How to Choose the Right Dart Weight
Choosing your first set of darts can feel overwhelming. With so many different brands, barrel shapes, grip styles and weights available, it's easy to wonder where to start.
One of the first questions we get asked at Aussie Dart Supplies is:
"What weight darts should I buy?"
The good news is that there's no single "perfect" dart weight. Every player throws differently, and what works brilliantly for one person may not suit another.
The challenge when buying darts online is that you can't throw a few different weights before making your decision. That's why this guide focuses on practical advice to help you choose with confidence.
Whether you're buying your first quality set of darts or upgrading from an older set, this guide will explain what dart weight means, why it matters, and where most players should start.
Quick Answer
If you're unsure which dart weight to buy, 22g to 24g is an excellent starting point.
Within that range, 23g is the most popular steel tip dart weight and is a great all-round choice for many players.
As you gain more experience, you may discover that you prefer something lighter or heavier, but for most people, 23g offers an excellent balance of control, feel and consistency.
What Does Dart Weight Mean?
Dart weight simply refers to the weight of the complete barrel.
Steel tip darts are commonly available from around 18 grams through to 30 grams, although the majority of players choose something between 22g and 24g.
A difference of just one or two grams might not sound like much, but it can noticeably change how a dart feels in your hand and how it travels through the air.
Weight affects things such as:
- The amount of force needed to throw the dart.
- The speed of your throw.
- The arc of the dart through the air.
- The overall feel and balance during release.
However, dart weight is only one part of the equation. Barrel shape, grip, balance and your throwing style all work together.
Why 23g Is So Popular
If someone asked us to recommend a single dart weight without knowing anything about their throw, 23g would usually be our starting point.
There are a few reasons why it has become the most popular weight.
Firstly, it sits right in the middle of the most common weight range.
Secondly, it offers a good balance between stability and ease of throwing.
Finally, manufacturers produce an enormous range of darts in 23g, making it easier to find a barrel shape and grip that suits your style.
That doesn't mean 23g is the "best" weight for everyone. It simply means it's one of the safest and most versatile places to start if you're buying online.
Does a Heavier Dart Improve Accuracy?
One of the biggest misconceptions in darts is that heavier darts are automatically more accurate.
In reality, that's not how it works.
A heavier dart may feel more stable to one player, while another player may find it difficult to throw consistently.
Likewise, a lighter dart might suit someone with a faster, more natural throwing action.
Accuracy comes from throwing the same dart consistently—not simply choosing the heaviest barrel available.
For most players, consistency is far more important than chasing a specific weight.
Choosing a Weight That Suits You
Rather than looking for the "best" dart weight, think about what feels natural.
18g–20g
Generally suited to players who prefer a quicker throwing action or are moving across from soft tip darts.
21g–22g
A popular choice for players who like a slightly lighter dart while still maintaining good control.
23g
The most common choice and an excellent all-round weight for a wide variety of players.
24g–26g
Often preferred by players who enjoy the feel of a little more weight and stability during the throw.
27g+
Usually chosen by players who already know they prefer a heavier setup rather than those buying their first quality darts.
Does Tungsten Percentage Affect Weight?
This is an area that often causes confusion.
The tungsten percentage doesn't change the weight of the dart.
A 23g dart is still a 23g dart, whether it's made from 80% tungsten or 90% tungsten.
What the tungsten percentage does affect is how manufacturers can design the barrel.
Tungsten is an extremely dense metal. The higher the tungsten percentage in the alloy, the less material is needed to achieve the same weight.
This allows manufacturers to produce slimmer barrels or create more complex barrel designs while keeping the same weight.
For many players, that's the biggest advantage of higher tungsten percentages—not that they're automatically "better", but that they provide more flexibility in barrel design.
A well-designed 80% tungsten dart can be an excellent choice, just as a well-designed 90% tungsten dart can be. Barrel shape, balance and how the dart suits your throw are often more important than the percentage alone.