Cornhole Distances & Official Dimensions

Summary

Cornhole is a popular throwing game in which you toss corn- or sand-filled bags towards a slanted wooden board with a hole. To keep the cornhole game fair and fun, there are clear agreements about the cornhole distance, the official dimensions of the boards and the cornhole scoring.

• Standard distance between the boards (front edges): 8.23 meters (27 ft) for adults.
• Distance for children and recreational play: often 5–7 meters, depending on skill level and available space.
• Official cornhole board: 121.9 cm long x 60.9 cm wide.
• Hole in the board: 15.2 cm diameter, center of the hole 22.9 cm from the top of the board.
• Board height: front approx. 7.6–10 cm, back approx. 30.5 cm.
• Scoring: bag on the board = 1 point, bag in the hole = 3 points (with “cancellation scoring”).
• Game usually goes to: 21 points.

In this article you can read exactly which cornhole rules apply, what the official dimensions are and where you can buy a quality cornhole board from Wicked Wood Games.

What is cornhole?

Cornhole is a fun throwing game that originally comes from the United States, but is now rapidly gaining popularity in the Netherlands as well. The cornhole game is played with two slanted boards and eight bags, usually filled with corn (hence the name) or plastic pellets.

Players stand in a throwing area next to their board and try to throw the bags onto the opponent’s board or directly into the hole. Because of the simple cornhole rules, the game is suitable for young and old: perfect for the garden, at the campsite, at a festival or during a company outing.

Official cornhole distances

The correct cornhole distance is important to keep the game fair and recognizable. Especially if you want to organize a tournament or play according to the official cornhole rules, it’s useful to measure your setup properly.

1. Distance between the cornhole boards

Professional organizations such as the American Cornhole Association (ACA) use the following standard:

• Distance between the front edges of the boards: 8.23 meters (27 ft).
• This is the most commonly used distance for adults and official competitions.

Because we use meters in Europe, it’s convenient to use a tape measure and aim for 8.2–8.3 meters. Place both cornhole boards directly opposite each other on a flat surface.

2. Distance for children and recreational play

If you’re playing cornhole with children, beginners or just for fun, you can safely shorten the cornhole distance:

• Children up to about 10 years: 4–5 meters between the boards.
• Beginners / recreational players: 5–7 meters between the boards.

Playing at a shorter distance makes it easier to hit the hole and increases the fun. If you want to play more seriously later on, gradually work up to the official 8.23 meters.

3. Throwing line (foul line) and throwing box

In addition to the distance between the boards, there is also a fixed throwing line:

• The front of the board counts as the throwing line (foul line).
• When throwing, you may not place your foot beyond the front of the board.
• You throw from an imaginary box about 90 cm wide next to the board (the “pitching box”).

By using these rules consistently, the cornhole game remains fair and comparable between different games and players.

4. Overview table of cornhole distances

Official dimensions of a cornhole board

For a really good playing experience, the board is at least as important as the cornhole distance. Professional cornhole boards have fixed dimensions and a stable construction. Below you’ll find the official dimensions.

1. Dimensions of the board

• Length: 120–121.9 cm (48 inches).
• Width: 60–60.9 cm (24 inches).
• Thickness of the playing surface: approx. 10–18 mm (plywood).

These dimensions ensure a stable board on which the bags can slide properly, without bouncing off too quickly or bouncing too much.

2. Dimensions of the hole

• Diameter of the hole: 15.2 cm (6 inches).
• Distance from the top of the board to the center of the hole: 22.9 cm.
• Center of the hole: exactly in the middle of the width of the board.

The hole must be large enough for a standard cornhole bag to fall through smoothly, but small enough to keep it challenging.

3. Height and angle of the board

• Height at the front of the board: approx. 7.6–10 cm.
• Height at the back of the board: approx. 30.5 cm.
• This creates a comfortable slope for the bags to slide on.

A board that is too steep makes the game frustrating; the bags will slide off quickly. Professional boards, such as those from Wicked Wood Games, are designed so that the balance between sliding and staying on the board is optimal.

