What Size Pool Table Should I Buy?
The most common question buyers have when shopping for a pool table is, “What is the best pool table size to have?” The answer is more concerned with the location of your new pool table.
A pool table that is too large for a small room will be unplayable, and a pool table that is too small for a large space will feel and look unsatisfactory. Other factors to consider include who will be going to play on your new pool table and your individual skill level goals.
The room size determines your pool table size. A 7 foot pool table fits best in a room that is 11’3″x 14’6″ to 12’8″x 16′. An 8 foot pool table is better for a room measuring between 11’9″x 15′ and 13’2″x 16’9″. While a 9 foot pool table is best in a room measuring between 12’5″x 16’5″ and 13’9″x 17’10”.
Below, we will go in-depth on how to figure out the best size pool table for your home. This will help make the table playable while allowing it to add character to your room as well.
What is the Best Size Pool Table to Have?
The most essential step before purchasing a new pool table is measuring. Players have to have enough space to move around the entire table and change the direction of their cues without damaging other furniture pieces.
You won’t be able to play correctly if you put a large pool table in a small room. A small pool table in a large empty room would technically be okay, but your beautiful pool table will look a little weird. Unless, of course, you have other game tables in the room, then that’s fine.
Begin by measuring the available space for your pool table. Based on the size of your space and the cue length(s) you intend to play with, use the chart below to determine which size pool table is best for your space.
Pool Table Size Chart
Before you start shopping, get out your tape measure and make a note of the size and shape of your space. This will keep you from selecting a table with too many cues.
You don’t want to scratch your walls while playing pool! Use this graph to help you decide what size billiards worktop will look best in your room.
| Room Size | Cue Length | Table Size |
| 11’3” x 14’6” | 48” | 7’ Pool Table |
| 11’9” x 15’5” | 52” | 7’ Pool Table |
| 12’8” x 16’ | 57” | 7’ Pool Table |
| 11’9” x 15’ | 48” | 8’ Pool Table |
| 12’4” x 15’ | 52” | 8’ Pool Table |
| 13’2” x 16’9” | 57” | 8’ Pool Table |
| 12’5” x 16’5” | 48” | 9’ Pool Table |
| 12’10” x 17’ | 52” | 9’ Pool Table |
| 13’9” x 17’10” | 57” | 9’ Pool Table |
6 Foot Pool Tables
The 6-foot pool tables are perfect for saving space in residences, apartment complexes, busy arcades, and other relatively small spaces. These pool tables are ideal for casual play because they are narrower than most bar pool tables.
On a smaller table, kids and teens will find it easier to learn the rules of the game, particularly if you choose a multigame table for your home game room.
Choose a six ft. portable pool table for summer fun that you can bring with you on your weekend getaway. These small tables will astound you with their versatility and excitement.
7 Foot Pool Tables
Local bars with 7-foot tables are the most popular. So because billiard balls would then bunch into the clusters, you’ll need to break; playing on 7 ft pool tables requires a specific skill set.
One of the advantages of a 7-foot pool table is the ability to practice your skills. The 7-foot pool table fits easily into most spaces and is ideal for a first home pool table for informal play. If you’re looking to practice as a professional, you need a longer table.
If you don’t have enough area for a larger table, opt for a 7-foot pool table. It will be sufficient to buff off your cue stick anytime necessary. It’s not the ideal size for a pool table, but it’ll suffice for practice in your household, apartment, duplex, or townhouse.
8 Foot Pool Tables
The 8-foot pool table sits in the middle of the 7-foot and 9-foot pool tables. Your shots are mid-range, but you’ll need to tear out some clusters as well.
These tables are very popular in homes because they allow for flexibility and are suitable for home training for serious players or businesses looking to improve their customers’ experience.
8-foot pool tables are known as “tournament tables.” They’re the best size if you’re looking for a table to play (somewhat competitively) with your friends at home.
With these tables, you’ll get the best of all worlds, save some money, and still have time to practice each night if you want to!
9 Foot Pool Tables
If you intend to play competitively or enter tournaments, a 9-foot table is the best size. The 9 foot tables are the most common pool table size in pool halls and are the standard size for regulation tournaments. This is the equipment used by the big boys and girls.
There will be fewer clusters on a 9-foot billiards table, but your shots will be longer, making the game more challenging and skill-based.
Longer tables are always preferred by experienced players, especially when competing. This helps to keep the playing surface consistent.
Which Size of Pool Table is Best for a Playroom?
Experienced players always prefer larger tables, and there are those who start competing in bar leagues. Many of these players stick to a specific size to maintain a good playing surface.
Always remember to check that you have enough space for your cue stick! Trying to force things in a different place does not work, so choose a smaller table if necessary. This will ensure that the game runs smoothly. Otherwise, you risk popping holes in your walls with your cue stick; yes, that does happen!
What Size Pool Table is Most Popular?
The most popular size of pool table out there is the 7-foot pool table. “Regulation” makes reference to the geometrics of the playfield, which is precisely twice as long as it is wide (cushion nose to cushion nose).
A “Regulation Standard 8ft” table should measure 88 inches long and 44 inches wide. The dimensions of a 9ft Regulation table playfield are 100 inches long and 50 inches wide.
Any size table can be regarded “Regulation” as long as the length and width ratios are consistent with these measurements.
Is a 7ft Pool Table Too Small?
Eight-foot tables are generally regarded as “professional,” while seven-foot tables are considered “bar.” The larger size is recommended if you have the space because it typically offers a better game experience. On the other hand, a seven-foot table can be an incredible asset to a smaller room.
Is a 7ft or 8ft Pool Table Better?
In general, 8′ tables (8′ x 4′) are considered ‘professional,’ whereas 7′ tables (7′ x 3’6″) are considered ‘bar.’ If they have the space, most pool table buyers will choose the larger size because it provides a better playing experience.
Is a 6-foot Pool Table Worth It?
Yes, if that’s all you can fit inside your house! It is worthwhile to invest in a 6-foot pool table. After all, trying to play pool is preferable to not playing pool at all.
Smaller pool tables often prefer fewer balls, which means you won’t be learning how to play pool properly on them.
What Size Pool Table Do Professionals Use?
The pros play on nine-foot pool tables. Longer shots require more accuracy and speed control due to the larger size and often tighter pockets. This helps them develop an accurate stroke and regulation over the cue ball.
However, if you’re a professional and need the practice at home, but you can’t fit a 9-foot pool table n your space, that’s okay! You can always size down to the 8-foot pool table as it’s very similar to the 9.
How Much Room Do You Need Around a Pool Table?
How Far Does a Pool Table Need to be Away From the Wall?
The table should be placed in the center of the room to allow for uniform space around that. You will have difficulty positioning your cue stick at the correct angle without hitting the wall if you ever do not try and leave 5 feet of space around the table.
The other option would be to use a small cue stick, which is what most people despise.
Other things to do before trying to install your pool table are as follows:
- If you intend to hang light fixtures on the wall, allow for the recommended 10 feet of space both for the length and width of the table.
- If you want to put a rug in the pool room, get one that is non-slip and secure it in place before putting in a table.
Planning for the space around the pool table is essential if you want to enjoy your billiards game fully.
Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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