Cornhole Hole Size: Official Diameter & Measurements
A regulation cornhole hole has a 6-inch diameter. This guide covers everything tied to that single number — hole diameter, hole placement on the board, how to measure it, how to cut it, and how regulation holes compare to backyard boards.
How Big Is a Cornhole Hole?
A regulation cornhole hole is 6 inches in diameter. That size is fixed across every sanctioned board, so a bag that clears one regulation hole clears all of them.
In metric terms, 6 inches converts to 15.24 cm. The inch measurement is the official reference — the centimeter figure is provided for convenience and isn't a separate regulation size.
Cornhole Hole Diameter
Every core hole measurement in one place — diameter, radius, circumference, and the metric conversion.
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Hole diameter | 6 in |
| Hole radius | 3 in |
| Hole circumference | ≈ 18.85 in |
| Diameter in centimeters | 15.24 cm |
Where Is the Hole on a Cornhole Board?
Hole size only matters if the hole sits in the right place — placement is set from the top edge, the sides, and the board's centerline.
How Far From the Top Is the Cornhole Hole?
The center of the hole sits 9 inches from the top (back) edge of the board — the edge farthest from the player throwing. That distance is measured from the top edge to the hole's center point, not to its near edge.
How Far From the Sides Is the Cornhole Hole?
The hole is centered side to side. On a regulation 24-inch-wide board, that places the hole's center 12 inches from each side edge — exactly halfway across the board's width, on the centerline.
Cornhole Hole Placement Diagram
A top-down view of the board showing the 6-inch hole, its centerline, and its distance from the top and side edges.
How to Measure a Cornhole Hole
1.Measure the Diameter
Run a tape measure from one inside edge of the hole straight across to the opposite inside edge, passing through the center. A regulation hole reads 6 inches.
2.Find the Center
Mark the midpoint of the diameter you just measured — that point is the hole's exact center and the reference for every placement measurement.
3.Check the Placement
From the hole's center, measure to the top edge and to each side edge of the board. Regulation placement is 9 inches from the top and 12 inches from each side.
4.Compare With Regulation Measurements
Check your readings against the 6-inch diameter and the 9-inch/12-inch placement above. Anything off by more than a small tolerance may fall outside sanctioned play.
How to Cut a Cornhole Hole
Cutting a regulation hole comes down to marking it accurately before you cut, then cleaning up the edge once you're done.
- Mark the center — 9 inches from the top edge, centered side to side.
- Draw a 6-inch circle around that center point.
- Drill a starter hole just inside the marked line.
- Cut along the circle with a hole saw or jigsaw.
- Sand the edge smooth so bags pass through cleanly.
- Verify the final diameter measures 6 inches before finishing the board.
What Tool Should You Use to Cut a Cornhole Hole?
A hole saw sized to 6 inches gives the cleanest, most consistent circle in one pass. A jigsaw works well too, guided by a drawn or template circle for accuracy. Either way, a measuring template — even a simple compass-drawn circle — keeps the cut on spec before the saw touches the wood.
Cornhole Hole Size for Regulation Boards
Hole size is one part of a regulation cornhole board, not the whole spec. The full standard also covers board length, width, and height — the measurements that set the board's overall footprint and angle. See the complete cornhole board dimensions guide for every official board measurement in one place.
Regulation vs. Backyard Cornhole Hole Size
| Regulation | Backyard | |
|---|---|---|
| Hole diameter | Standard | May vary |
| Placement | Standard | May vary |
| Board size | Standard | May vary |
For competition, follow the rulebook of the league or event you're entering. For a recreational backyard game, players can use boards that differ from the regulation spec without it affecting the fun.
Does Cornhole Hole Size Affect Gameplay?
Yes. The hole's diameter sets how much margin a bag has to drop through for the top score, which affects difficulty, scoring potential, and how consistently bags enter the hole. A hole cut smaller than regulation tightens that margin; one cut larger loosens it — either way, the board no longer plays like a standard 6-inch hole.
Common Cornhole Hole Size Mistakes
Making the Hole Too Large
Cutting past the 6-inch line makes bags drop through too easily, inflating scores and pulling the board out of spec.
Making the Hole Too Small
A hole cut under 6 inches makes the top score harder to earn than regulation play intends, and can catch bags that should pass through.
Measuring the Wrong Part of the Hole
Measuring from an outside edge, or across an angle instead of straight through the center, gives a reading that doesn't match the true diameter.
Placing the Hole Off-Center
Eyeballing the side-to-side position instead of measuring the hole's center 12 inches from each edge shifts the hole off the board's centerline.
Using the Wrong Distance From the Top
Rounding the 9-inch distance from the top edge — or measuring from the wrong edge entirely — moves the hole out of regulation position.
Cornhole Hole Size: Quick Guide
| Measurement | Official Size |
|---|---|
| Hole diameter | 6 in |
| Radius | 3 in |
| Diameter | 15.24 cm |
Board hole → 6-inch diameter. For every other board measurement, see the full cornhole board dimensions guide.
Cornhole Hole Size FAQ
How big is a regulation cornhole hole?
A regulation cornhole hole is 6 inches in diameter, centered 9 inches from the top edge of the board and centered side to side.
What is the diameter of a cornhole hole?
The diameter of a regulation cornhole hole is 6 inches, measured straight across through the center of the hole.
How many inches is a cornhole hole?
A cornhole hole measures 6 inches across. That figure is the diameter, the official measurement sanctioning bodies use to judge a compliant board.
How big is a cornhole hole in centimeters?
A regulation 6-inch cornhole hole converts to 15.24 cm in diameter. Inches remain the official reference measurement.
Where should the hole be placed on a cornhole board?
The hole is centered 9 inches from the top edge of the board and centered side to side, which places its center 12 inches from each side edge on a regulation 24-inch-wide board.
How do you measure a cornhole hole?
Measure from one inside edge of the hole straight across to the opposite edge, passing through the center. A regulation hole reads 6 inches across.
How do you cut a 6-inch hole in a cornhole board?
Mark the center 9 inches from the top edge and centered side to side, draw a 6-inch circle, drill a starter hole, then cut along the line with a hole saw or jigsaw and sand the edge smooth.
Are all cornhole holes the same size?
Regulation and tournament holes are all cut to the same 6-inch diameter. Backyard boards can vary since casual play has no requirement to match the regulation spec.
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