If you’re considering a pool table for home entertainment, it’s best to learn a little bit about standard pool table sizes. Different sizes are right for different needs. And the last thing anyone wants is to purchase a pool table that won’t allow for proper playing space in a room. So, from room size, different table sizes, and cue length, this article will tell you all you need to know about standard pool table sizes.
Standard Pool Table Sizes
A quick online search will give you plenty of different results as far as pool table sizes. You’ll see them referred to as 6, 7, 8, and 9-foot. You may also see the term “regulation pool table” on these different sizes. If this is all a little confusing for you, don’t worry; it’s easy to wrap your head around. Once you know the standard sizes and their typical uses, you can decide which size pool table is right for you.
Regulation Pool Tables
First, let’s talk about what a “regulation” pool table is. Simply put, a regulation pool table is one with a playing surface whose length is twice as long as its width. So, it can be any size table, as long as the dimensions of the playing surface are accurate. So, for instance, a table with a 44-inch width would need to have an 88-inch length to be considered “regulation.”
Most pool tables are made with regulation dimensions, but it’s still a good idea to make sure before you purchase. Believe it or not, playing on a non-regulation table for any length of time makes it harder to switch to a regulation table. The dimensions are off, even if only slightly.
Standard Home Sizes
8-foot pool tables are the most common size for home use. Measuring 8’ x 4’, with a playing surface of 88” x 44”, they make nice mid-size goldilocks tables. Not too big, not too small. Just right for man caves, rec rooms, or converted garages.
They also sell 8’-plus tables, which are also called 8-foot pro tables. These have a playing surface of 92” x 46” and are good for those who want to play on a larger table but don’t have the room for a 9-foot table.
Standard Bar Sizes
For pool tables to be profitable, bars often pack as many as they can into their allotted space. As you can guess, they usually go for the smaller, 7-foot tables. They are often (but not always) coin-operated. Standard bar tables measure 7’ x 3.5’ with a playing surface of 78” x 39”.
These tables are 2-feet smaller than tournament tables, making them a little small for serious or professional players. However, for casual players who are short on room, a 7-foot “bar box” table is a million times better than no pool table at all.
They also make larger bar tables with playing surfaces as big as 82” x 41”, for those who want to go a bit bigger.
Standard Tournament Sizes
Standard tournament tables are 9-foot tables. They measure 9’ x 4.5’ with a playing surface of 100” x 50”. These are the table pros play and practice on, but they are a little too large for many homes. For those players serious about getting into tournaments and winning some money with a cue, a 9-foot table is the way to go.
Smaller Tables
We’ll go over room sizes below, but first it’s important to note that there are smaller tables than the ones mentioned above. You can easily find affordable (and often portable) 6-foot pool tables for sale. If you’re used to playing on a bar box or at an actual pool hall, a 6-foot table will probably be strange for you. But, if you’re simply looking to entertain the kids and play on occasion, a 6-foot table is better than nothing.
Some other table sizes include:
- 4-foot Tables – These are best for kids who are interested in pool. 4-foot tables are a little too small for adults to enjoy properly.
- Tabletop and Miniatures – They make small tables in many different sizes. Some are often called table-top tables because they’re designed to sit on an existing table. Other small tables come with changeable games like air hockey, ping pong, or foosball. Again, these are designed for kids.
What Size Pool Table is Right for You?
Determining what size table is right for you isn’t just about the size of the table. It’s also about the length of cues you’ll be playing with. Standard pool cues are 57” or 58” long. But, they make cues as small as 48” for kids and as large as 61” for tall folks. You’ll want to measure for the length of the longest cue you’ll use.
For most people, using a 58” cue length is just fine. It takes a little bit of math, but don’t worry, it’s nothing too crazy. Here’s a simple equation to help you figure out which size will work for you.
Table’s playing surface length plus (+) cue length times (*) 2 = Total room length needed.
Table’s playing surface width plus (+) cue length times (*) 2 = Total room width needed.
So, here it is in action:
- For a 7-foot table (58” x 39”) and a 58” cue.
- 78” + 58 * 2 = 194” room length
- 39” + 58 * 2 = 155” room width
- Total room dimensions for a 7-foot table and a standard (58-inch) cue: 16.2-feet x 13-feet.
Now let’s take a look at a 9-foot table and a 57” cue:
- For a 9-foot table (100” x 50”) and a 57” cue.
- 100” + 57 * 2 = 214” room length
- 50” + 57 * 2 = 164” room width
- Total room dimensions for a 9-foot table and a standard (57-inch) cue: 17.8-feet x 13.7-feet.
Of course, these dimensions don’t have to be exact down to the inches. I would round down on the 7-foot table and say you’ll be fine with a 16’ x 13’ room. For the 9-foot table, you can round up and say 18’ x 14’.
What Size Room Do You Need for a Pool Table?
But, if you’re averse to math, I’ve created a kind of cheat-sheet for room sizes. Keep in mind that these measurements include any obstructions. Ideally, you will be able to clear the entire space needed of any and all obstructions. This includes tables, chairs, couches, appliances, etc.
The measurements below are just a guideline. Many people have different stances and ways of shooting pool, so what is plenty of room for you may not be for another person. This is why it’s a good idea to make sure you have more space than you need. If you think an 8-foot table is just a little too big, consider going with a 7-foot table. Believe me, having too much room around the table is much better than having too little.
| Table Size | Playing Surface | Room Size* |
| 7-foot | 78” x 39” | 16’ x 13’ |
| 8-foot | 88” x 44” | 17’ x 13.5’ |
| 9-foot | 100” x 50” | 18’ x 14’ |
* Based on 57” cue length.
Related Articles
- What Size Room do You Need For a Pool Table? (With Chart)
- How Far Does a Pool Table Need to Be Away From the Wall?
How to Measure a Pool Table
As you can see from the information above, 7-foot pool tables don’t have a 7-foot playing surface. And when we calculate room size for tables, we focus on the playing surface, not the overall size of the pool table. This is because you’ll only need to use your cue on the playing surface— not on the railings or the edge of the pool table (unless you’re playing some crazy game of pool I’ve never heard of).
So, if you want to determine the size of your pool table, you can simply measure the width of the table between the cushions. Different pool table manufacturers make tables with slightly different cushions and railings, so it’s best to measure the playing surface. Don’t measure under the cushions or into the pockets, as these will not give you an accurate read.
And remember, the length of the playing surface will be double the width, so you don’t have to measure the length unless you really want to.
- 7-foot tables will measure between 39” and 40” in width.
- 8-foot tables will measure 44” in width.
- 8-foot plus (pro) tables will measure 46” in width.
- 9-foot tournament tables will measure 50” in width.
So if you’re not sure the size of your table, just grab a tape measure and get a reading between the rails at the foot or head of the table. Then double that measurement to get the length of the table. It’s as easy as that to measure a pool table.
In Conclusion
The most common pool table sizes are 7-foot for bars, 8-foot for homes, and 9-foot for tournaments. You can also get 6-foot portable tables and even smaller specialty tables designed for kids. For casual players with the space, an 8-foot table is ideal because it’s not too big and not too small. For those used to playing in bars, a 7-foot table may be in order. And for those with professional aspirations, a 9-foot table will work best.
The length of a regulation table’s playing surface is double the width. The dimensions of the playing surface are the main concern when determining room size, in conjunction with the length of cue you plan on using.
Pool tables are great investments that provide countless hours of fun for people of all ages. If you’re looking for a table, check out my article on the best pool tables for under $1,000. Thanks for reading!
