What Does Tungsten Percentage Mean? (90% vs 95% Darts)
Shop for a set of darts and you’ll quickly see numbers like 80%, 90% and 95% tungsten. It’s one of the most common questions in darts: what does that percentage actually mean, and does a higher number make you a better player? Here’s the short, clear answer.
What the percentage means
Darts are never made from pure tungsten — on its own it’s too brittle to machine into a barrel. Instead, manufacturers blend tungsten with other metals (usually nickel) to create a workable alloy. The percentage tells you how much of that alloy is tungsten. So a 90% tungsten dart is 90% tungsten and 10% other metals.
Why it matters: density and barrel thickness
Tungsten is extraordinarily dense — far denser than the brass used in cheaper darts. The more tungsten in the alloy, the more weight you can pack into a smaller space. In practice, that means:
The higher the tungsten percentage, the slimmer the barrel can be for the same weight.
And a slimmer barrel is a real on-board advantage. When your darts are thinner, they take up less room in the board, so your second and third darts can land closer to the first without getting blocked. Tighter grouping means higher scores. That’s the entire reason players care about tungsten percentage.
80% vs 90% vs 95% — what to choose
| Tungsten % | Barrel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 80–85% | Slightly thicker | Newer players and great value |
| 90% | Slim & durable | The sweet spot for most players |
| 95% | Slimmest profile | Competitive players chasing tight grouping |
For most players, 90% tungsten is the sweet spot — slim enough for tight grouping, durable, and sensibly priced. Step up to 95% tungsten and you get the slimmest barrels available for the closest possible grouping, which is why competitive players gravitate to them. The jump from 90% to 95% is a fine-margins upgrade rather than a night-and-day difference, so don’t feel you must have the highest number.
What about brass darts?
Brass darts contain no tungsten at all. They’re much more affordable and a perfectly good place to start, but because brass is far less dense, the barrels are noticeably thicker for the same weight. They’re ideal for casual play and learning the basics — just expect to upgrade to tungsten as your game develops. See our brass darts if you’re starting out.
The bottom line
Tungsten percentage is about barrel slimness, not magic. A higher percentage lets you have a thinner dart at your chosen weight, which helps your darts group tightly. For nearly everyone, 90% is the smart choice; competitive players may prefer 95%.
Ready to choose? Browse our 90% tungsten darts and 95% tungsten darts, or see the whole darts range. For a full breakdown of weight, grip and barrel shape, read our guide to choosing the right darts.