Pool tables come in a variety of sizes, so there is a size to fit just about any space, but if you’re looking to play on a regulation table or something close, you’re going to need a lot of space.
So, what size room for a pool table? The minimum size room you need for a pool table depends on the size of the pool table and the length of the cue that you use. For a regulation size pool table with a standard size cue, you would need a room that is at least 18.7 feet long and 14.2 feet wide.
For more detailed information on how to determine how much space you need for your pool table, continue reading. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly what size space you need for your pool table.
How to Determine How Much Space You Need for a Pool Table
Pool tables need much more space than you might think. You need room on all sides of the table to play without bumping into people or furniture or putting a hole in your wall.
For more information on setting up your pool table space, you should go to our post How Far Should a Pool Table be From the Wall.
Step One: Get Your Information
To figure out how much room you need for your pool table, you’re going to need to know:
- The length and width measurements of your pool table: Most pool tables come at between 3.5 and 4.5 feet wide and 7 to 9 feet long.
- The length of your pool cue: Pool cues are generally between 57 and 61 inches long.
- What you want to use the space for: If you want extra space around the pool table for storage, tables, or people to hang out, you’ll need to add extra space around one or two sides of the table.
Step Two: Do the Math
The math isn’t hard. It is all basic arithmetic, but it might be nice to have a calculator handy.
- First, you need to convert the length and width measurements into inches. If your pool table is 4 feet by 8 feet, you would need to multiple 4 and 8 by 12 to get the measurements in inches (48 inches by 96 inches).
- Now multiple the length of the cue you intend to use by 2. If you’re using a 58-inch cue, that would mean 116 inches.
- Add that number (116) to the length and width of the pool table. In this case, it would be 116+48 and 116+96. You would get 164 inches by 212 inches.
- You can put these numbers back into feet by dividing by 12. This would give you 13.7 feet by 17.7 feet.
- Add additional feet if you want to add furniture or space to socialize around your pool table.
This is the minimum amount of space we would recommend for having around a pool table.
So, How Much Space Do You Need?
If you’re a little fuzzy on the math, don’t worry. We’ve put together this handy chart for you to refer to. It will tell you how much space you need for your pool table at a minimum. We recommend adding a few inches or even a foot on each side if you’re looking for a more comfortable playing experience.
| Table Size | Minimum Room Size |
| 7 Foot | 16’ 8” x 13’ 6” |
| 8 Foot | 17’4” x 13’11” |
| 8 Foot Pro | 17’9” x 14’1” |
| 9 Foot | 18’4” x 14’6” |
If you’re thinking of picking up a pool table for whatever space you have, you should check out our post 11 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Used Pool Table.
In Summary
The more space you have, the better off you’ll be, especially if you plan on your pool table being your central entertainment space. But we don’t all have the spare square footage in our homes for it. If you don’t have a room that is large enough for the 9-foot regulation pool table, it is better to go with something smaller than trying maneuver around the table without knocking anything with the cue.