Work out what size tablecloth fits your table. Choose the shape, enter the table size and pick a short, lap, half or floor-length drop to get the exact tablecloth size you need plus the best standard size to buy or rent, with the real drop each stock size gives.
Last updated:
Your table
Table shape
Standard dining and banquet tables are 29–30 in (74–76 cm).
Drop
Drop style
Overhang on each side, from the table edge down.
Enter your values to see the result.
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How to use the Tablecloth Size Calculator
Choose the table shape and measure the top: diameter for round tables, length and width for rectangles and ovals.
Enter the table height if you want a floor-length cloth (most tables are 29–30 in).
Pick the drop: short for everyday dining, lap length for dinners, half drop, or floor length for events.
Read the size you need and the best standard size, then check the table to see how other stock sizes would hang.
Tablecloth size formula
Tablecloth = table size + 2 × drop
The drop is how far the cloth hangs below the edge of the table on each side. For floor-length cloths the drop equals the table height minus a small clearance, so the cloth just touches or clears the floor.
Drop style
Drop
Typical use
Short
6–8 in (15–20 cm)
Everyday dining, kitchen tables
Lap length
10–12 in (25–30 cm)
Dinner parties, restaurants
Half drop
about 15 in (38 cm)
Buffets with a table skirt, casual events
Floor length
29–30 in (74–76 cm)
Weddings, banquets, registration and display tables
Common tablecloth sizes for event tables
Table
Size
Lap / half drop
Floor length
4 ft banquet
48 × 30 in
60 × 84 in (half sides, 18 in ends)
90 × 108 in
6 ft banquet
72 × 30 in
60 × 102 in
90 × 132 in
8 ft banquet
96 × 30 in
60 × 120 in
90 × 156 in
48 in round (4–6 seats)
48 in
70 in round
108 in round
60 in round (8 seats)
60 in
90 in round
120 in round
72 in round (10 seats)
72 in
90–96 in round
132 in round
30 in cocktail (bar height 42 in)
30 in
60 in round
120 in round (bunched with a sash)
Tips for buying or renting linens
Measure the actual table. "6 ft" tables can be 72 × 30 in or 72 × 24 in, and rounds vary by an inch or two.
Allow for shrinkage. Cotton and linen cloths can shrink 3–5% when washed, so round up for natural fibers.
Layer for color. A floor-length base cloth with a smaller square overlay set at an angle adds color and protects the base.
Order spares for events: one or two extra cloths cover spills and last-minute tables.
Add twice the drop to each table dimension. Tablecloth width = table width + 2 × drop and length = table length + 2 × drop. For a round table, tablecloth diameter = table diameter + 2 × drop. A 72 × 30 in table with a 10 in drop needs a 50 × 92 in cloth.
How long should a tablecloth drop be?
For everyday dining a 6 to 8 inch drop is common, and 10 to 12 inches (lap length) looks more formal. A half drop is about 15 inches. For events and buffets the cloth usually goes to the floor, so the drop equals the table height, about 29 to 30 inches.
What size tablecloth for a 6 ft banquet table?
A 6 ft banquet table is 72 × 30 in. For a floor-length look use a 90 × 132 in cloth (about 30 in drop all round). A 60 × 102 in cloth gives a 15 in drop, and a 60 × 84 in cloth gives a 15 in drop on the sides and 6 in on the ends.
What size tablecloth for an 8 ft banquet table?
An 8 ft table is 96 × 30 in. A 90 × 156 in tablecloth reaches the floor on every side. A 60 × 120 in cloth gives a 15 in side drop and 12 in end drop, which is common for buffets with a skirt or for casual events.
What size round tablecloth for a 60 inch round table?
A 60 in round table, the standard 8-seat banquet round, takes a 120 in round tablecloth for floor length. A 90 in round cloth gives a 15 in half drop and a 70 in round gives a short 5 in drop.
Can I use a rectangular tablecloth on an oval table?
Yes, but the corners will hang lower than the sides. An oval cloth of the same size gives an even drop. Measure the oval table at its longest and widest points and use those as length and width.
What does it mean when a tablecloth puddles?
A puddled cloth is longer than the floor-length drop, so extra fabric pools on the floor. It is a deliberate look for decorative tables but can trip guests and servers, so for dining and buffet tables aim for a floor-length drop that just clears the floor.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
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