Standard Pool Table Sizes & Space Needed

  • By: Rob
  • Date: April 23, 2023
  • Time to read: 10 min.
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One of the most common questions surrounding pool is what is the standard pool table size or how big is a standard size pool table. 

There is no one definitive answer for this, as they come in all sizes. I think most of the time when these questions are asked, people are mainly concerned with what is the space required for pool table.

To sum it up, what is a standard pool table size?

The WPA doesn’t give us one, what they do give us is rules for the dimensions, with a 2:1 ratio being standard. Although no standard pool table size is stipulated, 7 ft, 8 ft and 9 ft are what are considered in the pool world as “standard”. 

Standard size for a pool table

Let’s take a deeper look at standard pool table sizes and what size room is needed to comfortably play for each table size, this will include all billard tables. I’ll also look at cue sizes for the rooms and space you have. Let’s get into this. 

What is the standard size of a pool table

There are quite a few pool table sizes out there, but only ones with the 2 to 1 ratio of length to width should be considered as a standard pool table size.

Because of this metric, if you want to know how big is a standard pool table, simply knowing the length of the side will let you know the full dimensions of the table

Popular regulation pool table size lengths that adhere to this metric. So, how big is standard pool table:

  • 6 ft (1.8 meters – UK tables)
  • 7 ft (2.1 meters – UK & USA tables)
  • 8ft pool table (2.4 meters – USA tables)
  • 8.5 ft (2.6 meters – USA tables)
  • 9 ft (2.7 meters – USA tables)

I wanted to answer what the size of pool tables are, to note there are other tables available for cue sports such as snooker and carom billiards but as they are not pool tables I didn’t include them.

7 foot pool table dimensions

It is also known as the bar table. While it is pretty easy to play games on the 3.5 ft wide board as a result of its shorter dimension, you should look out for issues like matted felt, dead rails, and congested balls while you take shots.

Naturally, the space required for a pool table of this size will be much less

8 foot pool table dimensions

What are the 8ft pool table dimensions? This is the most popular pool table size with dimensions 88 inches by 44 inches as length and breadth, respectively. Also called the standard 8ft, it is common in homes and used for 8 or 9 ball games.

As this is one of the most common pool tables in homes, this could be considered as a standard pool table size.

9 foot pool table dimensions

This is a large table and, most times, the standard size of pool table used for professional tournaments, there fore this could be considered a professional pool table size. 

This table requires better physical and athletic skills to play games on it successfully compared to the 8 ft table. 

It requires more effort to take controlled shots, and you need to understand how to play from different angles of the table.

The space required for pool table of this size will be much bigger than for the other tables.

Pool table sizes according to playing field

Although the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) does not specify a standard pool table size, it does stipulate the dimension for the playing field of a pool table. 

When we talk about the playfield or playing area, we mean the flat surface area between the end rails and sides of the table. 

The playfield is usually covered by a billiard cloth, otherwise known as the felt. Going by the WPA 2:1 ratio of length to breadth, we have the following dimensions in for the play filed of different pool table sizes.

  • 12-ft (snooker) – 140″ x 70″
  • 10-ft (Carom) – 112″ x 56″
  • 9-ft (Profectional) – 100″ x 50
  • 8-ft+ (standard+) – 92″ x 46″
  • 8-ft (standard) – 88″ x 44″
  • 7-ft+ (Smaller) – 78-82″ x 39-41″
  • 6-ft (Smaller+) – 70-74″ x 35-37″

Learn More…
Want to know how to correctly measure a table? I have written a detailed step-by-step article on how to do it.  Check it out if you want to learn more

Professional Pool Table Size

Only two out of the different pool table sizes are approved for professional gaming. The International Olympic committee and the World Pool-Billiards Association approved the 9 ft and 8 ft table sizes for professional games. 

Below are the features, which these tables must possess.

  • The 9 ft long table must be 4.5 ft wide and have a playing field of 100″ x 50″ (254 cm x 127 cm).
  • The 8 ft long table must be 4 ft wide with a playing field of 92″ x 46″ (234 cm x 117 cm).
  • A variance of inches (3.2mm) is allowed for either dimension of both types of tables.
  • The play-field must be rectangular and symmetrical, and pool table height must be of the rage 29.25 inches to 31 inches.
  • A table must have at least a 1-inch thick slate.
  • A professional pool table must have rail width and rubber cushions.

