If you’re setting up a game of corn toss, also commonly called cornhole, the distance between the two boards is one of the most important measurements. The standard distance gives players enough room to make regulation throws while keeping the game consistent.
Quick Answer: How Many Feet Apart for Corn Toss?
Standard corn toss boards should be 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.
| Corn Toss Setup | Distance Between Boards |
|---|---|
| Regulation adult play | 27 feet |
| Casual backyard play | 27 feet recommended |
| Shortened recreational setup | Less than 27 feet |
| Youth or beginner setup | Often shortened for easier throwing |
For standard adult play, use 27 feet between the front edges of the boards.
What Is the Official Corn Toss Distance?
The standard cornhole playing distance is 27 feet from the front of one board to the front of the opposite board.
The measurement is important because measuring from the centers or backs of the boards can produce an incorrect playing distance.
A regulation setup uses two boards positioned directly opposite each other. Players stand beside their board and throw bags toward the opposite board.
The 27-foot measurement refers to the horizontal distance between the front edges of the two boards, not the total length of the boards and playing area.
How to Measure 27 Feet for Corn Toss
The easiest way to set up a regulation game is with a measuring tape.
- Place the first cornhole board in its intended position.
- Identify the front edge of the board.
- Measure 27 feet straight outward from that front edge.
- Place the front edge of the second board at the 27-foot mark.
- Make sure both boards face each other and are aligned.
- Check the measurement again before starting play.
A long tape measure makes the setup much easier, especially on grass or uneven outdoor surfaces.
Quick Measurement Reference
| Distance | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 10 feet | 120 inches |
| 15 feet | 180 inches |
| 20 feet | 240 inches |
| 25 feet | 300 inches |
| 27 feet | 324 inches |
| 30 feet | 360 inches |
Since 1 foot equals 12 inches, 27 feet equals 324 inches.
Corn Toss Board Setup
Distance is only one part of a proper corn toss setup. The boards should also be positioned correctly.
A standard cornhole board is typically 4 feet long and 2 feet wide. The boards are placed facing each other, with the front edges separated by 27 feet.
The playing surface should be reasonably level so bags do not roll or slide because of an uneven setup.
| Setup Measurement | Typical Regulation Dimension |
|---|---|
| Board length | 4 feet |
| Board width | 2 feet |
| Distance between front edges | 27 feet |
| Distance in inches | 324 inches |
The boards should also be stable enough that they do not move when bags land on them.
How Much Space Do You Need for Corn Toss?
Although the boards themselves are only 27 feet apart, you need additional space around them for players to stand, throw, and move safely.
A practical backyard setup should provide several feet of clearance around the boards.
If you’re playing near a fence, patio furniture, trees, vehicles, or other obstacles, consider the entire throwing area rather than measuring only the distance between the boards.
For two regulation boards, the playing layout will therefore require substantially more than 27 feet of total usable space.
Regulation vs. Casual Corn Toss Distances
Not every backyard game needs to use the full regulation distance. If space is limited, players can move the boards closer together.
However, shortening the distance changes the difficulty of the game.
| Playing Situation | Suggested Distance |
|---|---|
| Regulation adult play | 27 feet |
| Experienced backyard players | 27 feet |
| Limited backyard space | 15–25 feet |
| Beginners | 15–20 feet |
| Younger children | 10–15 feet or less |
| Very young players | Adjust based on age and ability |
These shorter distances are recreational suggestions rather than regulation measurements. If you’re practicing for competitive play, use the full 27-foot distance.
Why Is Corn Toss 27 Feet Apart?
The 27-foot distance provides a consistent throwing challenge for adult players.
At this distance, players must control the direction, speed, and arc of the bag. Moving the boards closer makes it easier to reach the target, while moving them farther apart makes accurate throwing more difficult.
Using a standard distance also makes scores and performance more comparable between different games.
For competitive or organized play, maintaining the correct distance is therefore important.
Corn Toss Distance for Kids
Children may have difficulty throwing a bag accurately over the full 27-foot distance. For casual family games, moving the boards closer together can make the game more enjoyable.
For example, you might begin with the boards 10 to 15 feet apart and increase the distance as players become more comfortable.
The exact distance isn’t a regulation youth measurement unless you’re following a specific youth league’s rules. For backyard play, choose a distance that allows children to throw safely and participate successfully.
How to Convert Corn Toss Distance to Other Units
If you’re setting up a corn toss court using metric measurements, you can convert 27 feet into other units.
27 feet = 9 yards = 324 inches = 8.23 meters approximately.
| Unit | 27-Foot Distance |
|---|---|
| Feet | 27 ft |
| Yards | 9 yd |
| Inches | 324 in |
| Meters | 8.23 m |
| Centimeters | 822.96 cm |
The easiest metric approximation is therefore about 8.23 meters between the front edges of the boards.
Common Corn Toss Setup Mistakes
Measuring From the Wrong Part of the Board
One of the most common mistakes is measuring 27 feet from the back of one board to the back of the other.
For regulation setup, measure front edge to front edge.
Measuring Only 27 Feet of Open Ground
The 27 feet refers specifically to the distance between the board fronts. Players also need additional space around the boards.
Setting the Boards at an Angle
The boards should face each other rather than being significantly offset or angled.
Ignoring Uneven Ground
A sloped or uneven surface can affect how bags land and slide. Whenever possible, choose a relatively level playing area.
Moving the Boards During Play
If the boards shift after players start throwing, the playing distance can change. Stable placement helps maintain consistent gameplay.
FAQs
How many feet apart should corn toss boards be?
Standard corn toss, or cornhole, boards should be 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other.
Is corn toss the same as cornhole?
Yes. Corn toss and cornhole are commonly used names for the same backyard throwing game.
How many yards apart are corn toss boards?
A 27-foot distance equals 9 yards because 3 feet make 1 yard.
How many inches apart are cornhole boards?
The standard 27-foot distance equals 324 inches.
Can you play corn toss closer than 27 feet?
Yes. For casual backyard games, you can move the boards closer together, especially when space is limited or children are playing. However, a shortened distance is not the standard adult regulation setup.
How far apart should cornhole boards be for kids?
There is no single distance that works for every child. A 10- to 15-foot starting distance can make a casual game easier for younger players, with the distance increased as their throwing ability improves.
How far apart are cornhole boards for regulation play?
For standard adult regulation play, the boards are 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge.
Conclusion
For standard corn toss, or cornhole, place the boards 27 feet apart, measuring from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. That equals 9 yards, 324 inches, or about 8.23 meters.
For casual backyard games, you can shorten the distance when space is limited or when beginners and children are playing. For regulation-style play, however, 27 feet is the distance to use.
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