How much space is needed between Bowling Pins?

Once you decide to start bowling seriously, you should start learning about every detail of this sport. This includes the bowling pins that are set at the end of the lane and how much space they have between them. Every detail matters, that’s what I believe. So are you interested to know how distant the bowling pins are? Whether you’re a casual bowler or a competitive player, it’s great when you have a clear idea about bowling pins’ spacing and how they are set up. So without further ado, let’s get to the point, shall we?

How much space should be between bowling pins? 

Bowling pins are not set randomly. Back in the past, when there was no bowling pin setting machine, designated workers used to set the pins for the players. It was common for them to put the pins in the wrong positions. They would often have some pins that were off by half an inch. This makes things harder and unfair for bowlers to knock down the pins.

This is why particular spacing among these bowling pins is maintained. Now that we have automatic bowling pin setting machines, there is no mistake when it comes to the spacing among the pins. So how much space is kept among the bowling pins when set? How specific spacing helps a bowler out? Let me elaborate.

10-Pin Bowling Spacing:

In 10-pin bowling, pins are placed in 4 rows. This creates an equilateral triangle with the headpin (pin 1) at the front row, then 2 pins (2 and 3) on the second row, then 3 pins (4, 5, and 6) on the third row, and lastly, 4 pins (7, 8, 9, and 10) on the last row. 

We know that the bowling lane runs 60 feet, from the foul line and the bowling pins. Pin numbers 7 and 10 are on the very last row and they are located 2.75″ from the edge of the lane. The base of the pins are 2.25″ in diameter and there are certain spaces among them. All the neighboring bowling pins stand 12″ (30.48 cm) apart. On the last row, the center of the 4 pins has 3 inches of space from the ball pit at the back edge of the pin deck.

The center spots of pins 7 and 10 have a 12 1/16″ gap between them which is the closest kickback panel. This particular distance from the kickback panel, plus, the extra 2.75″ of space from the lane, the corner pins on the last row are spotted carefully on the pin-deck from the edge of the lane yield. So a bowling ball must travel a total of 15″ to also contact the 7 or 10 pins from the kickback to make a strike happen. The headpin at the front is equally distant from both edges and kickbacks of the lane and placed 34 3/16″ from the center of the headpin spot to the pit. 

5-Pin Bowling Spacing:

As the name suggests, there are five pins in this adjacent bowling game. These 5 pins together create a “V” shape layout where there is the headpin at the front and then 2 pins on the second row and another 2 pins on the third row. 

Together these pins in 5-pin bowling have a worth of 15 points per frame. If you knock down the headpin, it will give you 5 points. The 2 pins from the middle row are worth 3 points each, and lastly, the pins in the last row are worth 2 points each. When these pins are positioned, there is an 18” (45.7 cm) distance among them. 

Candlepin Bowling Spacing:

This adjacent bowling, candlepin game also has 10 pins. The numbering system is also the same and the formation of the 10 pins is shaped exactly like the standard 10-pin bowling pins’ equilateral triangle. The spacing between the candlepin pins is 12″ (30.48 cm). Due to the candlepin bowling pin’s shape and the spacing, it is very hard to score strikes. So it is one of the common struggles for candlepin bowlers to knock down the pins and find the perfect angle to have a good enough score. As an avid bowler myself, I would not love to play candlepin bowling even when I am bowling just for some fun time. 

Duckpin Bowling Spacing:

You might already know this, both duckpin and regular 10-pin bowling have the same bowling pin positioning at the end of the lane. Duckpin also has 10 pins that are arranged like typical 10 pins bowling pins. The pins are also placed in 4 rows that create an equilateral triangle. Just like candlepin bowling pins, duckpin also has 12″ (30.48 cm) spacing between the adjacent pins.

Conclusion

Your bowling ball is meaningless without the bowling pins. Those are what guarantee your score. The more you knock them down, the better your scores get. So learning about them is no waste of time. If anything, now you will be able to calculate your angle and throws better, and roll your ball accordingly. So in case, if you were just wondering about bowling pins’ spacing, you have visited the right place. I hope, this article was informative enough for you. Do you have any more questions? Well, you know the deal. Just leave a comment, and I will get back to you shortly. Till then, keep on rolling and have fun! All the best, my friends!