What Is a Three-Dart Average?
A three-dart average is the mean number of points scored per visit to the board (that is, per set of three darts thrown). It is the primary measure of a player's scoring ability and is universally used across all levels of the sport, from pub leagues to the PDC World Championship.
When a commentator says a player is "averaging 100," they mean that the player is scoring an average of 100 points with every three darts thrown. Over the course of a match, this figure provides an at-a-glance indication of how well a player is performing.
How the Average Is Calculated
The calculation is straightforward in principle. Take the total number of points scored by a player in a match and divide it by the total number of darts thrown, then multiply by three. This gives the three-dart average.
The Formula
Three-dart average = (Total points scored / Total darts thrown) x 3
A Worked Example
Suppose a player wins a leg of 501 in 15 darts. Their total points scored in that leg is 501 (since they started at 501 and reached zero). Their three-dart average for that leg is:
(501 / 15) x 3 = 100.20
Now suppose the same player plays a second leg and wins it in 12 darts. Their average for that leg alone is:
(501 / 12) x 3 = 125.25
Over the two legs combined, the match average would be:
(1002 / 27) x 3 = 111.33
Important Nuances
The calculation includes all darts thrown, including those that miss their target or score zero. If a player aims at treble 20 but misses into the single 1 bed, that dart still counts in the calculation. This means that consistency is rewarded: a player who scores 60-60-60-60 (four visits of 60) has the same average as a player who scores 100-20-100-20, but the first player's consistent approach may actually be more effective in practice because they are maintaining rhythm and confidence.
Checkout darts are also included in the calculation. When a player is on a finish and throws at doubles rather than trebles, their scoring rate naturally drops. This means that shorter legs (fewer darts to finish) actually boost the average, because fewer "checkout darts" are thrown relative to the total. A player who consistently finishes in fewer darts will have a higher average than one who takes more attempts at doubles, even if their pure scoring ability is similar.
What Different Averages Mean
Understanding the significance of different average levels is essential for appreciating darts at any level. The ranges below give a general guide to what the numbers represent.
Pub and Social Level (30-50)
A casual player who picks up darts occasionally and plays in a relaxed social setting will typically average somewhere between 30 and 50. At this level, players are still developing their technique, and consistency is the main challenge. Many darts land in unintended segments, and scoring visits of 26 or 41 (known colloquially as "bed and breakfast" and similar nicknames) are common. There is absolutely no shame in averaging at this level; everyone starts here, and the game is immensely enjoyable regardless of the numbers.
Club and League Level (50-70)
Players who compete in local pub leagues and have developed a regular practice routine typically average between 50 and 70. At this level, players are landing the majority of their darts in or around the intended target and can string together decent scoring visits. A 100 score (known as a "ton") becomes a regular occurrence rather than a cause for celebration, and players begin to develop reliable doubles.
County and Semi-Professional Level (70-90)
County-level players, those who represent their region in inter-county darts or compete seriously in amateur competitions, typically average between 70 and 90. This is a significant step up from league level and requires dedicated practice. Players at this level score 100-plus regularly, hit occasional 140s and 180s, and have a dependable checkout percentage. Many aspiring professionals operate at the upper end of this range before earning a PDC tour card.
Professional Level (85-100)
A PDC tour card holder competing on the Pro Tour will typically average between 85 and 100 across their matches. At this level, the standard is remarkably consistent. Scoring visits below 60 are rare, and the majority of visits land between 60 and 140. Players routinely hit 180s and maintain checkout percentages above 35%. The difference between a player averaging 88 and one averaging 95 might seem small, but over the course of a match it translates into a significant advantage in legs won.
World-Class Level (100-110+)
The elite tier of professional darts, the players who regularly win major titles and top the Order of Merit, average consistently above 100. A three-dart average over 100 means the player is, on average, scoring more than 100 points with every three darts. This is an extraordinary level of precision and consistency, requiring the player to hit treble 20 (or treble 19) with the majority of their scoring darts.
Players averaging 105 or above in a match are performing at a level that only a handful of players in the history of the sport can sustain. At this level, 12-dart legs become routine, 180s flow freely, and the match becomes as much about doubling percentage as scoring rate.
Highest Averages in History
The record books for highest averages in professional darts make for remarkable reading and demonstrate how the standard of the sport has risen over the decades.
Televised Match Records
The highest recorded three-dart average in a televised PDC match belongs to Michael van Gerwen, who averaged 123.40 against Michael Smith at the 2016 Premier League. This extraordinary performance saw the Dutchman produce a near-flawless display of scoring and finishing. To put this number in context, an average of 123.40 means that Van Gerwen was scoring the equivalent of a treble 20 and a treble 21 with every three darts, visit after visit, for an entire match.
