New to darts? The dartboard might look complicated at first, but the scoring system is actually straightforward once you understand the four main zones. This guide breaks down exactly how each area of the board scores.
The Four Scoring Zones
Every dartboard has the same layout with four distinct scoring areas. Here’s what each one means:
Single×1
The large areas between the triple ring and the outer edge. Worth face value.
Example: Hit the large 20 area = 20 points
Double Ring×2
The thin outer ring around the entire board. Worth double the number.
Example: Hit D20 (outer ring at 20) = 40 points
Triple Ring×3
The thin inner ring halfway to the bullseye. Worth triple the number — the highest-scoring zone!
Example: Hit T20 (inner ring at 20) = 60 points
Bullseye25/50
The centre of the board. Outer bull = 25 points. Inner bull (red centre) = 50 points.
Example: Hit inner bullseye = 50 points
Why T20 is King
The triple 20 (T20) scores 60 points — the highest single-dart score possible. That’s why pros aim there, not the bullseye. The bull only scores 50!
Highest Possible Scores
Understanding the zones helps you see why certain targets matter more:
| Target | Calculation | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Triple 20 (T20) | 20 × 3 | 60 |
| Triple 19 (T19) | 19 × 3 | 57 |
| Triple 18 (T18) | 18 × 3 | 54 |
| Inner Bullseye | — | 50 |
| Double 20 (D20) | 20 × 2 | 40 |
| Outer Bull | — | 25 |
| Single 20 | 20 × 1 | 20 |
The maximum 3-dart score is 180 (three triple 20s). Hit this and you’ll hear “One hundred and eighty!” — the most iconic call in darts.
Reading the Diagram
Looking at the scoring diagram above:
- Purple segments — Triple ring (×3 multiplier)
- Dark red segments — Double ring (×2 multiplier)
- Grey/light segments — Single areas (face value)
- Centre circles — Outer bull (25) and inner bull (50)
The numbers around the outside show the base value. The numbers inside each segment show what you actually score when you hit that specific zone.
Why This Layout?
Notice how 20 is next to 1 and 5? That’s intentional. The board is designed to punish inaccuracy — miss the 20 slightly and you might hit 1 or 5 instead of a neighbouring high number. This rewards precision and consistency.
The number sequence around a standard dartboard is: 20, 1, 18, 4, 13, 6, 10, 15, 2, 17, 3, 19, 7, 16, 8, 11, 14, 9, 12, 5.
Key Takeaways
- Triple ring = highest scoring (T20 = 60 points)
- Double ring = required to finish in 501
- Bullseye = 50 points (inner) or 25 points (outer)
- Maximum 3-dart score = 180 (three T20s)
What’s Next?
Now you understand scoring, you’re ready to play! Check out these guides:
- How to Play 501 Darts — The classic game format
- How to Play Cricket — Strategic pub favourite
- How to Play Darts — Start here if you are a new to darts
