Dining Table Size Calculator
A dining table needs to seat everyone and still leave room to pull out chairs and walk around. Enter your room size and how many people you want to seat to find the right table size, in rectangle or round.
Shop pieces that fit
How this calculator works
Each person needs about 24 inches of table edge to eat comfortably. The calculator uses standard table sizes based on that: for example, six people need a rectangular table 60 to 78 inches long or a round table 48 to 60 inches across.
It then checks your room. Around the table you need at least 36 inches to pull a chair out, 42 inches to also walk behind a seated person, and 48 inches if the space is a main walkway. Subtracting that from your room gives the largest table that fits, and the calculator picks the biggest standard size within that limit.
It also tells you the rug size and chandelier size that suit the table.
Tips for a better result
Measure from the wall, not the skirting
Take the room measurements to the wall surface and make a note of anything that sticks out, such as a radiator, a built-in cabinet or a door that opens inward. Those eat into your clearance on that side.
Mind the table legs and the ends
A table with legs set in from the corners gives more knee room and lets you squeeze an extra person in at the end. A pedestal base leaves the edge free altogether, which suits round tables well.
Think about the leaf
If you want an extendable table, run the numbers with the extension in place, because that is the size that has to fit when you have guests round.
Check the chairs, not just the table
Wide, upholstered chairs need more room than slim ones, and a chair with arms needs about 4 inches more width per person. Choose a clearance setting one step roomier if you plan to use armchairs.
Limitations of This Estimate
The table sizes are based on typical seating spaces of around 24 inches per person. Some tables seat more or fewer people than their size suggests, depending on the legs and the chair design. Use the sizes as a starting point and check the seating figure on any table you buy.
The calculator assumes an open rectangular dining space. If the table sits in an L-shaped room, or against a wall or bench on one side, you will need less clearance on that side and can usually go up a size.
Frequently Asked Questions
A rectangular table 60 to 78 inches long and 36 to 40 inches wide, or a round table 48 to 60 inches across. At 72 inches long, six people sit comfortably with one at each end.
At least 36 inches between the table edge and the wall or other furniture, so chairs can be pulled out. Allow 42 inches if people need to walk behind seated guests, and 48 inches if it's a main walkway. A 72 × 40 inch table with 42 inches all round needs a room about 13 feet by 10 feet 4 inches.
Round tables suit square rooms and groups of up to six: everyone can see each other, and there are no corners. Rectangular tables suit long, narrow rooms and groups of six or more, and they're easier to extend for guests.
The rug should be at least 24 inches bigger than the table on every side, so chairs stay on it when pulled out. For a 72 × 40 inch table, that's an 8' × 10' rug.
Related Calculators
Rug Size Calculator
Find the rug size that keeps the chairs on the rug when they are pulled out.
Use the Rug Size CalculatorChandelier Size Calculator
Get the right chandelier diameter and hanging height for your table.
Use the Chandelier Size Calculator