Regulation Cornhole Board Size and Dimensions
Published July 2026
A regulation cornhole board has a playing surface approximately 24 inches wide and 48 inches long, with a 6-inch hole centered from side to side and positioned near the raised end of the board.
The American Cornhole League and American Cornhole Organization publish similar—but not perfectly identical—board specifications. Their permitted dimensions, front heights and tolerances differ slightly, so players preparing for sanctioned competition should follow the rules of the organization running the event.
Players ready to purchase full-size equipment can browse regulation cornhole boards. This guide focuses on measurements and setup rather than comparing individual products.
Quick Answer: Regulation Cornhole Board Dimensions
| Board feature | Common regulation measurement |
|---|---|
| Playing-surface length | 48 inches |
| Playing-surface width | 24 inches |
| Hole diameter | 6 inches |
| Hole center from rear edge | 9 inches |
| Hole center from either side | 12 inches on a 24-inch-wide board |
| Front playing-surface height | Approximately 3 to 4 inches, depending on league |
| Rear playing-surface height | 12 inches |
| Board spacing | 27 feet from front edge to front edge |
These are the dimensions most people mean when they refer to a regulation, full-size or 2-foot-by-4-foot cornhole board.
How Big Is a Regulation Cornhole Board?
A regulation cornhole board is commonly described as measuring:
- 2 feet wide
- 4 feet long
In inches, that is a 24-by-48-inch playing surface.
The official ACL rules and regulations specify boards measuring 2 feet wide by 4 feet long, with a tolerance of plus or minus 1/4 inch.
The official ACO rules specify a hardwood-plywood playing surface measuring between 47.5 and 48 inches long and between 23.5 and 24 inches wide.
Because the accepted ranges differ slightly, a board may satisfy one organization’s dimensions while sitting near or outside another organization’s stated tolerance. Players buying for a specific sanctioned event should verify the current rules before ordering.
ACL vs. ACO Cornhole Board Dimensions
| Specification | ACL | ACO |
|---|---|---|
| Board length | 48 inches, ±1/4 inch | 47.5 to 48 inches |
| Board width | 24 inches, ±1/4 inch | 23.5 to 24 inches |
| Hole diameter | 6 inches, ±1/8 inch | 6 inches |
| Hole-center location | 9 inches from rear edge, ±1/8 inch | 9 inches from top edge |
| Front height | 2.5 to 3.5 inches | 3 to 4 inches |
| Rear height | 12 inches, ±1/2 inch | 12 inches |
| Minimum top thickness | 1/2 inch with support or 3/4 inch without support | 1/2 inch with support or 3/4 inch with or without support |
| Minimum board weight | 15 pounds | No general minimum stated in the public board specifications |
The differences are small but meaningful. The front-height ranges, for example, overlap between 3 and 3.5 inches, but the full stated ranges are not identical.
Where Is the Hole Located on a Cornhole Board?
The hole has a diameter of 6 inches and is centered horizontally across the board.
On a 24-inch-wide playing surface:
- The center of the hole is 12 inches from the left edge.
- The center of the hole is 12 inches from the right edge.
- The center of the hole is 9 inches from the rear or raised edge.
Because the hole radius is 3 inches, its closest edge begins approximately 6 inches below the rear edge of the board.
The 9-inch measurement refers to the center of the hole, not the upper edge of the circular opening.
How High Is a Regulation Cornhole Board?
A cornhole board is angled upward from the front edge to the rear.
Front height
The ACL specifies a front-edge height between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. The ACO specifies a front playing-surface height between 3 and 4 inches.
A board intended to fit within both ranges should generally have a measured front playing-surface height between 3 and 3.5 inches.
Rear height
Both organizations specify a rear playing-surface height of approximately 12 inches. The ACL permits a tolerance of plus or minus 1/2 inch.
Measure vertically from the floor to the top of the playing surface at the rear edge. Do not measure along the angled leg.
