Room Size For Pool Table

While getting the right room size for pool tables involves many factors, space is still the primary consideration. The following is a general guide. The room sizes here are the minimum requirements.

Suggested Space for Pool Tables

A pool table measuring 3.5′ x 7′     needs a minimum space of 16′ 8" x 13′ 6". The actual playing surface is 39.5" x 79". For 4′ x 8′ pool tables, the space needed is 17′ 4" x 13′ 11" (playing surface is 44" x 88") and for a 4.25′ x 8.5′ table the space required is 17′ 9" x 14′ 1" (46" x 92" playing surface). A pool table measuring 4.5′ x 9′ needs 18′ 4" x 14′ 6" of room (playing surface is 50" x 100").    

Those setting up room sizes for pool tables often use the 4.5′ x 9′ (the Regulation Size Pool Table). Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to use this table. The standard two piece cues are 58 inches. At the very least the room size has to be the table length and twice the cue’s length. The width needed is the width of the table and 2x the length of the cue.

An Example

Suppose you have a room 16 ft 8 in by 14 ft (200 x 168 inches; L x W). To determine the room size for pool tables, keep in mind the cue is 58 niches. That’s 116 inches for the pool sides. The room length minus the 116 inches is 84 inches. This is for the pool table’s length.

The width is 168 inches, but subtracting the cue length twice, you get 52 inches. So this means the pool table can be 52 inches wide. So for a 16 ft 8 in x 14 ft room, the ideal pool table size is 84” x 52”, or a 7 foot table. Other tables are 8 ft, 8 ½ and 9 ft long.

Using Shorter Cues

Remember that the room size for pool tables stated here is applicable with 58 inch cues only. If space is limited, you can use a smaller cue. The short cues vary in length, but some are as small as 36 inches. Some are also available in 48 or 52 in variants. A short cue is also handy if there is a load bearing pole in the area.

Tips and Warnings

Try to be precise with your room measurements; making a mistake will prove costly. You also have to make space for any paraphernalia you want to include. An area for spare balls, additional cues etc have to be considered too.

Assuming you play 9 ball, you’ll need to have a ball tray and score keeper. Cue racks are either wall mounted or floor standing. If space is limited, the wall mounted racks are the better option.

It takes time to get the room size for pool tables right. If you plan on adding another pool table in the future, you need to account for them as well.