Pool Table Sizes Explained with Dimensions in ft and cm: Discover the Right Fit for Your Room
Posted by Home Billiards on 10th Nov 2022
When it comes to buying a pool table, size is everything.
But with all the different sizes and shapes available, how do you know which one is right for you? Not to worry – we've got you covered.
In this post, we'll break down the different sizes and shapes, including their dimensions in feet and cm. After reading this guide and getting a sense of the different table sizes, be sure to read our pool table room size guide, which includes a handy calculator, to make sure the table you want will fit the room you have.
What Sized Pool Table Should I Buy?
Before we get into pool table dimensions, here's a cheat sheet to help you find the right pool table size for your space.
| Your Room Size | Recommended Pool Table Size |
|---|---|
| Small basement/game room | 7-foot pool table |
| Average home recreation room | 8-foot pool table |
| Large dedicated billiard room | 9-foot pool table |
Know your room's dimensions? Use our pool table room size calculator to find the right pool table size.
Pool Table Sizes
It can be challenging to know what size table to buy. After all, you want something that fits your rec room perfectly. Not only do you need enough room to play, but you also want to consider other things like a bar or foosball table. And whether you know the difference between snooker, pool or billiards, cue sport table sizes also depend on the type of game you want to play.
Below is a quick guide to help you find the right-sized table for your needs.
7 Foot vs 8 Foot Pool Table: Which Should You Choose?
A 7-foot pool table requires the least amount of space. It's also easier to move into tight spaces like a basement or condo. An 8-foot pool table gives you a more realistic surface to what the pros play on. It provides a balance between professional play and size. Most homeowners choose an 8-foot pool table, but if you're looking to put your table in a small space, a 7-foot pool table is better.
8 Foot vs 9 Foot Pool Table
Choosing between an 8-foot and a 9-foot pool table comes down to how serious a player you want to be and whether you have the space for a larger table. A 9-foot pool table delivers the ultimate experience for tournament-level play. The large playing surface forces you to hone your shots and think strategically. Small misses are more unforgiving. If you want to practice for tournaments or host one of your own and you have the space, a 9-foot pool table is the way to go.
What Is the Standard Size for a Pool Table?
The standard size for a pool table is 9 feet long by 4.5 feet wide. This full-size or "tournament-size" table is commonly used in professional settings. Other common sizes include 8-foot (home use) and 7-foot (bar size) tables. Dimensions refer to the outside edges of the playing surface.
Most Popular Pool Table Size for Homes
The most popular pool table size is 8' by 4'. It is the most popular pool table size because it's ideal for most homes. It offers enough playing surface to be challenging for beginner and intermediate players, and it fits the average rec room or finished basement.
What Is a Regulation Size Pool Table?
A regulation-size pool table has a length-to-width ratio of 2:1. The most common regulation size is 9 feet by 4.5 feet, used in professional tournaments. An 8-foot table (8’ x 4’) also qualifies if it maintains the 2:1 ratio. The term “regulation” refers to the ratio, not the overall size.
Pool Table Size Chart
Before going into more details, here's an overview of the most common pool table sizes and the room size needed to fit a particular pool table.
| Table Size | Dimensions (ft) | Dimensions (cm) | Playing Area (in) | Minimum Room Size (ft) | Minimum Room Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft (small bar box) | 6' x 3' | 183 x 91 cm | 35" x 70" | 12' x 8' | 3.66 x 2.44 m |
| 7 ft (bar box) | 7' x 3.5' | 213 x 107 cm | 39" x 78" | 13' x 9' | 3.96 x 2.74 m |
| 8 ft (typical home) | 8' x 4' | 244 x 122 cm | 44" x 88" | 14'4" x 18' | 4.37 x 5.49 m |
| 8.5 ft (oversized) | 8.5' x 4.25' | 259 x 130 cm | 46" x 92" | 14'6" x 18'4" | 4.42 x 5.59 m |
| 9 ft (regulation) | 9' x 4.5' | 274 x 137 cm | 50" x 100" | 14'10" x 19' | 4.52 x 5.79 m |
| 10 ft (oversized) | 10' x 5' | 305 x 152 cm | Not standard | Approx. 15' x 20' | 4.57 x 6.10 m |
| 12 ft (snooker) | 12' x 6' | 366 x 183 cm | 70" x 140" | Approx. 16'6" x 22'5" | 5.03 x 6.83 m |
The standard height for a pool table is between 29 1/4 inches (74.3 centimetres) and 31 inches (78.74 centimetres), depending on the manufacturer and model. This measurement is taken from the floor to the playing surface (the table bed).
Billiards & Pool Table Sizes
The most commonly sold size billiard table is the 8'x4' configuration. This size is good for beginners and advanced players, as it provides plenty of room to play and practice. However, if you're a more experienced player looking for a larger playing surface, then consider a 9-foot pool table.
7' Pool Table (Bar Size Table)
The first table size is the 7-foot table, which is 7' long, 3.5' wide, and 2.5' high (213.36 cm long,106.68 cm wide, 76.2 cm high)
This size provides enough room for one player to play comfortably without any clearance or visibility issues. As the name suggests, this sized table is often found in bars. Because of its short length, it's also the easiest to play on.
See our selection of premium 7-foot pool tables.
8' Pool Table (Standard Size Table)
The most common Billiards table size is 8' by 4' (243.84 cm by 121.92 cm). This is a good size for home use, but it can also be used in bars or restaurants.
Shop our most popular 8-foot pool tables.