What Is the Correct Cornhole Board Angle?
Official rules generally define the board through its length and front and rear heights rather than publishing one required angle.
When a 48-inch board has a front height near 3 to 3.5 inches and a rear height near 12 inches, the resulting slope creates the familiar regulation playing angle.
The most reliable method is to verify:
- Board length
- Front playing-surface height
- Rear playing-surface height
- Stable contact with the floor
Do not rely on an angle measurement alone if the board’s other dimensions are incorrect.
How Thick Should a Regulation Cornhole Board Be?
Both ACL and ACO rules allow a playing surface at least 1/2 inch thick when supported by cross-section backing.
A 3/4-inch top may be used without the same supporting requirement under the published rules, although frame design and bracing still affect stability and play.
Top thickness can influence:
- Board bounce
- Sound
- Overall weight
- Frame rigidity
- Resistance to warping
- Portability
Thickness alone does not establish quality or league approval. The frame, support structure, surface finish, materials and applicable certification also matter.
What Materials Are Regulation Cornhole Boards Made From?
The ACL requires wood boards for ACL-sanctioned events and identifies birch and oak among commonly used materials.
The ACO specifies a hardwood-plywood playing surface.
Common competition-oriented construction may include:
- Baltic birch plywood
- Other cabinet-grade hardwood plywood
- Wood frames
- Cross braces beneath thinner tops
- Folding wood legs
- Painted, printed or clear-coated playing surfaces
Plastic, composite and fabric boards may be appropriate for backyards, children, travel and casual play, but they should not be presented as wooden competition boards when the applicable rules require wood.
How Much Should a Regulation Cornhole Board Weigh?
The ACL’s 2025–2026 rules specify that boards used in sanctioned ACL events must weigh at least 15 pounds.
This is a minimum—not necessarily the ideal weight for every player. Heavier boards may move and bounce less, but they can be more difficult to transport.
Board weight should be considered alongside:
- Top thickness
- Frame construction
- Leg stability
- Cross-bracing
- Carrying handles
- Whether the boards latch together
A board weighing at least 15 pounds is not automatically ACL approved. It must also satisfy the applicable material, dimension, construction and equipment-classification requirements.
How Far Apart Are Cornhole Boards?
Regulation boards are positioned 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the opposite board.
The ACL permits a tolerance of plus or minus 1/2 inch in its official court setup.
This measurement is not taken:
- From hole to hole
- From the rear edges
- From the centers of the boards
- From the front of one board to the rear of the other
Face the front edges toward one another and measure the open space between them.
What Is the Size of a Regulation Cornhole Court?
The ACO describes a regulation court as 8 feet wide and 40 feet long, with a recommended vertical clearance of 12 feet.
The playing layout includes:
- Two boards
- Two pitching lanes
- Pitcher’s boxes beside each board
- Front edges spaced 27 feet apart
- Clear space around the playing area
The ACL defines each pitcher’s box as 3 feet wide by 4 feet long on either side of a board.
Additional clearance is advisable for spectators, scoreboards, walking paths and safe movement around the court.
Regulation Boards vs. Recreational Boards
| Feature | Regulation board | Recreational board |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | Approximately 24 × 48 inches | Often 24 × 36 inches or smaller |
| Primary use | Competitive practice and organized play | Backyards, parties, travel and casual play |
| Materials | Typically wood for sanctioned competition | Wood, plastic, composite, fabric or other materials |
| Weight | Usually heavier and more stable | Often designed for easier transportation |
| League approval | Must be verified separately | Usually not intended for sanctioned competition |
A 2-foot-by-3-foot board is commonly sold as a recreational or tailgate board. It can be useful and enjoyable, but it is not the same size as a regulation 2-foot-by-4-foot playing surface.
Does Regulation Size Mean League Approved?
No. Regulation dimensions and league approval are separate qualifications.
