The axe throwing target looks simple, but the exact dimensions matter. An incorrect target diameter or miscalibrated scoring zones will train your muscle memory at the wrong scale, making your throws inconsistent when you move to a certified venue.
This guide covers the official WATL and IATF target specifications, how to read the scoring zones, and what you need to build a competition-spec target yourself.
Table of Contents
WATL Official Target Dimensions
The World Axe Throwing League specifies the following target dimensions for certified competition and league play:
Total target diameter: 36.5 inches (92.7 cm)
Bullseye diameter: 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)
Ring 1 outer diameter: 7 inches (17.8 cm)
Ring 2 outer diameter: 13.5 inches (34.3 cm)
Ring 3 outer diameter: 22 inches (55.9 cm)
Outer ring (Ring 4): 29 inches (73.7 cm)
Killshot circles: Two circles, each 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) in diameter, positioned at the top of the target
Scoring zones decrease in value from the center outward: bullseye = 6 points, Ring 1 = 4 points, Ring 2 = 3 points, Ring 3 = 2 points, outer ring = 1 point. An axe landing in the killshot zone (with prior verbal declaration) scores 8 points.
Killshot Placement
The two killshot circles sit above the main ring field, near the top of the target board. Their centers are aligned horizontally with the upper edge of Ring 4 (the outermost ring). One circle sits to the left, one to the right, positioned so they are visible above the main target arc but still within the board area.
This placement is deliberate: the killshot requires a noticeably different aim point from the bullseye, which adds strategic risk. Landing a killshot at competition distance is difficult, and the 8-point reward reflects that.
Target Wood Requirements
The wood type determines whether the axe sticks cleanly and consistently. WATL requires softwood planks for all certified targets. The most commonly used species are:
Kiln-dried pine: The standard choice. Blades embed cleanly, axes pull out easily for retrieval, and pine is inexpensive to replace as boards wear down.
Poplar: A close alternative. Slightly denser than pine but still soft enough for clean sticks. Used at some venues that want boards to last longer between replacements.
What to avoid: Hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut) cause axes to bounce rather than stick. Plywood delaminates on impact and creates unpredictable blade behaviour. Pressure-treated lumber releases fumes when the blade opens the wood grain and is not approved for any certified use.
Target Height and Lane Setup
The center of the bullseye (center of the target) should be positioned 60 inches (152 cm) from the floor. This puts the bullseye at roughly chest to eye level for an average adult, which is the optimal throw height for a standard overhand arc at 12 feet.
The throwing line is exactly 12 feet (3.66 meters) from the face of the target board. Venues mark this with a physical toe line. The measurement is taken from the front surface of the target board, not from the backstop frame.
For more on how the throwing distance affects rotation, see our technique tips guide.
How to Build Your Own Axe Throwing Target
A DIY target can match WATL competition specs if you use the correct materials and measurements. Here is what you need:
Materials:
4 to 6 kiln-dried pine boards, 1.5 inches thick, 5 to 7 inches wide, 48 inches tall
Two 2×4 horizontal backing boards to hold the planks together
Wood screws or lag bolts
Paint (blue for bullseye and killshots, red or black for ring outlines)
Assembly steps:
Stand the boards vertically side by side, tight together, until you have at least 36.5 inches of total width. Attach the two 2×4 backing boards horizontally across the back (one near the top, one near the bottom). Drive screws through the backing into each vertical plank.
Sand the face smooth. Use a compass to draw the scoring circles centered on the face, using the WATL diameters (3.5, 7, 13.5, 22, 29 inches). Add the two 3.5-inch killshot circles near the top.
Paint the bullseye and killshot circles blue. Outline the scoring rings with your choice of color. Mount on a sturdy frame or hang from a dedicated backstop, with the bullseye center at 60 inches from the ground.
How Often to Replace Target Boards
A competition-use target at a busy venue may need board replacement every 4 to 8 weeks. Home-use targets last considerably longer since they receive fewer throws per day. The main sign that a board needs replacing is when the wood around the bullseye zone becomes so soft and fibrous that axes no longer stick reliably, sliding down instead of holding fast.
Rotate your boards periodically, moving the center boards to the edges and replacing the most damaged ones, to extend the life of the full set.
IATF Target Differences
The IATF (International Axe Throwing Federation) uses a nearly identical target layout. The main difference is in point values rather than physical dimensions. The clutch zones (IATF equivalent of killshots) are the same size and positioned the same way, but score 7 points instead of 8. The IATF bullseye scores 5 points, versus 6 for WATL.
If you build a target to WATL specs, it is fully compatible with IATF play. You simply apply the different point values to the same zones.
For the full scoring breakdown of both formats, see our axe throwing rules guide. For an overview of the sport and how to find a venue, visit our complete axe throwing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official dimensions of an axe throwing target?
WATL specifies a total target diameter of 36.5 inches, a 3.5-inch bullseye, and four concentric scoring rings. The two killshot circles are each 3.5 inches in diameter, positioned near the top of the target above the main ring field.
What wood is used for axe throwing targets?
Kiln-dried pine is the most common choice. It is soft enough for clean blade embedding but holds the axe without crumbling. Hardwoods cause bounces, and plywood is not allowed for certified targets.
Where are the killshot circles placed?
The two killshot circles sit near the top of the target board, one on each side, with their centers level with the top edge of the outermost scoring ring. They are positioned outside the main circular ring field.
Can I build my own axe throwing target?
Yes. Use 4 to 6 kiln-dried pine planks (1.5 inches thick, 48 inches tall) mounted vertically side by side on a 2×4 frame. Paint the WATL scoring rings and two killshot circles on the face. Mount so the bullseye center is 60 inches from the ground, with the throwing line exactly 12 feet from the target face.
