Buying a pool table for yourself or as a gift, or for your business, is an investment of time and money. There are so many factors to research before you can actually purchase a billiards table, including finding a table that fits your space properly. Measuring a pool table correctly isn’t as straight forward as measuring for other furniture pieces. Rather than guessing and hoping you measured correctly, let’s take a look at the proper steps to measuring for a pool table. Taking the right steps now will save you a lot of frustration in the future.
Measuring A Pool Table
The first thing you’ll need in a standard tape measure, a pencil, and a piece of paper. It’s easier to visualize a pool table in your game room on paper. You’re more likely to remember your notes if you write them by hand. Modern pool tables are inconsistent with sizing, due to slate size, cushion height, and leg length. This discrepancy is usually noted in a pool table’s description and details in an online listing. For instance, a standard 8’ pool table usually measures 44” x 88” while a Pro 8’ measures 46”x 92”. Pro size 8’ tables are standard for antique and some antique-style tables.
| Typical Pool Table Sizes |
| Size Name Length Actual Measurement |
| Bar Size 7’ 39” X 78” |
| Standard 8’ 44” X 88” |
| 8’ Pro / Antique 8.5’ 46” X 92” |
| Tournament 9’ 50” X 100” |
To measure a table you already own, or a table you are contemplating buying, take your take measure and measure between cushion ends on the short side of the table. Always write down your measurements immediately. Do not measure underneath the cushion, inside pockets, or include any extra décor in your measurements. Next, measure the length of the pool table.
A pool table’s length is typically double the width, but it’s always best to measure to be 100% positive. The length X the width is the full measurement of the pool table.
Shopping for pool tables in person can also give you an idea of how big you want your pool table to be, even if you plan on purchasing a pool table online.
Measuring Your Space
Before you make the mistake of buying a too-big pool table, take the time to measure your game room. A too-big pool table crammed into a space will be unusable. A too-small table in a large, empty room will look and feel silly. Gaming furniture serves a double purpose as lifestyle furniture and entertainment pieces, so it’s important that game tables fit properly.
This chart shows you how much space you need for most home pool table sizes, but does not account for other furniture.
| Pool Table Size | Min Room Size | Actual Playing surface |
| 7 foot | 16′ x 13′ | 39.5″ x 79″ |
| 8 foot | 17′ x 13′ 6″ | 44″ x 88″ |
| 8 Pro | 18′ x 14′ | 46″ x 92″ |
| 9 foot | 18′ 6″ x 14′ 6″ | 50″ x 100″ |
It’s much easier to determine what size pool table will fit best after you’ve measured the space. With your room measurements taken, other decisions, like pool cue length and playing space are practically decided for you. If you need more help measuring your game room, check out our pool table spacing guide.
Now you know whether that vintage pool table you picked up at an estate sale will actually fit in your home game room! There’s nothing more satisfying than completing a project like setting up your ultimate game room. Get your friends together for a classic night of billiards and your favorite drinks. You’ll find everything you need to complement your game room in our full catalogue, including extras for your billiards table.
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