A board may:
- Measure 24 by 48 inches without carrying an ACL or ACO designation
- Use appropriate wood construction without being formally approved
- Follow general published measurements but fall outside a specific tolerance
- Be sold as “professional” without a league equipment stamp
The ACL’s current rules state that beginning October 1, 2026, ACL State- or Province-level and higher events will require the applicable ACL-marked and approved board classifications. Local and Regional requirements differ under the published transition. Players should review the current event rules before purchasing equipment specifically for sanctioned competition.
Can You Build Regulation-Size Cornhole Boards?
Yes. A competent woodworker can build boards that follow the published dimensions.
However, homemade boards should be described as regulation size only when the completed measurements fall within the applicable ranges. Following general dimensions does not create league certification.
Our guide explaining how to build cornhole boards includes a materials list, cut list, hole-placement instructions, folding-leg setup and finishing guidance.
How to Measure a Cornhole Board
Use a rigid tape measure, carpenter’s square and level.
Playing-surface length and width
Measure the finished playing top from edge to edge. Do not include protruding handles, hardware or decorative frame pieces.
Hole diameter
Measure straight across the widest interior point of the circular opening.
Hole location
Find the center of the circle, then measure:
- From the rear edge to the center point
- From each side edge to the center point
Front and rear height
Set the board on a flat, level surface with the legs fully opened. Measure vertically from the floor to the upper playing surface.
Board spacing
Measure from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the opposite board.
Regulation Cornhole Board Measurement Checklist
- Playing surface is approximately 24 inches wide
- Playing surface is approximately 48 inches long
- Hole is approximately 6 inches in diameter
- Hole is centered from side to side
- Hole center is approximately 9 inches from the rear edge
- Front height matches the applicable league range
- Rear height is approximately 12 inches
- Playing surface is smooth and free of obstructions
- Frame and legs are stable
- Boards are positioned 27 feet apart during regulation play
- League certification is verified separately when required
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official size of a cornhole board?
A full-size regulation playing surface is approximately 24 inches wide by 48 inches long.
What is the regulation cornhole hole size?
The hole is 6 inches in diameter.
How far is the hole from the top of the board?
The center of the hole is 9 inches from the rear or raised edge.
How far is the hole from each side?
The hole is centered width-wise. On a 24-inch-wide board, its center is 12 inches from either side.
How tall is the front of a regulation cornhole board?
The ACL specifies 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The ACO specifies 3 to 4 inches. Follow the rules of the organization running the event.
How tall is the back of a cornhole board?
The rear playing surface is 12 inches above the ground. The ACL permits a tolerance of plus or minus 1/2 inch.
How far apart should cornhole boards be?
Place the front edges 27 feet apart.
Is a 2-by-3-foot board regulation size?
No. A 2-foot-by-3-foot board is generally considered recreational or tailgate size. Regulation boards are approximately 2 feet by 4 feet.
Are all 2-by-4-foot boards tournament approved?
No. Size alone does not establish league certification or approval.
Can regulation boards be made from plastic?
Plastic boards can be useful for recreational play, but the ACL currently requires wood boards for ACL-sanctioned events, and the ACO specifies a hardwood-plywood playing surface.
How thick should a cornhole board top be?
A 1/2-inch top may be used with cross-section backing. Published rules also allow a 3/4-inch top under their stated support requirements.
How much should a regulation board weigh?
The ACL specifies a minimum board weight of 15 pounds for sanctioned play.
Final Answer
A regulation cornhole board is approximately 24 inches wide by 48 inches long, with a centered 6-inch hole positioned 9 inches from the raised edge. The rear playing surface is approximately 12 inches high, and the front is approximately 3 inches high, subject to the applicable league’s permitted range.
Boards are positioned 27 feet apart from front edge to front edge. Regulation size does not automatically mean ACL or ACO approved, so verify current equipment rules when purchasing for sanctioned competition.
Compare regulation-size cornhole boards, browse all cornhole boards, or use our DIY cornhole board plans to build a full-size set.