Hanging a dartboard correctly takes about 20 minutes and makes the difference between a proper dart setup and one that causes arguments every game night. This guide covers everything — the exact dartboard hanging height, throw line distance, step-by-step installation, and what to do if you don’t have a drill or you’re working with drywall.
What Are the Dimensions for Hanging a Dartboard?
Getting the measurements right before you touch the wall saves you from doing it twice. These are the official regulations recognized internationally for both steel tip and electronic dartboards.
Dartboard hanging height:
The center of the bullseye sits 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) from the floor. This measurement is the same regardless of the type of dartboard, the player’s height, or whether you’re playing Cricket, 501, or Baseball.
Throw line distance:
The throw line — also called the oche — sits 7 feet 9¼ inches (2.37 meters) from the face of the dartboard. Measure from the face of the board, not from the wall. Your dartboard will protrude from the wall by an inch or more depending on the mounting bracket, so always measure from the face forward.
Diagonal measurement:
If you want a quick accuracy check, the diagonal distance from the bullseye to the throw line should be 9 feet 7⅜ inches (2.93 meters). If your diagonal matches this number, your height and throw distance are both correct.
Quick reference:
| Measurement | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Bullseye height from floor | 5′ 8″ | 1.73 m |
| Throw line from board face | 7′ 9¼″ | 2.37 m |
| Diagonal (bullseye to oche) | 9′ 7⅜″ | 2.93 m |
How to Hang a Dartboard
Follow these steps in order and you’ll have a level, secure dartboard ready to play in under 20 minutes.
What you need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Level
- Drill with appropriate bit
- Wall anchor (if not mounting into a stud)
- Screwdriver
- Your dartboard and mounting bracket
Step 1 — Find your mounting point
Measure 5 feet 8 inches up from the floor and mark the wall with a pencil. This is where the center of your bullseye will sit. Use a level to make sure your mark is straight.
Step 2 — Locate a stud if possible
Use a stud finder to check whether your mark falls near a wall stud. Mounting into a stud gives you the most secure hold, which matters because a dartboard takes repeated impact from darts. If there’s no stud available, use a heavy-duty drywall anchor rated for at least 30 lbs.
Step 3 — Install the mounting bracket
Most dartboards come with a wall bracket and a mounting screw. Drill your pilot hole at the mark, insert your anchor if needed, and screw the bracket into the wall. Check with your level again before tightening fully.
Step 4 — Hang the dartboard
Most dartboards hang from a metal ring on the back of the board that slots onto the wall bracket. Hang the board and rotate it so a number — not a wire — sits at the top. The 20 segment should be at the top, centered.
Step 5 — Mark your throw line
Measure 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the dartboard along the floor. Mark the throw line with tape, a floor strip, or a dedicated oche. Double-check your diagonal measurement for accuracy.
Step 6 — Protect your wall
If you’re playing regularly, darts will occasionally miss the board and hit the wall. A dartboard surround or backing panel — cork sheet, foam, or a purpose-built surround — protects your wall and keeps stray darts from bouncing dangerously.
Knowing how to hang a dartboard correctly also means thinking about the room around it. Make sure there’s adequate lighting directly above the board, enough ceiling clearance for your throwing motion, and no furniture or obstacles within the throw line area.
Can I Hang a Dartboard Without a Drill?
Yes — with some limitations. If you’re renting, can’t put holes in the wall, or simply don’t own a drill, here are your options:
Heavy-duty adhesive strips:
Products like Command Heavy Duty strips can hold up to 16 lbs on smooth walls. A standard bristle dartboard weighs around 10-12 lbs, so this can work — but only on smooth painted drywall or tile, and only if you’re confident the surface is clean and dry. The risk is the board pulling away from the wall mid-game, which is both a safety issue and damaging to the wall.
Over-door mounting:
Some dartboard cabinets and stands are designed to hang over a standard door without any drilling at all. See the next section for details.
Freestanding dartboard stand:
A freestanding stand is the cleanest no-drill option. The stand holds the board at regulation height, can be moved anywhere, and requires zero wall contact. These are especially useful in apartments, finished basements with expensive wall treatments, or rooms where you want to be able to rearrange.
For a permanent setup, drilling is always the more secure and recommended option. Knowing how to hang a dartboard properly with hardware will always outperform adhesive solutions for long-term play.
How to Hang a Dartboard on a Door
Hanging a dartboard on a door is one of the most popular no-drill solutions, but it comes with specific considerations.
Using an over-door bracket:
Purpose-built over-door dartboard brackets hook over the top of a standard door and hold the board at a fixed position on the door face. No drilling, no damage, and easy to remove.
Important things to check before you hang a dartboard on a door:
- Door height — a standard interior door is 6 feet 8 inches tall. Since your bullseye needs to sit at 5 feet 8 inches, you have 12 inches of door above the bullseye center. Most over-door brackets account for this, but measure your specific door and bracket before buying.
- Door clearance — make sure the door can still open and close without the dartboard hitting a wall, frame, or furniture on the other side.
- Door material — hollow-core interior doors flex when darts hit the board. Over time this can damage the door face and destabilize the mount. Solid-core doors are significantly better for this application.
- Throw line — the throw line still needs to be 7 feet 9¼ inches from the face of the board, measured from the door face outward, not from the wall the door is mounted on.
Can You Hang a Dartboard on Drywall?
Yes — but you need to do it right. Standard drywall alone won’t hold a dartboard screw securely under repeated dart impact. Here’s how to hang a dartboard on drywall safely:
Use the right anchor:
A toggle bolt or a snap toggle anchor rated for at least 30 lbs is your best option in drywall without a stud. Standard plastic expansion anchors are not sufficient — the repeated vibration from dart impacts loosens them over time.
Find the stud first:
Before reaching for an anchor, always check for a stud. A stud finder takes 30 seconds and gives you a far more secure mount than any anchor. If your bullseye measurement lands within a few inches of a stud, adjust your mount slightly and use a screw directly into the stud.
Backing board option:
For the most secure drywall installation, attach a piece of ¾-inch plywood to the wall spanning at least two studs, then mount your dartboard bracket to the plywood. This distributes the load across a larger area and gives you a surface that can also protect your wall from stray darts. It’s the preferred approach for a permanent game room setup.
Knowing how to hang a dartboard on drywall correctly also means accepting that darts will occasionally miss and hit the wall around the board. A surround, cabinet, or backing board is strongly recommended regardless of your mounting method.
If you prefer visual intructions, check out our video below!
Get the Right Dartboard for Your Setup
Now that you know exactly how to hang a dartboard, the next step is making sure you have a board worth hanging. At Royal Billiard & Recreation, we carry a full selection of dartboards — American wooden boards, regulation bristle boards, electronic boards, and dart cabinets — along with everything you need to complete your setup including surrounds, lighting, and accessories.
Visit our showroom in Colmar, PA or contact us to get advice on the right dartboard for your game room. Our team has been helping Pennsylvania game room owners get set up right since 1982.
