How scoring works in Darts 301 & 501
In 301 and 501 each player starts at the named starting score. Each turn you throw three darts and subtract your score from your running total. The goal is to reach exactly zero — not below it. Your final dart must land in a double segment or the bullseye (50 points) to check out — this is called 'double-out'. If you go past zero, your turn is invalid and your score returns to what it was before that turn: this is called a bust.
301 is the shorter variant and typical for casual games or competitions where speed matters. 501 is the international standard — all professional PDC tournaments are played on 501. ScoreApp supports both formats including sets and legs, so you can replicate the score-keeping of any competitive situation.
The dartboard: zones and their values
A standard dartboard has 20 numbered segments, each divided into four zones. The outer narrow ring is the double ring: a hit here doubles the value of that segment. The inner narrow ring is the triple ring: here the value is tripled. The maximum score per dart is triple 20 = 60 points. The maximum score per three-dart turn is 180 points (three triple 20s).
- Single fieldFace value (1–20)
- Double ring (outer)2× face value
- Triple ring (inner)3× face value
- Outer bull25 points
- Inner bull (bullseye)50 points — counts as a double
The board is designed so high and low numbers alternate — 20 borders 1 and 5, meaning a wild throw can cost you dearly. This makes accurate throwing essential, even on the higher numbers.
Checkout: how do you finish a leg?
A checkout is the combination of darts that takes you to exactly zero. Your final dart must land on a double or the bullseye. Some remaining scores are easier to check than others: 40 (double 20), 32 (double 16) and 36 (double 18) are the most popular finishing zones. Certain scores such as 169, 168, 166, 165, 163, 162 and 159 are impossible to finish in three darts.
The highest possible checkout in three darts is 170: T20 + T20 + bullseye. ScoreApp automatically shows the most common checkout suggestions for every remaining score, so you always know which darts to throw. For scores of 61 and above the app suggests two- or three-dart combinations; for 60 and below there are typically two-dart and one-dart options.
Popular checkouts at a glance
Want all checkouts from 2 to 170 in one overview? See the full checkout table on ScoreApp. View the checkout table →
The 3-dart average: measure of your level
The 3-dart average is the most widely used metric in darts. You calculate it by dividing total points scored by the number of three-dart turns. An average of 40–60 is typical for beginners; 60–80 for recreational players; 80–100 for club level; above 100 for semi-professional play. PDC professionals average 90–110 at tournaments.
ScoreApp calculates your 3-dart average automatically after each game and saves it in the progress tracker. This way you can see across multiple sessions whether your average is rising, falling or stable — without paper or a calculator.
Sets and legs: competitive formats
In competitive darts multiple legs and sets are played. A leg is one game of 501 (or 301). A set consists of multiple legs — typically best-of-3 (first to win 2 legs). A match then consists of multiple sets — e.g. best-of-5 sets (first to win 3 sets). The World Darts Championship final is played over best-of-7 sets.
ScoreApp supports sets and legs tracking. You configure the desired format at the start of the game and the app automatically tracks who leads the current leg and set.
What ScoreApp does for darts players
- Automatic subtractionEnter your score and ScoreApp subtracts automatically. No arithmetic errors.
- Checkout suggestionsThe optimal finish route appears for every remaining score so you never have to guess.
- 3-dart averageCalculated live per player and saved after the game for progress tracking.
- Sets & legsConfigurable format for casual to competitive play.
- AI opponentPractice solo against a bot at four difficulty levels.
- Offline & no accountWorks without internet and requires no registration. Data stays local.
Frequently asked questions
How do you score Darts 501?
In 501, each player starts at 501 points and subtracts their score each turn. The goal is to reach exactly zero, typically finishing with a double or bullseye.
Can I use this darts score tracker offline?
Yes. All scores are stored locally on your device. No internet connection or account required.
Does ScoreApp track sets and legs?
Yes, ScoreApp supports sets and legs for competitive darts matches, with live standings updated after every throw.