Whether you're setting up a backyard game or checking a set before a tournament, here are the official cornhole measurements and rules in one place. These specs follow the American Cornhole Association's published rules. Other leagues are very close, and we've noted where they differ.
Quick answers
- Board size: 2 feet wide by 4 feet long (24" x 48")
- Hole: 6" diameter, centered 9" from the top of the board
- Distance between boards: 27 feet from front edge to front edge
- Bags: about 6" x 6", weighing roughly 14 to 16 oz
- Scoring: 3 points in the hole, 1 point on the board, first to 21 wins
Regulation cornhole board dimensions
| Length | 47.5" to 48" |
| Width | 23.5" to 24" |
| Playing surface | Smooth plywood, at least 1/2" thick |
| Hole diameter | 6" |
| Hole placement | Center is 9" from the top edge and 12" from each side |
| Front height | 3" to 4" off the ground |
| Back height | About 12" off the ground |
Thickness is where cheap sets cut corners. The rules allow a 1/2" surface, but thin boards bounce and flex. Every Yard Pride set is built from 3/4" thick wood for a firmer, more consistent landing.
How far apart are cornhole boards?
For regulation play, place the boards so the front edges are 27 feet apart, facing each other. That front edge doubles as the foul line, so your foot can't cross it when you release the bag.
For casual games, adjust to your crowd:
- Adults, casual: 20 to 27 feet, depending on space and skill
- Kids 12 and under: 12 to 15 feet
- Tight backyards and patios: shorten the distance rather than angling the boards
Court setup
- Court size: about 8 to 10 feet wide and at least 40 feet long, so there's room behind each board
- Pitcher's box: a 4' x 3' area on each side of each board where players stand to throw
- Surface: as flat as you can find. A level board plays fair.
Regulation cornhole bags
- Size: two 6.25" fabric squares sewn with a 1/4" seam, for a finished bag of about 6" x 6"
- Weight: roughly 14 to 16 oz (some leagues specify closer to 16 oz)
- Fill: feed corn, or plastic resin pellets for all-weather bags
- Per set: eight bags, four in each of two colors
Every Yard Pride set includes eight bags.
How to play and score
- Players (or teams) stand in the pitcher's boxes on either side of the same board and take turns tossing at the opposite board.
- Each player throws four bags per inning, alternating with their opponent. Tosses must be underhand.
- In the hole (a "cornhole"): 3 points. A bag that's knocked in by another bag also counts.
- On the board (a "woody"): 1 point. The bag has to be resting on the playing surface at the end of the inning, not touching the ground.
- Cancellation scoring: at the end of each inning, subtract the lower score from the higher. Only the difference is scored. For example, 5 points to 3 points means the first player earns 2 for that inning.
- Winning: the first player or team to reach or pass 21 points at the end of an inning wins.
Common fouls
- Stepping past the front edge of the board on release
- Throwing from outside the pitcher's box
- A bag that hits the ground first and bounces onto the board (it's removed and doesn't count)
- Taking too long. Official play allows about 20 seconds per toss.
Get a regulation set
Every Yard Pride set is regulation 2' x 4', CNC cut with a 6" hole, UV printed and sealed with multiple coats of clear protection, and it ships free in the lower 48. Start with our best sellers or personalize a monogram set with your name.