Other notable televised averages include Phil Taylor's numerous 100-plus tournament averages, which set the standard for a generation. Taylor was the first player to regularly average over 100 in televised matches and raised the bar for what was considered possible in the sport.
Non-Televised Records
In floor events (non-televised Pro Tour matches), even higher averages have been recorded in short matches. It is possible for a player to average above 130 in a short best-of-11 leg match, particularly if they check out efficiently and avoid extended visits at the doubles. However, these figures need to be treated with context, as maintaining such a level over a longer match is exponentially harder.
The Nine-Dart Leg
The theoretical perfect leg of 501 is a nine-dart finish, which equates to a three-dart average of 167.00 for that leg (501 divided by 9, multiplied by 3). A nine-dart finish typically involves scoring 180, 180, then checking out 141 (treble 20, treble 19, double 12 being the most common route). Nine-darters are the ultimate expression of darting perfection and occur roughly a few times per year in televised competition.
Averages Across Different Formats
It is important to understand that averages can vary significantly depending on the format and length of the match. A player might average 105 in a best-of-11 legs match but only 96 in a best-of-13 sets World Championship encounter. This does not necessarily mean they played worse in the longer match; rather, it reflects the different demands of the format.
In longer matches, fatigue, pressure, and the natural ebb and flow of form over several hours all contribute to slightly lower averages. The sustained concentration required for a World Championship semi-final lasting two hours or more is fundamentally different from the intensity of a short Pro Tour match. This is why comparing averages across different formats requires careful contextual understanding.
Match Average vs Leg Average
A player's match average is the aggregate figure across all legs played. However, individual leg averages can vary dramatically within a single match. A player might score a 12-dart leg (averaging around 125 for that leg) followed by a 21-dart leg (averaging around 71). The match average smooths out these fluctuations, but looking at individual leg averages can reveal patterns of form, momentum shifts, and the impact of pressure.
Many statistical services now provide leg-by-leg breakdowns of averages, which offer a far richer picture of how a match unfolded than a single match average can provide.
How to Improve Your Average
For players looking to improve their own three-dart average, the path involves a combination of technique, practice, and mental approach.
Focus on Consistency, Not Maximums
The fastest way to improve your average is not to hit more 180s but to eliminate poor visits. A player who scores 60 every visit has an average of 60, which is solid for a league player. A player who alternates between 100 and 26 also averages 63, but the inconsistency makes it much harder to build momentum and plan checkouts. Work on reducing the number of visits below 40, and your average will rise naturally.
Practise Doubles Relentlessly
As discussed, checkout darts are included in the average calculation. If you frequently take three or four attempts to hit a double, those extra darts drag your average down significantly. Improving your doubling percentage from 25% to 35% will shorten your legs by one or two darts on average, which has a direct and meaningful impact on your three-dart average.
Develop a Practice Routine
Structured practice is far more effective than casual throwing. Dedicate specific sessions to different aspects of the game: treble 20 scoring, treble 19 scoring (essential for setting up checkouts), doubles round the board, and checkout practice from common finishes like 32, 40, and 76. Many professional players practise for two to four hours daily, with each session focused on specific targets.
Track Your Progress
Keep a record of your averages over time. Many darting apps and online platforms allow you to log your practice sessions and matches, providing a clear picture of your improvement. Seeing your average climb from 45 to 55 to 65 over the course of several months is hugely motivating and helps you identify which aspects of your game need the most attention.
Mental Approach
Consistency in darts is as much mental as physical. Developing a pre-throw routine, maintaining focus between visits, and managing frustration after missed doubles are all skills that improve with practice. The best players in the world have an extraordinary ability to put a bad dart behind them and focus entirely on the next one. Cultivating this mental resilience will have a tangible effect on your average.
Averages in Context
Finally, it is worth remembering that a three-dart average, whilst the most important single statistic in darts, does not tell the entire story of a player's ability. A player with a slightly lower average but a higher checkout percentage may win more legs than a heavier scorer who struggles on doubles. Similarly, a player who raises their game under pressure, producing their best darts when it matters most, may outperform a player with a higher overall average who crumbles at key moments.
The average is a vital tool for measuring performance, but it should always be considered alongside checkout percentage, 180 count, and the context of the match itself. Together, these statistics paint a comprehensive picture of a player's performance and are essential for any serious analysis of the sport.