Choosing the Right Size Pool Table for Your Room

If you’re planning to buy a pool table, one vital factor to consider is the size. Pool tables come in various sizes, and your choice may depend on your preferred type of play. However, before deciding, you should first know your own playing space, which is where you will keep the pool table.

A regulation-size pool table, usually one that measures exactly 4.5ft x 9ft, is often the top choice, even for amateur and leisure players. But if you want the same pool table size you see on TV competitions, can your space handle it?

Different Pool Table Sizes

Far too frequently, when people want a pool table for their homes, they are searching for a standard pool table size, which is between six and nine feet long. But often, the tables homeowners choose are referred to as “regulation pool table sizes,” confusing with the standard size.

So, let us make a distinction between the two:

• Regulation Pool Table Sizes: Since pool is an angle-based game, manufacturers must provide a consistent length-to-width ratio for both home and commercial pool tables. So, when it comes to regulation sizes, the billiards or pool table follows a 2:1 ratio. Therefore, if you have a regulation-size pool table, it is twice as long as it is broad. Based on this requirement, any size can be used as long as the specifications for the playing surface are accurate. For example, a 44-inch wide table should be 88 inches long to be deemed regulation.
• Standard Pool Table Sizes: A standard-size pool table is often used in homes, measuring 8ft x 4ft. The playing surface can be 88in x 44in, as well. The good thing about standard sizes is that they can be smaller and even custom-made, especially if you have limited space.

Aside from regulation and standard sizes, there are also other pool table sizes, including:

• Oversized Pool Tables: These tables are described as oversized eight-pool tables, usually called “pro-8.” They have a playing surface of 46in x 92in and 8.5ft in length. This variant is not as prevalent as other tables, especially for home use. However, a few amateur and professional leagues do use it, and it can also be designed specifically for residential game rooms.
• Standard Tournament Sizes: Some people want to stick with tournament tables, particularly those who may have plans to become a pro player one day. Tournament sizes are nine feet in length, identical to nine-foot regulation-sized tables. They are 4.5ft wide, following the 2:1 ratio. They can have different heights, typically ranging from 29.25 inches to 31 inches, but billiard competitions are held on a tournament-size table. Other requirements include at least one-inch thick slates and 4 to 7.5 inches of rail width.
• Pub Pool Table Sizes: Bar-sized pool tables are generally 7ft long. They are easily recognisable because they are coin-operated and, as the name suggests, are found in pubs or bars. As you can see, these tables are two feet shorter than tournament and regulation sizes. For this reason, they are not ideal for top-level players. However, if you are a casual player who does not have any interest in going pro, this pool table size and type may be a great addition to your entertainment area.

Playing on a non-standard pool table size, even for a few months on the regular, can make switching to a regulation-sized table a tad difficult. The measurements are incorrect, which may not give you the best experience. However, if you’re simply looking for a pool table to entertain guests or to pass the time, these cheaper alternatives may suit you. But don’t forget to consider the size of the room before you make the purchase.

Room Size vs Pool Table Size

So, what pool table size should you get? It isn’t that complicated, but it does involve a few steps to make the final determination:

• Check the Size of Your Room

Some may tell you to find the right table and measure it first. But we highly recommend that you know your room size and how much space is available. The room’s design will also dictate the type and size of the pool table to buy.

You will need extra space to move around comfortably, including for your shooting stroke. It also helps to measure the floor area, taking into account other players who may be in the same room as you.

Remember that you will lean down to make your shots, so there should be enough space for everyone as they wait their turn. Additionally, you should have storage space for the cue rack and perhaps the scoreboard as well.

• Choose the Pool Table

To recap, common pool table sizes range from six to nine feet long. Standard pool tables should have a 2:1 ratio to be deemed regulation sized. The pool tables should be 9ft long and 4.5ft wide for tournament size.

• Don’t Forget about Pool Cues

When selecting the pool size, you should also take the length of the cue. Many pool tables are supplied with medium-length sticks, which are 48 inches (122cm) long. They are great for adult players and children but may not be sufficient for taller players, who often perform well with a 57-inch cue (145cm) or the full-sized cue. You can also find a 54-inch cue (137cm).

Whatever the pool cue you choose for you and the other players, there should always be enough space to make shots from all angles. If you have a 57-inch cue, make sure that the stick will not bump the wall from any angle around the table’s playing surface.

With everything measured, here’s how you can calculate the space you require for your pool table:

1. Multiply the cue length by two. If you have a 122cm cue, you need 244cm of space for it.
2. Get the total playfield width. For example, the playfield width of a 7ft pool table is 91cm. American pool tables are about 100cm. Measure the table from the inside edges of the cushions.
3. Now, add the total playfield width to the total cue length to get the total minimum room width needed for your pool table. So, in the example above, you have 244cm + 91cm = 335cm.
4. Repeat the steps above but get the play surface length this time, measuring from cushion to cushion. In our case, the playfield length is 183cm for the same 7ft table.
5. Add the 244cm for the doubled cue length to get 427cm.
6. You now have the minimum room dimensions, specifically the width and length for your chosen table and chosen cue size.

Our Advice

We recommend that you allow 1.22m or 4ft around the pool table for comfortable manoeuvring around the pool table. However, your room should allow about 1.52m or 5ft around the table to maximise comfort. You can check our chart here to help you out with your decision.

Quedos will help you find the perfect pool table size for your room. We have a great selection of pool tables and even customise one for you. Give our team a call so we can build and design your pool table for your game room.