9' Pool Table (Tournament Size Table)
The 9' pool table is the king of billiards tables. The dimensions are 9' long by 4.5' long (274.32 cm long by 137.16 cm wide) and are perfect for a larger game room. This size is often used in major tournaments, but it can also be used in larger spaces. Be sure to check that you have enough room for your pool cue and shot stroke.
Bring home a tournament-grade 9-foot pool table.
Snooker Table Sizes
Snooker is played with 15 red balls and six other balls coloured yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black. The game is organized into frames, which players win one by one by pocketing more red and coloured balls than their opponent.
Snooker tables are larger than most billiards tables and can seem massive to the casual pool player. These tables are also slightly larger than the 2:1 ratio we saw with billiards tables. Due to their size, snooker tables are often found at snooker clubs and professional tournaments.
9' Snooker Tables
The 9' snooker table comes in a size of 9' by 4' 7.5" (274.32 cm by 144.78 cm). This is just slightly larger than the longest billiards table. It's a good-sized table to get your feet wet playing snooker.
10' Snooker Tables
The 10' snooker table is the middle-of-the-pack size, measuring 10' x 5' 1.5" (304.8 cm by 156.972 cm).
12' Snooker Tables
The 12' snooker table is the largest of the bunch and is a monster to play on. It is a championship-sized table for the game's best players. Due to its large size, you won't find it in many homes, but rather at top snooker clubs and tournaments around the world.
How to Choose the Right-Sized Pool Table to Fit Your Room?
Here's the deal: not all pool tables are created equal. And, more importantly, not every room size is the same. So before you go out to buy a new pool table, you need to take some measurements and do some planning.
First, decide which game you are most likely to play. The most popular games are 8-ball and 9-ball pool, which are played on a billiard-sized table. Next, consider how much room size you have to work with. Pool tables come in various sizes, from 7 feet to 12 feet long. And depending on the room size, you may want to choose a larger or smaller table.
So, before heading to your nearest vendor, take some time to measure your room size and decide on the right size.
FAQs
What materials should I look for in a quality pool table?
Look for a slate playing surface, hardwood frame (such as maple or oak), and rubber cushions like K-66 for quality rebound. Choose wool-nylon blended pool table felt for durability and consistent ball roll. Solid leg construction ensures stability, and metal brackets or center beams provide added structural support.
Learn more about what a pool table is made of.
How do I maintain and clean my pool table to ensure longevity?
Maintain your pool table by brushing the felt with a soft-bristle brush after each use, vacuuming gently with a hose attachment weekly, and keeping it covered when not in use. Clean the wood frame with a damp cloth and mild cleaner, and maintain humidity around 40–60% to prevent warping.
Here's our step-by-step guide to maintaining a pool table.
What accessories are essential when purchasing a new pool table?
Essential accessories for a new pool table include a full set of billiard balls, four cue sticks, a cue rack, chalk, a triangle rack, a table brush, and a table cover. Optional but useful additions include a bridge stick, a cue tip repair kit, and a wall-mounted scoring system.
Should I buy a new or used pool table?
Buy a new pool table for guaranteed condition, warranty coverage, and modern materials. Choose a used table to save money, but inspect the slate, felt, and frame carefully. Used tables may require re-levelling or re-felting, which adds to cost. Prioritize condition and long-term use when making a decision.
Go deeper into the new vs used pool table details.
How can I tell if a pool table has a one-piece or three-piece slate bed?
Check under the table to identify the slate bed. A one-piece slate is a single large slab, while a three-piece slate has visible seams and screw holes where the sections join. The three-piece slate also allows levelling each section independently, a key distinguishing feature.
Is a 7-foot pool table too small?
A 7-foot pool table is not too small for casual play, home use, or smaller rooms. A 7-foot table is the standard size used in many bars and requires less space than 8-foot or 9-foot tables. Competitive players often prefer 9-foot tables because the larger playing area requires more precise shots.
What size pool table do professionals use?
Professional pool players use 9-foot pool tables for most major tournaments. A regulation 9-foot table measures 4.5 feet wide by 9 feet long and provides a playing surface of about 50 by 100 inches. Professional tables require stronger positioning skills, better cue ball control, and more accurate shot making than smaller tables.
What size pool table is best for beginners?
The best pool table size for beginners is a 7-foot or 8-foot table. A 7-foot table provides easier shots and fits smaller spaces, while an 8-foot table offers a balance between casual and competitive play. Beginners should choose a table size based on room space, skill goals, and playing style.
Can a pool table fit in a 12x12 room?
A pool table can fit in a 12x12 room, but the table size and cue length determine playability. A 6-foot or 7-foot pool table works best in a 12x12 room. Standard 58-inch cues require more space, so shorter 48-inch or 52-inch cues may be needed for comfortable shots.
How much space do you need around a pool table?
The space needed around a pool table is at least 5 feet on each side for comfortable play with a standard 58-inch cue. A 7-foot table needs a room around 13 feet by 16 feet, while a 9-foot table needs about 14 feet by 18 feet. Room size depends on table dimensions and cue length.
Are 8-foot pool tables the standard size?
An 8-foot pool table is considered the standard size for many home and recreational settings. An 8-foot table measures 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and provides a balance between casual and competitive play. Professional tournaments usually use 9-foot tables, while many bars use 7-foot tables.
Conclusion
No matter what your game, it's important to have the right-sized table to fit your room. Determine how much space you have. Too small, and you'll feel cramped; too big, and you'll be wasting space in your pool room.
Whether you're a beginner or a pro, consider these tips when you go out to buy your next pool table. Reach out to us today for more info or get a pool table that suits your room size needs.