A proper home darts setup transforms a spare wall into a practice space that matches the dimensions professionals play on every week. Getting the measurements right costs nothing extra, and it means every throw you make at home translates directly to league nights, pub games, and tournaments. This guide covers everything from choosing the right spot to mounting the board at the correct height.
Choosing the Right Location
You need a minimum of 11 feet (3.35 metres) of clear length from wall to throwing position, plus comfortable standing room behind the oche. Width-wise, allow at least 3 feet (0.9 metres) either side of the board for stray darts. or use a Winmau Dartboard Surround to protect the surrounding wall. A garage, spare bedroom, basement, or dedicated corner of a living room all work well.
Avoid setting up opposite windows or glass doors. Darts do miss the board, particularly when you are starting out, and a surround only covers so much territory.
Official Dartboard Measurements
The PDC and WDF both use the same standard measurements for competitive play.
- Bullseye height 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 metres) from the floor to the centre of the bullseye
- Throwing distance 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 metres) from the face of the board to the front of the oche
- Diagonal check 9 feet 7.5 inches (2.93 metres) from the bullseye to the front of the oche. Use this to verify your measurements
These measurements are non-negotiable if you want your practice to carry over to competitive play. Muscle memory is distance-specific, so throwing at a different distance at home will actively work against you in matches.
Mounting the Dartboard
Most dartboards come with a mounting bracket and fixing kit. The process is straightforward.
- Mark the bullseye height (1.73m) on the wall
- Fix the mounting bracket at the correct height using the provided screws. Make sure it goes into a wall stud or use appropriate wall plugs
- Hang the board on the bracket and ensure the 20 segment is at the top (black, not white)
- Check the board is level and not tilting forward or backward
If you are mounting on a plasterboard or hollow wall, use heavy-duty fixings. A dartboard with surround weighs several kilograms and takes regular impact from thrown darts, so it needs to be secure.
Protecting Your Walls
A dartboard surround is not optional and it is essential, especially in a home setting. The Winmau Red Dartboard Surround and Winmau Blue Dartboard Surround (both £42.95) fit all standard-size dartboards and absorb stray throws that miss the board. Without a surround, you will have a wall full of holes within weeks. Our dartboard surrounds guide covers your options in detail.
Essential Equipment Checklist
Here is everything you need for a complete home darts setup.
- Dartboard A bristle dartboard. The Mission Samurai Infinity (£49.95) is the best value starting point. See our best dartboards guide for all options.
- Surround A Winmau Dartboard Surround (£42.95) to protect surrounding walls
- Darts A set of tungsten darts. See our best darts for beginners guide if you need help choosing
- Oche marker A strip of tape, a rubber mat, or a raised oche at the regulation distance
- Lighting Good overhead lighting that illuminates the board face without casting shadows. A dedicated dartboard light ring or angled spotlight works best
The Dart + Board Bundle is the simplest way to get started if you want a board and darts together.
Lighting Your Setup
Poor lighting is the most common mistake in a home darts setup. The board face needs even illumination with no shadows across the segments. A dedicated dartboard light ring that circles the board is the gold standard. Failing that, an adjustable spotlight angled from above the board works well. Avoid lighting from directly behind the throwing position. it casts your shadow onto the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high should a dartboard be from the floor?
The centre of the bullseye should be exactly 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 metres) from the floor. This is the official measurement used in all PDC and WDF competition.
How far should you stand from a dartboard?
The front of the oche (throwing line) should be 7 feet 9.25 inches (2.37 metres) from the face of the board. This is the official regulation distance for steel tip darts.
What room size do you need for darts?
Minimum 11 feet (3.35 metres) in length from the wall to behind the throwing position, and at least 5 feet (1.5 metres) width. A spare bedroom, garage, or basement corner typically works well.
Do I need a dartboard surround?
Yes, especially at home. Even experienced players miss the board occasionally, and without a surround your wall will suffer. Winmau surrounds start at £42.95 and fit all standard dartboards.
Can I mount a dartboard on any wall?
Yes, but use appropriate fixings. Brick or concrete walls need wall plugs and screws. Plasterboard walls need heavy-duty anchors rated for the weight. The board must be stable and not move when darts hit it.
