineering solutions.

• Certified under CE and ROHS for safety and compliance.

Wheelchair-Accessible Distance Rules

Height Adjustments for Accessibility

For adaptive or wheelchair competitions, the bullseye height is lowered to 4 feet 6 inches (1.37 meters) to ensure a fair throwing angle.

Throw Line Modifications

The horizontal distance remains the same as standard rules unless specific adaptive league regulations apply.

Measuring Your Dartboard Setup at Home

Tools Needed for Accurate Measurement

• Measuring tape (at least 10 feet long)

• Spirit level for alignment

• Oche marker or floor tape

• Carpenter’s square for precision

Step-by-Step Measuring Process

Measuring Throw Line

Always measure from the front face of the dartboard, not the wall. This avoids inaccuracies caused by board thickness.

Measuring Bullseye Height

Measure vertically from the floor to the center of the bullseye. Use a level to ensure your board isn’t tilted.

Checking Diagonal Accuracy

For steel-tip setups, confirm 9’ 7.5” from bullseye to oche.

Common Mistakes in Dart Distance Setup

Measuring from the Wall Instead of Board Face

This is the most common mistake and can shorten the playing distance by 1–2 inches.

Forgetting Board Thickness

Cabinet-mounted boards or thick backboards add depth—account for it.

Not Leveling the Dartboard Before Measurement

A tilted dartboard can make height and diagonal measurements useless.

International Variations in Distance Rules

UK & European Steel-Tip Rules

Follow WDF standards: 7’ 9.25” horizontal distance, 5’ 8” bullseye height.

USA League Preferences

Some casual leagues slightly adjust distances for player comfort.

Asian Soft-Tip Standards

The 8-foot throw line dominates in Japan, Korea, and China, especially in arcade and pub settings.

Home, Bar, and Tournament Distance Guidelines

Setting Up a Home Game Room

• Use permanent floor markings for consistent play.

• Ensure enough space behind the oche for movement.

Installing in Bars and Clubs

• Opt for durable throw line markers to handle heavy foot traffic.

• Position boards where lighting is even and glare-free.

Professional Tournament Stage Setup

• Must follow WDF/PDC specifications exactly.

• Include a raised oche for visibility.

Why WillDarts Machines Always Meet Distance Regulations

Precision Engineering for Accuracy

Our R&D team uses advanced laser measurement tools to ensure every machine leaves the factory with exact throw line and height compliance.

Built-In Oche Markings on Select Models

Some WillDarts electronic machines include integrated throw line indicators, making installation faster and more accurate.

Trusted by Global Dealers and Venues

From bars in Asia to tournaments in Europe, WillDarts machines are chosen for durability, accuracy, and ease of setup.

FAQs on Darts Distance Rules

Q1: What’s the official throw line distance for steel-tip darts?
A: 7 feet 9.25 inches from the dartboard face to the oche.

Q2: What’s the throw line distance for soft-tip darts?
A: 8 feet from the dartboard face to the oche.

Q3: Can I measure from the wall instead of the board face?
A: No—always measure from the front surface of the board.

Q4: Do wheelchair competitions use the same throw line?
A: Yes, but the bullseye height is lowered to 4’ 6”.

Q5: Why do soft-tip boards have a longer throw line?
A: Lighter darts need a slightly longer distance for optimal trajectory.

Q6: Does WillDarts make regulation-compliant machines?
A: Absolutely—all our machines meet international distance and height standards.

Conclusion: Play with Confidence by Following Official Distance Rules

Getting your darts distance rules right isn't just about following the rules—it's about playing your best game. If you follow the official measurements for steel-tip, soft-tip, and adaptive setups, you'll make sure everyone has a fair and enjoyable experience.

If you're looking for high-quality, regulation-compliant electronic dart machines, check out WillDarts. We're part of a global network of dealers who are passionate about growing the future of darts.