How Long Is a Darts Oche? The Complete Guide to Darts Throwing Distance

The Exact Measurements: Steel-Tip vs Soft-Tip

The oche distance depends on what kind of darts you throw. Steel-tip darts use the traditional 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters). Soft-tip (electronic) boards use a longer distance of 8 feet (2.44 meters). The extra length for soft-tip compensates for the smaller board size, larger bullseye, and different point behavior. Both distances are measured from the face of the board — not from the wall it hangs on. If your board is mounted inside a cabinet or on a backboard, measure from the front surface of the board itself, not the wall behind it.

The easiest way to get the distance right is to measure diagonally from the center of the bullseye to the floor at the oche line. For steel-tip, this diagonal distance is 2.93 meters (9 feet 7.375 inches). For soft-tip, it is 2.98 meters (9 feet 9.5 inches). This method automatically accounts for any board thickness or mounting system, which is why most professionals and tournament organizers use it.

Board Height: Where the Bullseye Goes

The center of the bullseye must be exactly 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) above the floor. This is the same for both steel-tip and soft-tip. The height is measured from the floor to the center of the bullseye, not the top or bottom of the board. A standard dartboard has a diameter of approximately 45 centimeters (17.75 inches), so the bottom of the board sits at roughly 1.27 meters (4 feet 2 inches) above the floor when the bullseye is at the correct height.

If you are installing a raised oche (the wooden strip some players prefer), it should be at least 24 inches (61 centimeters) wide and about 1.5 inches (38 millimeters) high. The PDC rulebook specifies these dimensions. The oche must be placed so that its front edge is at the regulation distance from the board. A raised oche helps prevent players from stepping over the line accidentally and provides a consistent foot placement point.

Why 2.37 Meters? The History of the Oche Length

The 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 meters) distance is a strange-looking number. It is not a round measurement in either metric or imperial. The explanation lies in the history of how darts evolved from a pub game to a professional sport.

Early 20th-century darts did not have a standardized throwing distance. Different regions, pubs, and leagues used different lengths. The most common distances were 7 feet 6 inches (used by the London League) and 8 feet (used by the News of the World tournament). When the National Darts Association of Great Britain formed in 1954, they needed to pick a single standard. They chose 7 feet 9.25 inches as a compromise between the two most popular distances.

The diagonal measurement of 2.93 meters (9 feet 7.375 inches) from the bullseye was not an afterthought — it was actually the primary measurement in the original regulations. Some historians believe the horizontal distance was derived from the diagonal, not the other way around. The diagonal method was preferred because it was easier to measure accurately with a single tape measure from the bullseye to the floor, regardless of how the board was mounted.

For a deeper dive into the origins, Dr. Patrick Chaplin, a leading darts historian, has written extensively about how the oche evolved. The word "oche" itself is believed to come from an old English word "hocken" meaning to spit, as pub players would spit on the floor to mark their line before tape measures were common.

How to Measure the Oche Distance Correctly

Method 1: Horizontal (from the board face). Measure 2.37 meters (7 feet 9.25 inches) from the front face of the dartboard straight out to the floor. Mark this point with tape or an oche mat. This method is straightforward but requires accounting for the board thickness.

Method 2: Diagonal (from the bullseye). Measure 2.93 meters (9 feet 7.375 inches) from the center of the bullseye diagonally down to the floor. Where the end of the tape touches the floor is where your oche line goes. This is the most accurate method because it bypasses any board thickness or mounting variation. It also automatically ensures the board height is correct — if the board is too high or too low, the diagonal landing point shifts.

Common Mistakes When Setting Up the Oche

Measuring from the wall instead of the board face. This is the most common error. If your board is mounted inside a cabinet, the wall distance can be 5 to 10 centimeters shorter than the correct face distance. Always measure from the front of the board.

Uneven floor. If the floor slopes between the board and the oche, your measurement will be off. Measure from floor height at the board position to floor height at the oche position for the best accuracy. A spirit level on a long straightedge can help detect slope.

Board not level. A board that is tilted forward or backward changes the effective throwing distance. The top of the board should not lean away from or toward the oche. Use a spirit level on top of the board (or across the bullseye) to verify.

Using the wrong tape measure. A fabric sewing tape can stretch over time. Use a rigid metal tape measure for setup. Laser distance measures are even better and are surprisingly affordable now.

Alternative Measurements: Wheelchair and Adaptive Setups

The standard oche distance assumes a standing player. For wheelchair users, the rules adjust to ensure fair competition. The WDF and PDC both have clear regulations: the throwing distance is measured from the face of the board to the front edge of the wheelchair at the oche line. The 2.37 meter horizontal distance and 1.73 meter bullseye height remain the same, but the oche should be clearly marked so the wheelchair's front casters cannot cross it.

For home setups, a raised oche can help provide a physical barrier that makes it easy to feel where the line is. Many wheelchair players also lower the board slightly — while the official rules require the standard height, some adaptive leagues permit the bullseye to be set at 1.52 meters (5 feet) for seated play. Check your local league rules before adjusting.

Oche Mats, Tapes, and Products

You do not need much to mark your oche. A piece of tape works fine. But if you want something more permanent, there are several options.

Oche mats are rubber or vinyl strips that lie flat on the floor. They are typically 24 inches wide and marked with the regulation distance. Many include printed measurement guides to help you align them correctly. Some have non-slip backing to prevent sliding during play.

Oche tape is heavy-duty adhesive tape designed specifically for marking throw lines on wood, tile, or concrete floors. It is cheap, removable, and surprisingly durable. Most darts retailers sell it in regulation widths.

Raised oches are wooden or aluminum strips that screw into the floor. The PDC mandates a raised oche 38 millimeters high and 610 millimeters (24 inches) long. A raised oche provides the most consistent foot placement and is the standard for tournament play.

Why the Oche Distance Matters for Your Game

If you practice at the wrong distance, you are training your muscle memory for the wrong throw. An extra inch changes the angle of your dart's entry into the board. A shorter distance makes the board look bigger and your darts land higher than expected. A longer distance makes the board seem smaller and your darts drop lower. Professional players are sensitive to changes of even a few millimeters.

For most amateur players, being within 1 centimeter of the regulation distance is good enough. The biggest improvement most players can make is simply being consistent with whatever distance they choose. If you always stand at the exact same spot, your brain learns the angle and distance subconsciously over hundreds of throws. This is why a fixed oche (even a piece of tape) is better than guessing where the line is each time.

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