How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards? Official Distance and Setup Guide

You’ve got the boards, the bags, and a cooler full of drinks. Now someone grabs a tape measure and asks the question that starts half the arguments at every tailgate: how far apart are cornhole boards supposed to go?

The short answer is 27 feet. Regulation cornhole boards sit 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. That’s the standard used by the American Cornhole League (ACL), the American Cornhole Organization (ACO), and most local leagues.

But there’s more to a good setup than one number. Where you measure from, how much space you need around the boards, and how to adjust for kids or small yards all matter. This guide covers the official cornhole distance, the basic cornhole rules that tie into it, and simple ways to set up your court right every time.

How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards for Regulation Play?

For official play, the boards face each other with 27 feet between their front edges. The front edge is the low end of the board, the part closest to the player throwing.

Here’s where people get confused. Some measure from the holes. Others measure from the back of each board. Both are wrong for regulation play. Always measure front edge to front edge.

Each board is 4 feet long, so the back edges end up about 35 feet apart. The holes sit 9 inches from the top of each board, which puts them roughly 33 feet apart. If someone at your party says “33 feet,” they’re likely thinking hole to hole. Both groups are describing the same setup, just from different spots.

Why 27 Feet?

When people ask how far apart are cornhole boards, the 27-foot answer comes from a deliberate choice. The standard strikes a balance. It’s long enough to make a bag in the hole feel earned, but short enough that most adults can reach the board with a smooth, underhand toss.

Leagues adopted this distance so players could practice at home and compete anywhere with the same feel. If you plan to join a league or play in a bar tournament, practicing at 27 feet will help your aim carry over.

Cornhole Distance for Kids and Casual Games

How far apart are cornhole boards for younger players? Not everyone needs regulation spacing. If you’re playing with kids or in a tight backyard, shortening the distance makes the game more fun and less frustrating.

Here’s a simple guide:

The ACL uses 21 feet for its junior divisions. For little ones, start close and move the boards back as they get better. The goal is to keep them landing bags on the board, not watching them fall short every throw.

How Much Space Do You Need for a Cornhole Court?

Knowing how far apart are cornhole boards is only half the setup. You also need room around them so players can throw and move without bumping into fences, chairs, or each other.

A regulation court is about 8 feet wide and 40 feet long. Many players prefer 10 feet of width for comfort. That space breaks down like this:

• 27 feet between the front edges of the boards
• 4 feet for each board (8 feet total)
• A few extra feet behind each board for players to stand and for bags that slide off

If your yard can’t fit 40 feet, shorten the distance between the boards and keep everything else the same. A casual game at 21 feet only needs about 30 to 34 feet of length.

Ceiling Height for Indoor Games

Playing indoors? Bags travel in an arc, so ceiling height matters. Aim for at least 12 feet of clearance if possible. Low ceilings in basements or garages often force a flatter throw, which changes the game. Shortening the distance a few feet can help if your ceiling is low.

Basic Cornhole Rules Tied to Distance

The cornhole distance connects to a few key cornhole rules. Here’s what you need to know.

The Foul Line

The front edge of each board acts as the foul line. When you throw, your feet can’t cross past that front edge. Step over it, and your bag doesn’t count. This is why measuring front edge to front edge matters so much. It keeps the throwing distance the same for everyone.

The Pitcher’s Box

Next to each board is a pitcher’s box, an imaginary area about 4 feet long and 3 feet wide on either side of the board. Players must stay inside this box when throwing. You can throw from the left or right side, but you have to stay on that side for the whole inning.

Scoring

Scoring in cornhole is simple:

• Bag in the hole: 3 points
• Bag on the board: 1 point
• Bag on the ground or hanging off and touching the ground: 0 points

Most games use cancellation scoring. After both players throw all four bags, you subtract the lower score from the higher one. Only the difference counts. If you score 7 and your opponent scores 4, you get 3 points for that round. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins.

Singles vs. Doubles

In singles, both players throw from the same end, then walk to the other end to throw the next round. In doubles, partners stand at opposite boards, and each player only throws from their end. The spacing stays the same in both formats.

Official Board and Bag Specs

If you’re building or buying a set, here are the standard specs that pair with the 27-foot distance:

• Board size: 2 feet wide by 4 feet long (24 x 48 inches)
• Hole: 6 inches across, centered 9 inches from the top edge
• Front edge height: about 2.5 to 4 inches off the ground
• Back edge height: 12 inches off the ground
• Bags: 6 x 6 inches, weighing about 15 to 16 ounces each
• Bags per player: 4 per round

Using the right board angle and bag weight makes a big difference. A light bag or a flat board will play nothing like what you’ll see in league play.

How to Set Up Your Cornhole Boards the Right Way

Here’s a quick step-by-step setup that answers how far apart are cornhole boards in practice:

1. Pick flat ground. Uneven grass makes boards wobble and bags bounce in odd ways. A level lawn, driveway, or patio works best.
2. Place the first board. Set it down with the hole at the far end, away from where players will stand.
3. Measure 27 feet. Run a tape measure from the front edge of the first board straight out.
4. Place the second board. Line up its front edge with the 27-foot mark, facing the first board.
5. Check alignment. The boards should sit directly across from each other, not offset to one side.
6. Clear the area. Move chairs, coolers, and toys out of the pitcher’s boxes and the throwing lane.

No tape measure? You can pace it out. A normal adult step is about 2.5 feet, so roughly 11 steps gets you close to 27 feet. It’s not exact, but it works for a backyard game.

A Handy Trick

Cut a piece of rope or string to 27 feet and keep it with your cornhole set. Tie a knot at each end, lay it out between the boards, and you’re done in seconds. It saves you from hunting for a tape measure every time.

Common Setup Mistakes

Even players who know how far apart are cornhole boards still get these wrong:

• Measuring from the holes. This puts the boards too close together for regulation play.
• Setting up on a slope. Even a small tilt pushes bags off the board.
• Skipping the side space. Players need room on both sides of the board to throw comfortably.
• Guessing the distance. Eyeballing it often leaves boards 5 or more feet off.
• Using a short court for practice. If you want to compete, practice at the real distance so your aim holds up.

So, How Far Are Cornhole Boards Supposed to Be Apart?

If you remember one thing, make it this: 27 feet, front edge to front edge. That’s the answer whether someone asks how far are cornhole boards apart at a tailgate or checks the official rulebook before a tournament.

For kids, small yards, or casual games, feel free to move the boards closer. Cornhole is meant to be fun, and the best distance for your group is the one that keeps everyone in the game. Just know the regulation number, so when someone asks how far apart are cornhole boards at your next cookout, you can settle it fast.

Key Takeaways

• How far apart are cornhole boards for regulation play? They sit 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.
• Hole to hole, the boards are about 33 feet apart. Back edge to back edge, they’re about 35 feet apart.
• The ACL uses 21 feet for junior play. Young kids can start at 10 to 15 feet and move back as they improve.
• A regulation court needs about 8 to 10 feet of width and 40 feet of length. Indoor games work best with at least 12 feet of ceiling clearance.
• The front edge of each board is the foul line. Players throw from a pitcher’s box beside the board and can’t step past the front edge.
• Scoring gives 3 points for a bag in the hole and 1 point for a bag on the board. Cancellation scoring applies, and the first to 21 wins.
• Standard boards measure 2 x 4 feet with a 6-inch hole centered 9 inches from the top. Bags are 6 x 6 inches and weigh 15 to 16 ounces.
• Keep a 27-foot rope with your set for a fast, accurate setup every time.