Baizewick guide
Pool table sizes: 6ft, 7ft, 8ft and 9ft compared
The size in a pool table’s name is a rough length class, not an exact measurement. Compare playing areas, then add a cue length on every side to find the room you need.
What the size name means
A “7ft table” describes the size class of the table, roughly the length of its bed. The playing area, measured between the cushion noses, is smaller, and the cabinet is larger. Makers vary, so two 7ft tables can differ by several centimetres.
Use the playing area to work out cue clearance and room size. Use the cabinet dimensions to check doors, the delivery route and walkways.
Pool table size chart
| Size | Nominal size | Room with full cues | With a 48-inch cue on one side |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6ft pool table | 1.83 m × 0.91 m | 4.77 m × 3.85 m 15ft 8in × 12ft 8in | 4.52 m long |
| 7ft pool table | 2.13 m × 1.07 m | 5.07 m × 4.01 m 16ft 8in × 13ft 2in | 4.82 m long |
| 8ft pool table | 2.44 m × 1.22 m | 5.38 m × 4.16 m 17ft 8in × 13ft 8in | 5.13 m long |
| 9ft US pool table | 2.74 m × 1.37 m | 5.68 m × 4.31 m 18ft 8in × 14ft 2in | 5.43 m long |
Room sizes add a 1.47 m (57–58 inch) cue on every side of the nominal size. Real playing areas are a little smaller, so these figures err on the side of more space.
American table playing areas
American pool tables are commonly quoted by playing area. The 9ft tournament table has a playing area of 100 × 50 inches (2.54 × 1.27 m). Smaller American tables have no single standard: 8ft and 7ft playing areas vary from maker to maker, and “8ft” sometimes covers an oversized 8ft table. Always read the playing area from the specification.
English and American balls
| Game | Object balls | Cue ball |
|---|---|---|
| English pool (reds and yellows) | 2 in (about 51 mm) | Often 1⅞ in (about 48 mm) on pub tables with ball return |
| American pool (spots and stripes) | 2¼ in (about 57 mm) | 2¼ in, the same as the object balls |
| Snooker | 52.5 mm | 52.5 mm |
Pockets are cut to suit the balls, so you cannot simply swap ball sets between table types. Read English vs American pool for the full comparison.
Table height
Most pool tables stand with the bed at about 74–80 cm (29–31 inches) from the floor. Children may struggle at full height, but standing them on chairs is a fall risk, so a smaller table suits young players better.
Which size suits your home?
- 6ft: fits more rooms and suits children and casual play. Many pub-style and multi-game tables are this size.
- 7ft: the standard English pub and league size. The best all-rounder for most UK games rooms.
- 8ft: a popular American home size. Needs a large room.
- 9ft: the American tournament size. Needs a dedicated room and usually a slate bed.
Not sure? Run your room through the room size checker, then check the route in with the delivery route checker.
Weight grows with size
Bigger tables have bigger, heavier beds. Slate tables commonly weigh several hundred kilograms, while MDF tables are much lighter. Check the assembled weight in the specification, and see slate vs MDF before choosing.
Common mistakes
- Measuring the room for the nominal size instead of adding cue clearance.
- Comparing one maker’s playing area with another’s cabinet size.
- Buying American balls for an English table, or the reverse.
- Forgetting the cabinet still has to get through the door.
Questions
What is the most common pool table size in the UK?
The 7ft English pool table, the size found in most pubs and leagues. 6ft tables are also common at home.
How big is a 7ft pool table?
As a planning value about 2.13 m × 1.07 m. The exact playing area varies by maker, so check the specification.
What size room do I need for a 6ft pool table?
About 4.77 m × 3.85 m with full-length cues on every side, as a planning value. A shorter cue on one side reduces this.
Is a 9ft pool table too big for a house?
For most UK homes, yes. It needs a clear room of roughly 5.68 m × 4.31 m.