The size of poker table you want comes down to how many people play and how much floor you have. The table itself is only part of it: every player needs room to pull a chair out, and someone always needs to get past to the fridge. These are the standard sizes by seat count and the room each one takes.
Quick answer: for 8 to 10 players, get a full-size oval 84 to 96 in long and 42 to 48 in wide. For 6 to 8, a 72 to 84 in oval. For 4 to 6, a 60 to 72 in oval or a 48 in round or octagon. Leave at least 3 ft (36 in) of clear floor on every side for chairs, so a 96 x 48 in table needs a room of at least 14 x 10 ft and an 84 x 42 in table 13 ft x 9 ft 6 in.
| Players | Table | Size |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 | Full-size oval | 84 to 96 x 42 to 48 in |
| 6 to 8 | Medium oval | 72 to 84 x 36 to 44 in |
| 4 to 6 | Compact oval | 60 to 72 x 32 to 36 in |
| 4 to 8 | Round | 48 to 60 in across |
| 6 to 8 | Octagon | 48 to 58 in across |
How much room each table needs:
| Table | Minimum room (3 ft clear) | Comfortable (3 ft 6 in clear) |
|---|---|---|
| 48 in round or octagon | 10 x 10 ft | 11 x 11 ft |
| 60 in round | 11 x 11 ft | 12 x 12 ft |
| 66 x 44 in oval | 11 ft 6 in x 9 ft 8 in | 12 ft 6 in x 10 ft 8 in |
| 84 x 42 in oval | 13 ft x 9 ft 6 in | 14 ft x 10 ft 6 in |
| 96 x 48 in oval | 14 x 10 ft | 15 x 11 ft |
Oval sizes by seat count are from Sawyer Twain's sizing guide; round and octagon sizes, the 28 to 30 in table height, the 36 in clearance and the room sizes are from Pool Table Portfolio's poker table guide. The 48 in row is calculated the same way: the table plus 72 in each way for the minimum, plus 84 in for comfortable.
How to work out what fits
- Measure the room wall to wall in both directions, then measure again around anything that sticks out: a radiator, a bar, a sofa back or a door that swings in.
- Take 6 ft off each measurement. What is left is the largest table that fits with 3 ft for chairs on every side.
- If people walk behind the seated players to reach a bar or a door, allow 42 to 48 in on that side instead of 36 in.
- Count the players you have most weeks, not the most you've ever had. A 10-seat table with five people on it leaves long reaches to the pot; a folding top can cover the big nights.
- Check the height. Most poker tables are 28 to 30 in to the playing surface, the same as a dining table, so ordinary dining chairs work. Some tournament tables stand taller at the padded rail.
Sawyer Twain suggests a 14 x 18 ft room for a full-size table and 12 x 16 ft for a medium one. That is more than the 3 ft minimum, and it is a good target if the poker table shares the room with a bar or a TV area.
What to buy
| Pick | Key specs | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Barrington 10-Player Poker Table Full-size, folding | 84 x 42 x 30 in; folds to 42 x 42 x 5 in; 66 lb; steel cup holders | A full-size oval that folds in half to store |
| Costway 48 in Octagon Poker Table Top Table top, 8 players | 48 x 48 in, 0.6 in thick, 14.2 lb; cup holder and chip tray at each seat; carry case | Turns a dining table into an 8-seat game for under $100 |
| BBO Aces Pro Alpha Tournament, 10 players | 96.5 x 48 in; 82.5 x 36⅛ in playing surface; 32.5 in to top of rail; adjustable legs | Casino size for a room set aside for poker |
Barrington specs are from its Walmart listing ($249 at the time of writing), the Costway top's from Target ($88.99) and the Aces Pro Alpha's from Sawyer Twain ($1,999). Check the listing before you buy, since sizes vary by model year.
Chairs and lighting
Armless chairs fit more players around an oval than armchairs do, and casters make it easier to get up without scraping the next player. Hang the light over the middle of the table, low enough that it lights the felt and not the players' eyes; one long fixture covers an oval better than a single pendant.
Poker table size FAQ
What size is a standard poker table?
A full-size table for 8 to 10 players is an oval 84 to 96 inches long and 42 to 48 inches wide, and stands about 28 to 30 inches high.
How much room do you need for a poker table?
Add 6 feet to the table's length and width, which leaves 3 feet of clear floor on every side for chairs. A 96 x 48 inch table needs a room at least 14 x 10 feet, and an 84 x 42 inch table needs 13 feet x 9 feet 6 inches.
What size poker table do you need for 6 players?
A compact oval 60 to 72 inches long and 32 to 36 inches wide seats 4 to 6, and a 48 to 60 inch round table seats 4 to 8. A 48 inch round needs a room about 10 feet square, and a 72 x 36 inch oval about 12 x 9 feet.