4. Dimensions of cornhole bags

The bags themselves also have standard dimensions:

• Size: approx. 15 × 15 cm.
• Weight: approx. 400–450 grams per bag (14–16 oz).
• Filling: traditional corn kernels or plastic pellets (weather resistant).

Make sure all bags are the same weight and size. That prevents arguments and ensures a fair game. Also check out our collection of cornhole bags for high-quality, durable bags.

Cornhole rules & scoring

The basic cornhole rules are easy to learn. Below is an overview of the most important points so you can get started right away.

1. Game flow

• The cornhole game is usually played in teams of 2 versus 2, but 1 versus 1 is also possible.
• Each team has 4 bags in the same color.
• Players throw alternately until all 8 bags have been thrown. This is called a “frame”.
• After that, the score for that frame is calculated.

2. Cornhole scoring

The cornhole scoring uses a so-called “cancellation scoring” system:

• Bag on the board: 1 point (remains on the board after all throws).
• Bag in the hole: 3 points.
• Bag that touches the ground and then ends up on the board: 0 points (is removed).

At the end of a frame, first add up the points of both teams. Then subtract the lower score from the higher score. Only the team with the higher score in that frame gets points added.

Example: Team A scores 7 points, Team B scores 4 points → Team A gets 3 points.

3. Winning the game

• A standard game goes up to 21 points.
• Many players require you to reach exactly 21, others play “21 or more is fine”.
• Make clear agreements beforehand to avoid misunderstandings.

Tips for setting up your cornhole game

With the right setup and materials, you’ll get the most out of your cornhole game. A few practical tips:

• Choose a flat surface: grass, artificial turf or a flat patio works best.
• Carefully measure the cornhole distance: use a tape measure and mark the spot with tape or cones.
• Play with fixed teams: that way you can organize leagues or small tournaments.
• Vary the distance: shorter for children and beginners, longer for advanced players.
• Use quality boards: cheap boards can wobble or get damaged quickly, which reduces the fun. Preferably choose official cornhole sets with sturdy boards and good bags.

Buy cornhole at Wicked Wood Games

Do you want to buy a cornhole set that meets the official dimensions and plays well? At wickedwoodgames.nl you’ll find high-quality cornhole boards and cornhole bags, designed for intensive use in the garden, at events and at tournaments.

Why buy cornhole at Wicked Wood Games?

• Official sizes and distances: the boards are made according to international standards.
• Durable materials: sturdy wood, high-quality finish and quality bags.
• Suitable for recreational and competitive use: ideal for families, clubs and companies.
• Lots of design choices: choose a set that matches your style or event.

This way you can be sure that your cornhole game is not only fun, but also feels professional and lasts a long time. Also visit our cornhole shop for the complete overview of sets, boards and bags.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about cornhole distances & dimensions

1. What is the official cornhole distance?

The official cornhole distance between the front edges of the boards is 8.23 meters (27 ft). This distance is used in competitions and for adults who want to play according to the standard cornhole rules.

2. May I adjust the cornhole distance?

Yes, absolutely. For children, beginners or smaller spaces you can shorten the distance to 4–7 meters. As long as you use the same distance for all players within one game, it remains fair.

3. How big is an official cornhole board?

An official board is 121.9 cm long and 60.9 cm wide. The front is about 7.6–10 cm high, the back about 30.5 cm, creating a slanted surface. Official cornhole sets follow these dimensions.

4. How big is the hole in the cornhole board?

The hole has a diameter of 15.2 cm and the center of the hole is 22.9 cm from the top edge of the board, exactly in the middle of the width.

5. How does cornhole scoring work?

A bag that remains on the board is worth 1 point. A bag that goes into the hole is worth 3 points. At the end of a frame, you subtract one team’s points from the other team’s points (cancellation scoring). Only the team with the higher score in that frame gets points added. You can find the full explanation on the cornhole rules page.

6. Up to how many points do you play cornhole?

Usually you play to 21 points. Agree in advance whether you must reach exactly 21 or whether “21 or more” also counts as a win, so that everyone uses the same cornhole rules.

7. Where can I buy a good cornhole set?

You can buy a quality set with official dimensions and sturdy bags from Wicked Wood Games. Check out our cornhole sets and matching cornhole bags or go to the complete cornhole shop.