What are the dimensions of a professional pool table

A professional pool table is 9 ft in length and 4.5 ft in width. The playing surface is 9 ft long and 44.5 in wide. The table usually stands 30 in high, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer or model. Most tables have a green-colored baize (felt) covering on the playing surface.

Space required for a pool table

To ensure you have enough room, make sure there are at least a cue and a half measuring from all sides of the table to the wall. Any less and it might affect your game. Using this measurement should give you enough cueing space around the table. 

As a reference point, use tape on the floor to represent where the table will sit in the room, and take your measurement to the wall from there. 

The space needed for pool table has critical factors to consider when you plan on buying a pool table.

Your pool table room layout will play a big part in determining if your room has the space required for a pool table.

Not enough room and it will negatively affect your game

There are a number of things you can do to determine if your pool table room size has enough space to houses your new toy.

A lot of pool players become unhappy when they have to resort to shorter pool cues as a result of a tight spot in their homes.

Area needed for pool table

A table room size measurement could look like this:

A standard cue length of 58 inches long is used here. 

Work Out Room Length:

Table length + Cue length + Cue length + half a cue length + half a cue lenght  = Minimum Requirement for room length

Work out Room width:

Table width + Cue length + Cue length + half a cue length + half a cue lenght  = Minimum Requirement for room width

If your measurements fit within your room’s measurements then you know you will have enough space. 

If you measure out two cues from all sides of the table to the wall then you will be more comfortable in that space.

Learn More…
Are you thinking about buying a pool table, if so have you thought about how you will move it? If you are unsure why dont you check out my step-by-step guide on how to move a pool table without breaking the slate.

Room size for pool tables

Check out the table below which details the room size for pool tables:

I have just detailed the space needed for pool tables that have:

  • 7 foot pool table dimensions
  • 8 foot pool table dimensions
  • 9 foot pool table dimensions
TablePlaying-Field Area (Inches)Room Size (Feet,Inches)
7 foot38 in x 76 in17′ 65″ x 20′ 82″
8 foot44 in x 88 in18′ 15″ x 21′ 82″
9 foot50 in x 100 in18′ 65″ x 22′ 82″

If the available pool table room size space does not meet the above minimum requirements, it is still possible to have a pool table. 

In that case, shorter cues of 48″ or 52″ in place of the standard ones would help. 

Although most pool players are always unhappily adopting shorter pool cues for their tables but if you don’t have space then its something you have to do if you want to play comfortably.

English pool table room size

English pool tables are usually 6ft or 7ft in length. The 6ft pool table dimensions are 6ft x 3ft is the most commonly found in pool halls and pubs in the UK. 

The7ft pool table dimensions also use 2″ balls, while the coin-operated 6ft tables use 1 & 7/8 inch balls.

Since the English pool tables are smaller compared to the American, they have correspondingly smaller pockets and narrower jaw at the corner pockets.

Having completely different dimensions, the games tend to be slower and more tactical compared to games played on American-sized tables.

I wrote a great piece on the difference between American and English pool, I run through some of the main differences with the game and the equipment used. worth checking out if you are interested.

Below is a handy table detailing the space required for pool tables using different cue sizes.

A typical full-length cue for the English game is 57 inches.

English pool tables: Space needed for pool table according to cue length

Room size needed36″ Cue48″ Cue57″ Cue
6 ft Table14′ 33″ x 11′ 66″17′ 33″ x 14′ 66″19′ 57″ x 16′ 91″
7 ft Table15′ 33″ x 2′ 16″18′ 33″ x 15′ 16″20′ 58″ x 17′ 41″

The calculation made for the space required for pool tables based on cue length are:

Table length + 3 cue lengths = Room length size (Feet & inches) 

Table width + 3 cue lengths = Room width size  (Feet & inches) 

American pool table room size

American pool tables are larger starting from 7ft to 9.5ft in length.

