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When setting up darts at home, one of the most important details is getting the dartboard height correct.
A board that’s hung too high or too low can completely change your throw, making practice harder and matches less enjoyable.
Whether you’re setting up in the garage, a spare room, or even the garden shed, knowing the official dartboard height makes sure your setup is as close as possible to what the pro players use.
In this guide, we’ll cover the correct dartboard height in the UK, why it’s standardised, how to measure it properly, and a few tips for avoiding common mistakes.
There’s plenty to remember in your quest to Throw For 180 but we’ll do our best to give you it all!
What is the correct dartboard height?
The official dartboard height in the UK is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye.
This measurement is the same across professional matches, pub setups, and home games. The 5’8” figure wasn’t chosen randomly, it represents the average eye level of an adult male, giving most players a fair and comfortable line of sight at the oche.
If you want to play darts the way it’s intended then your home darts setup needs to be correct, always measure from the floor to the centre of the bull, not the top or bottom of the dartboard.
How to measure dartboard height correctly
It’s easy to think you’ve got the dartboard at the right height, only to discover it’s a couple of centimetres off. There are some very expensive boards to buy, as our darts buying guides will show you, so if you’re spending good money, the least you can do is set it up properly.
Here’s the step-by-step way to make sure your board is set up perfectly:
- Measure up from the floor to 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm).
- Mark this spot lightly on the wall, this is where the bullseye should sit.
- Mount the dartboard bracket so that once the board is hung, the centre of the bull is exactly at that mark.
- Double-check after hanging, as dartboards can sometimes sit slightly off-centre on their brackets.
Tip: Use a tape measure and a spirit level to make sure the board isn’t tilted.
Why dartboard height is standardised
Having a universal dartboard height means every player is competing under the same conditions, whether they’re in their local pub league or on stage at a PDC event.
Consistency matters in darts. Players build muscle memory based on throwing at a dartboard positioned at a set height. Its especially important if you’re following our darts tips and tutorials, as you’ll only improve if you’re consistently throwing at the same setup.
If boards were all different, you’d constantly be adjusting your throw, which would make practice far less effective.
This standardisation goes back decades, ensuring the game is fair, reliable, and enjoyable, wherever you play.
Dartboard height for kids and beginners
While the official height is always 5 feet 8 inches to the bullseye, not every setup has to follow this rule strictly.
If younger players are learning, or if you’ve got a family darts setup at home, it’s perfectly fine to lower the dartboard slightly. Making the game more accessible helps build confidence and keeps things fun.
The same goes for brand new beginners, starting with a slightly lower board can feel less intimidating, before moving up to the official height as their throw improves.
However, the official heights are all the same regardless, so it is advised that as soon as possible, you move onto the regulation dartboard height.
Common mistakes when setting up dartboard height
Plenty of home setups end up slightly off without people realising. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:
- Measuring to the top of the board instead of the bullseye.
- Forgetting to account for the thickness of the mounting bracket.
- Hanging the board unevenly, leaving the numbers tilted.
- Guessing instead of measuring (even a small difference changes your practice).
A quick double-check with a tape measure saves a lot of frustration later.
Final tips for your darts setup
With the correct dartboard height, you’ll be practising in the same conditions as professional players.
That way, whether you’re aiming for your first 180 or just enjoying a few games at home, you’ll know your setup is spot on.
Do this, and it’ll help considerably if you play elsewhere, while you are out or at a friends home, which is only going to keep your game nice and consistent.