How Much Space Do You Need for Darts at an Event?
The official dartboard height and oche distance are easy to look up, but planning darts for an event takes more than two numbers. Here's how much space you really need, from a single board at a party to a row of interactive dartboards on an exhibition stand.
The official dartboard height and oche distance
Every serious game of darts starts from the same set-up. The centre of the bullseye sits 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) above the floor, and the oche, the line players throw from, is measured from the face of the board. For steel tip darts, the World Darts Federation standard is 2.37 m (7 ft 9¼ in). Soft tip darts are usually played from 2.44 m (8 ft).
| Measurement | Steel tip | Soft tip |
|---|---|---|
| Height to centre of bullseye | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Board face to oche | 2.37 m (7 ft 9¼ in) | 2.44 m (8 ft) |
| Diagonal, bullseye to oche | 2.93 m (9 ft 7⅜ in) | about 2.98 m (9 ft 9½ in) |
The diagonal is a handy check: measure from the centre of the bullseye down to the front of the oche on the floor. If both the straight-line distance and the diagonal match, the board is at the right height and the line is in the right place.
With our interactive dartboard hire you don't need a tape measure. Each freestanding cabinet already holds the board at the correct height, and our throw mats are printed with measured lines, so we can set the game up correctly in minutes.
How much floor space does one dartboard need?
The throw distance is only part of the space a board takes up. A comfortable playing area also needs room for the player to stand and step back from the line, for the next player to wait, and for people to walk up to the board to collect their darts.
As a guide, competition darts areas are often planned at roughly 4 m by 3 m per board. That's a generous area designed for tournaments with officials and cameras, but it's a useful starting point for working out what will fit in your room or on your stand.
For a party or corporate event you can often work with less, especially with freestanding cabinets that don't need a wall. What matters most is:
- A clear lane from the oche to the board, with nobody walking across it.
- Space behind the line so the thrower isn't crowded by the queue.
- Room to collect darts without squeezing past furniture or other boards.
- A wall or screen behind the cabinet rather than a doorway or walkway.
The easiest way to be sure is to send us your room or stand measurements. We'll tell you how many boards fit comfortably and the best way round to place them.
Planning space for several boards side by side
For bigger events, two to four boards in a row keep the queue moving and turn darts into a proper attraction. Lining boards up side by side works well because every lane faces the same way, so nobody is ever standing in front of another board.
- Keep every lane parallel and facing a wall or the back of your stand.
- Leave a clear gap between lanes so players and spectators aren't standing in the next lane's path.
- Put the queue to the side or behind, never between the oche and the board.
- Plan for spectators. A busy darts wall draws a crowd, especially with a live leaderboard, so leave somewhere for people to stand and watch.
Multi-lane set-ups like the three-lane Bullseye wall we built for Yuasa Battery use linked cabinets and full-length throw mats, so each lane is clearly marked. See more in our case studies.
Darts on an exhibition stand
Exhibition stands bring their own rules. The whole throwing lane, including where the player stands, needs to sit inside your stand, not spill into the aisle. If your stand is shallow, the boards usually go along the back wall with players throwing towards it from the front of the stand.
- Check your stand depth against the throw distance plus room for the player.
- Ask the organiser about any rules on activities and queues near aisles.
- Book delivery and set-up during the build-up period so the darts are ready when doors open.
- Leave space at the side of the stand for your team to talk to players while they wait.
Our exhibition darts hire is designed for this, with cabinets that stand on their own and branded wraps and throw mats that make the whole lane part of your stand design.
Where to put darts in the room
Good placement makes darts safer and more fun. Choose a spot that people can see, but away from the main flow of the room.
- Avoid doorways, fire exits, bars and walkways. Nobody should need to cross a lane to get somewhere.
- Think about lighting. Shadows on the board make darts harder to see. Our interactive boards have an LED-lit scoring ring, which helps in darker venues and looks great in photos.
- Keep drinks and food tables clear of the throwing area.
- Use a level, solid floor. The cabinets and mats need to sit flat.
Power, floors and set-up
Interactive and electronic dartboards need power for the scoring system, screen and lights. Plan for a standard plug socket near each machine, and let us know if sockets are far away so we can bring suitable cable protection.
Our throw mats protect the floor and mark the oche clearly. The mats we use are printed with several measured lines, including 2.37 m and 2.44 m, plus a shorter and a longer line. Beginners, younger players or anyone who wants an easier throw can simply stand at the nearer line.
We deliver, set up, test and collect everything, so on the day you only need to tell us where you'd like the boards.
Quick space checklist
- Bullseye height 1.73 m. Throw line 2.37 m for steel tip, 2.44 m for soft tip.
- A clear, straight lane from the line to the board for every board.
- Room behind the line for the player and a queue to the side.
- Lanes parallel, facing a wall or the back of your stand.
- Away from doors, exits, bars and walkways.
- A level floor and a plug socket near each machine.
- Space for spectators if you're running a competition.
Send us your measurements for a free layout suggestion and quote, or browse the areas we cover across the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What height should a dartboard be?
The centre of the bullseye should be 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) from the floor. This is the same for steel tip and soft tip darts.
How far is the oche from the dartboard?
For steel tip darts the oche is 2.37 m (7 ft 9¼ in) from the face of the board. Soft tip darts are usually played from 2.44 m (8 ft).
How do I check the dartboard is set up correctly?
Measure diagonally from the centre of the bullseye to the front of the oche. For steel tip darts this should be 2.93 m (9 ft 7⅜ in). If the straight distance and the diagonal are both right, the height is correct.
Can children or beginners stand closer?
Yes. For fun games at events there's no need to stick to the official line. Our throw mats have a nearer line that beginners and younger players can use.
How many dartboards will fit in my venue?
It depends on the room shape, where the doors and walkways are and how many guests you expect. Send us your measurements and we'll suggest a layout and how many boards fit comfortably.