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If you’re setting up a dartboard at home or trying to improve your consistency, one of the most important things to get right is the darts oche distance, which is where you stand from the board.
This throwing distance is known as the oche distance, and even small mistakes can affect accuracy, grouping, and confidence.
While dartboard height is often discussed, and we’ve given you the correct dartboard height in a different article, the oche distance is just as important. Standing too close or too far away changes how the dart travels through the air and makes it harder to replicate your throw in competitive situations.
In this guide from Throw For 180, we’ll explain the correct oche distance, how it applies to men, women, and children, and how to measure it properly at home.
Darts Oche Distance: What is it?
The oche is the throwing line in darts. It marks the point behind which a player must stand when throwing a dart. As long as part of the player’s foot remains behind the line, the throw is legal.
In professional darts, the oche is usually a raised bar, but in homes and pubs it’s often a tape line, mat marking, or strip on the floor, depending on the darts setup you have. Regardless of how it’s marked, the oche ensures that every player throws from the same distance, creating fairness and consistency.
The oche distance is measured from the front face of the dartboard, not from the wall or the back of the board. This detail is crucial and often misunderstood by beginners.
Official Darts Oche Distance
For standard steel tip darts, the official oche distance is:
7 feet 9¼ inches
or
2.37 metres
This distance is measured horizontally from the front face of the dartboard to the front edge of the oche.
This measurement is used in professional tournaments by pro darts players, leagues, pubs, and most home setups. It ensures consistency across venues and allows players to practise under the same conditions they’ll face in matches.
If you want to improve or play competitively, this is the distance you should aim to use whenever possible.
Oche Distance for Men
Men use the standard regulation oche distance of 7 feet 9¼ inches.
This applies across all levels of the game, from casual pub darts to professional tournaments. There is no variation based on height, strength, or experience level. The consistency of this distance is what allows players to develop reliable muscle memory and repeatable throwing mechanics.
Even if the distance feels challenging at first, especially for beginners, sticking with the regulation measurement will help you improve faster in the long run. The tips and tutorials we give out on site to make you a better player, will all work best for you if you’re standing at the correct oche distance.
Oche Distance for Women
Women also use the exact same regulation oche distance of 7 feet 9¼ inches.
There is no separate throwing distance for women in darts, either at amateur or professional level. Women compete under the same distance rules because darts relies more on precision and consistency than physical strength.
Using the same oche distance ensures fairness and allows women to compete directly with men in open competitions and mixed leagues.
Oche Distance for Children and Juniors
For children and junior players, using the full regulation distance isn’t always necessary or helpful, especially for younger players who are still developing coordination and strength.
While there is no single official junior oche distance, common recommendations include:
Younger children (under 10):
5 to 6 feet from the board
Older juniors and teenagers:
6½ to 7½ feet, gradually increasing over time
The key idea is progression. Starting closer helps juniors develop confidence, accuracy, and enjoyment. As they improve, the distance can be increased in small steps until they reach the full regulation oche distance.
If a junior player plans to compete in organised darts, transitioning to the full distance early is a good idea, as every junior club or junior competition will use the full oche distance.
Oche Distance for Soft Tip Darts
Soft tip darts use a different throwing distance to standard steel tip darts.
The typical soft tip oche distance is:
8 feet
or
2.44 metres
Soft tip darts are played on electronic dartboards, which are usually larger and have a slightly different target layout. The increased distance helps balance the game and reduce bounce-outs caused by lighter darts.
It’s important to note that while soft tip darts use a different oche distance, this article is focused mainly on steel tip darts. If you play both formats, make sure you adjust your throw line accordingly to avoid confusion during practice.
Measuring Your Darts Oche Distance Correctly at Home
Getting the measurement right is essential, and it’s one of the most common setup mistakes.
Here’s how to measure the oche distance properly:
- Measure from the front face of the dartboard, not the wall.
- Measure straight along the floor to the throwing line.
- Mark the distance clearly with tape, a mat, or a raised oche bar.
If you’re short on space, you can also use diagonal measurement as an alternative method, measuring from the bullseye to the floor at the oche point. This ensures accuracy even in tight rooms.
Always double-check your measurement, as even a few inches can change how the dart feels in flight.
Can You Adjust the Oche Distance?
In casual play, adjusting the oche distance is fine. Beginners, children, or social players may benefit from standing closer to build confidence and enjoyment.
However, if your goal is improvement or competitive play, consistency matters more than comfort. Practising at the correct oche distance helps your throw adapt naturally and prepares you for real match conditions.
A good approach is to practise mostly at regulation distance while occasionally stepping closer for confidence drills or specific practice sessions.
Common Darts Oche Distance Mistakes
Many players unknowingly practise from the wrong distance. Some common mistakes include:
Measuring from the wall instead of the board face
Standing with toes over the throwing line
Using inconsistent or moving throw lines
Practising from different distances each session
Fixing these issues can lead to immediate improvements in consistency and accuracy.
Final Thoughts on Oche Distance
Having the correct darts oche distance is one of the foundations of a good darts setup. Whether you’re playing casually at home or aiming to compete, standing the correct distance from the dartboard helps build reliable technique and confidence.
For steel tip darts, 7 feet 9¼ inches is the standard to stick with. Adjustments can be made for children or casual play, but consistency should always be the goal.
Get the distance right, practise regularly, and everything else in your game becomes easier to improve.