This dart weight guide covers everything you need to know about selecting the right weight for your throw. Dart weight is one of the most personal equipment decisions in the sport. There is no single correct answer. PDC professionals throw anywhere from 18g to 32g. but understanding how weight affects flight, release, and grouping helps you find the setup that works best for your game.
How Dart Weight Affects Your Throw
Weight influences three key aspects of your throw. Arc, effort, and forgiveness.
Heavier darts (24g–26g) require less effort to throw in a straight line. The extra mass gives the dart momentum that carries it to the board with a flatter trajectory. Heavier darts are more forgiving of slight technique inconsistencies, which is why many beginners and recreational players gravitate towards 24g or above.
Lighter darts (18g–22g) require more precise technique but offer greater sensitivity. The dart responds more directly to your throw, which gives experienced players finer control over exactly where the dart lands. A lighter dart also travels with a more pronounced arc, which some players find easier to visualise and replicate.
Mid-range darts (22g–24g) sit in the sweet spot. According to WhichDarts analysis, the average dart weight among the world's top players is approximately 23g. This weight offers a balance between the stability of heavy darts and the sensitivity of light ones.
What Weight Do the Professionals Use?
The range on the professional circuit is wider than most people expect.
- Stephen Bunting throws 18g. The Bunting G5 (£94.95) is among the lightest setups on the PDC Tour
- Luke Littler throws 23g. The Luke Littler G1 (£109.95) sits right at the professional average
- Josh Rock throws 24g. The Josh Rock G1 (£94.95) uses a heavier barrel for his attacking style
- Phil Taylor threw 26g. The Phil Taylor G10 (£99.95) carries the weight that powered 16 World Championships
Every one of these players competes at the highest level with vastly different weights. The right weight is the one that matches your throw, not someone else's. For a deeper look at professional equipment choices, read our guide on what darts professional players use.
How to Find Your Ideal Weight
Start in the Middle
If you have never thrown before, start at 23g or 24g. This gives you a baseline that is close to the professional average and heavy enough to feel stable in your hand. The Target Bolide 01 (£54.95) is a solid mid-weight option in 90% tungsten.
Pay Attention to Your Throw
After several practice sessions, notice where your darts land relative to where you aim.
- If your darts consistently land below your target, your throw may lack the power to carry the dart on a flat trajectory. Try going 1-2g heavier.
- If your darts overshoot or feel hard to control, the dart may be too heavy for your natural throw speed. Try going 1-2g lighter.
- If your darts wobble in flight, the issue might be technique rather than weight. A heavier dart can mask wobble while you refine your throw.
Test Different Weights
The Tommy's Darts Shop range spans multiple weights across every series. The Target Hydro 02 (£34.95) and Target Hydro 03 (£34.95) offer budget-friendly options for testing different weights without a major investment. The Target Exo 01 and Target Exo 02 (both £39.95) step up the quality while still offering accessible pricing for experimentation.
Does Weight Change with Tungsten Percentage?
No. weight and tungsten percentage are independent. A 23g dart in 80% tungsten weighs exactly the same as a 23g dart in 90% tungsten. The difference is barrel thickness. Higher tungsten percentages produce slimmer barrels at the same weight, as we explain in our tungsten vs brass darts guide. You choose weight based on feel; you choose tungsten percentage based on barrel slimness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dart weight for beginners?
22g to 24g is the ideal starting range for beginners. This weight provides stability and forgiveness while you develop your technique. Start in this range and adjust based on how your throw feels. See our best darts for beginners guide for specific recommendations.
Do heavier darts go straighter?
Heavier darts maintain momentum better and are more resistant to slight technique errors, which can result in a straighter flight path. However, they also require you to generate enough force to propel them accurately. The heaviest dart is not automatically the straightest for every player.
What is the most popular dart weight?
23g is the most common weight among professional players and is the most popular weight sold across the industry. It offers a strong balance between control and stability for most throwing styles.
Can I change dart weight without buying new darts?
You can make minor adjustments by changing your point length (longer points add weight to the front) or using heavier flights and shafts. However, for a significant weight change, a new set of barrels is the most effective route.
Why do some professionals use very light darts?
Players like Stephen Bunting (18g) have developed a throwing technique that works optimally with lighter darts. Lighter barrels respond more directly to the throw, giving greater touch and finesse at the expense of raw stability. It requires excellent technique to be consistent with very light darts.