With tables around the 8 ft make being more like a standard pool table size and the 9ft being more like professional pool table sizes.

American tables have wider pockets to accommodate the larger sized balls.

Shots are usually considered easier on American pool tables especially taking long shots along the cushions of American pool tables because their corner pockets are wide and accommodating.

But rather than opening at an angle, the pool table of American origin have the “straight cut” design, which is not as open as those of the UK.

It is not difficult to notice that the felt of American pool tables are usually fitted, thus making room for a faster game.

Faster tables and bigger pockets lead to more exciting games.

If you are looking to purchase a pool table and not sure if you have the space needed for pool table then check out this handy table.

Your pool table room layout is important and if you don’t have the room for full 58 inch cues then considered shorter cues might be an alternative.

Check the table below to consider which cue would be best suited to your room.

American pool tables: Space needed for pool table according to cue length

Room size needed43″ Cue48″ Cue57″ Cue
7 ft Table17′ 08″ x 13′ 91″18′ 33″ x 15′ 16″20′ 83″ x 17′ 66″
8 ft Table18′ 08″ x 14′ 41″19′ 33″ x 15′ 66″21′ 83″ x 15′ 66″
9 ft Table19′ 08″ x 14′ 91″20′ 33″ x 16′ 16″22′ 83″ x 18′ 66″

The calculation made for the space required for pool tables based on cue length are:

Table length + 3 cue lengths = Room length size (Feet & inches) 

Table width + 3 cue lengths = Room width size  (Feet & inches) 

What are the dimensions of a professional pool table

A professional pool table is 9 ft in length and 4.5 ft in width. The playing surface is 9 ft long and 44.5 in wide. The table usually stands 30 in high, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer or model. Most tables have a green-colored baize (felt) covering on the playing surface.

What size is a regulation pool table

A regulation pool table is 9 feet long, 4.5 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high. The playing surface of the table is cloth-covered and usually green in color. There are six pockets on the table, three on each side. The cue ball (white) and object balls (colored) are used to play the game.

Regulation pool tables are used in tournaments and in many pool halls.

 There are also smaller pool tables, sometimes called “pub” or “bar” size tables, that are 7 feet long and 3.5 feet wide. These tables are typically used for home recreation and informal games.

How wide is a standard pool table

It depends on what is meant by a standard pool table as pool tables come in multiple sizes and are all considered standard.

Popular different pool table sizes include  7 foot, 8 foot, and 9 foot. The most common size is the 8-foot table. So a standard pool table size could be considered 8 feet in length and 4 feet wide.

But another standard-sized pool table is the one used in tournaments and they are 9 feet long and 4.5 feet wide.

What size pool table do most people have in their homes

Most people have a 7 or 8 foot pool table in their homes. This is the most common size for a pool table.

It is big enough that most people can play on it, but it is still small enough to fit in most homes. If you are looking for a pool table, this is the size you should consider.

Is a 7 foot pool table too small

For most people, a 7-foot pool table is just the right size. However, for some people, a 7-foot table might be too small. If you’re planning on purchasing a pool table, it’s important to consider the size of the table and how it will fit in your home.

A 7-foot pool table is a perfect size for most people. It’s large enough to provide a good playing surface, but it’s also small enough to fit in most homes.

A 7-foot American pool table is the smallest of the standard-sized pool tables but it still provides a competitive and fun game.

Conclusion

How big is a pool table depends on a few factors, hopefully we answered that here and the space required for pool table.

Now you know that there is no stipulated standard pool table size. It all depends on what you want and how you want to enjoy the game. 

Whatever pool table sizes you have chosen, its length should be twice the size of the breath according to the WPA rule.

The available space in your room goes a long way in determining the pool table size that is the best fit for you.

As much as you are considering the table size, give an ample space for the pool stick you will use in cueing.

Many pool players believe that more cueing space between the butt of their pool cue and the wall gives rise to more exciting gameplay.  

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Rob is an avid player and fan of all cue sports, particularly 8-ball, and snooker. He has competed in a few local 8-ball tournaments and although he is not a professional, he can compete with the best of them.

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