Official Competition Axe Throwing Target Dimensions & Height

Are you in the process of planning an axe throwing board build or just curious about the different axe throwing target size options that other organizations require?

In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the different target types and their dimensions.

We will also take a quick look at things to consider if you plan to build your axe-throwing board.

Finally, we should discuss throwing lane sizes and how they relate to your official axe throwing target dimensions.

Official Regulation Axe Throwing Board Dimensions

There are actually a couple of different organizations that each have their own rules regarding the size of the target area specs.

IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation) and the World Axe Throwing League (WATL) are leading organizations. Both of these organizations have official rules and regulations to be followed to be eligible to compete at their competition events.

These aspects include:

• Height from the ground – this is the distance that the top of the footer on the target sits from the ground when mounted.
• Measurements – many different measurements need to be followed. Each organization is slightly different, so we will go into more detail below.
• Ring dimensions – this represents the size of each ring on the target and how far apart each ring is.
• Clutch location and size – each organization has a slightly different take on where the clutch should be located and how large it should be.

Regulation Axe Throwing Target Height

How high is an axe throwing target?

An axe throwing target height depends on the specific regulations you are following:
– WATL – 36 inches between the floor and the bottom of the footer.
– IAFT – 63 inches between the floor and the middle of the bullseye.

WATL Target Dimensions

The WATL axe throwing target dimensions requirement for the World Axe Throwing League is 4 feet x 4 feet. In addition, there also needs to be one additional foot on the top and bottom of the target board. 

However, getting the dimensions correct is only one aspect that needs to be kept in mind. Several other requirements go along with getting the correct dimensions:

The Target Build

• Make each target with 3 layers of wood.
• The first layer should cover the OSB or plywood walls when mounting on a wall.
• Then the second layer is called the back, which should be made of wood.
• There should be horizontal 2×10, 4 feet long, drilled into the wall, and well packaged to cover the entire space of the external lens. (Generally requires 6 to 8 boards). This is the backplane where you will drill the target plate.
• A third outer layer is known as the target board. Make these using 2×10 wood, 4 feet long. The goal consists of two parts: 1) the goal and 2) the header and footer.
• The precise measurement of the board is 2×10
• USA: thickness: 1-1 / 2 inches • width 9-1 / 4 inches • length 4 feet
• Metric system: thickness 38 mm • width 235 mm, length 1.22 m

Header And Footer

• Above and below the target, you will set headers and footers. This will help protect the top and bottom of the lens, allowing you to create a brand in the company.
• Combine: Drill a piece of wood 2×10 long and 4 feet long on the target board horizontally, pointing horizontally towards the back.
• Footer: Drill 4 feet of 2×10 pieces of wood horizontally into the target’s base.
• The footer also has the advantage of allowing you to change boards faster and easier.
• Then the top of the footer should be 36 inches off the ground.
• The end product is a 4ft x 6ft back panel, and another layer of wood completely covers the back with a thickness of 4ft x 6ft.

Target Design

When designing the target aspects on the board, such as the bullseye, rings, etc., there are a few more things to adhere to. Start with a WATL target stencil. This device will help you quickly draw everything you need on the target. I recommend this one on Amazon which includes the stencil and markers.

Remember when you were a kid in math class using a protractor to draw circles? A stencil for this is basically the same thing. Use a 1/2 inch wide felt tip marker to draw the circles for the bullseye, inner rings, outer rings, and scoring lines.

Make sure you follow all the appropriate regulatory guidelines for this type of drawing too! Make sure to consult with the rules! For example:

• The bullseye should be red.
• The clutches should be blue.
• Use black for the circles.

Finally, once you have everything drawn on, double-check it to ensure everything is accurate and in the correct location.

IATF Target Dimensions

Here are the dimensions of the axe throwing target for IATF. The throwing target dimension requirement for the IATF is 4 feet x 2.5 feet. In addition, there also needs to be one additional foot on the top and bottom of the target board. 

However, getting the dimensions correct is only one aspect that needs to be kept in mind. Several other requirements go along with getting the correct dimensions:

Subframe Layer

• All International Axe Throwing League targets require a subframe layer at least 1½ inches deep behind the rebound. The goal is to install it on a concrete wall or A-frame. The recommended thickness is 4½ inches, equivalent to the thickness of three 2 × 10 planks. This layer will consist of softwood (spruce or pine).
• Then the bottom of the subframe should be 39 inches off the floor. If the floor is uneven, there must be a 39-inch margin. You should install the backplane base flush with the base of the subframe. Use a board that is 3/4 inch and 3/4 inch plywood.

Target

• The target surface consists of three 2×10 wooden planks cut 4 feet long. You will install these plates vertically and flat against the backplane, flush with the backplane base and subframe.
• The 2 × 10 centers must be aligned with the vertical center of the backplane. A spirit level should ensure that the 2 × 10 center is straight.
• The center of the target must be measured as the center of 2x10x4.
• The remaining 2x10x4 plates are installed on both sides of the center plate. There should be no gaps in the lens, so press the panel firmly against the center panel before attaching it to the backplane.
• Each target must install another 4 feet of wood on each side of the three main 2x10s. These outer edge plates hold existing targets in place when struck by an axe. Therefore, the wood quality is not essential, as long as a smooth 4-foot foot can be firmly pressed against the existing target board.

Target Rings

• Ensure the target is located in the middle 2 × 10 [note that the width of 2 × 10 is actually 9 1/2 inches, so the center is 4 5/8 inches]:
• Then the axe throwing bullseye dimensions should be 7 inches in diameter;
• The diameter of the red (3-point ring) is 17 inches;
• Blue (1 point ring) 27 inches in diameter.
• When measured from the ground, the center of the block should be 63 “from the ground;
• The left or right side panels can be mounted at different heights on the rear panel to keep the nodes away from the main points:
• The side plate is always installed empty, so its height will not affect the position of the “clutch” or the guide area.

Grip

• Clutch diameter is 2 5/8 inches;
• The innermost clutch edge is 4¼ inches 2 × 10 from the seam between the side and the center:
• This makes the center of adhesion 5½ inches from the seam and 40¼ inches from the bottom of the back panel.
• The clutch base is 39 inches from the base of the rear panel.

Measurements For Building A DIY Axe Throwing Target

Now that you know the correct throwing board dimensions and sizing for a throwing lane, you may want to build your own place where you can practice at your own leisure in your backyard and maybe even get good enough to join a throwing league!

There are a few more things to consider if you decide to go this route:

• Choosing the suitable wood with the right end grain. We are actually in the process of writing a detailed guide for this and will link it here when it is published.
• Target plans, blueprints, and templates. This is another thing we are looking into building and providing a downloadable file that you can download for free. Will link it when it is complete!

Throwing Lane Dimensions

In addition to the dimensions of the target itself, you also want to consider the throwing lane dimensions. In most axe throwing venues, throwing lanes are broken into three parts:

• The table area is a dedicated space for a table where people gather before their throws and after they finish their throws. It is usually around 6′ x 3′ in size.
• Safety zone – this is a 6′ x 6′ buffer area between the table and the throwing lane. It is basically there to keep players separated from the axe thrower. It makes it less likely that players will be hit or hurt by a thrown axe. The safety zone is generally marked with red cones, ropes, or other barriers to warn people about entering the danger zone.
• Throwing lane – this is the lane where the axe flies! It is a 12′ x 6′ space with the axe thrower on one end and the target on the other.

In total, a typical axe throwing lane‘s dimension are 21′ x 6’.

FAQ

Conclusion

The axe throwing target dimensions depend significantly on the rules and regulations of the league you belong to. If you want to join a league, you should probably contact them and ask about their rules.