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How Much Space Do You Need For A Pool Table?

The amount of space you need for a pool table varies based on the size of the table and the cue you use. A standard regulation size pool cue is 57 – 58 inches long so lets assume that’s what you’ll be using. Pool tables come in three standard sizes each requiring a different size room. Seven Foot Bar Box Style Tables are 3.5′ x 7′ with a playing area of 38″ x 76″. They require a minimum room size of 13′ x 16′. Eight Foot Tables are 4′ x 8′ with a playing area of 44″ x 88″. They require a minimum room size of 13′ 6″ x 17′. Nine Foot Pro Style Tables are 4.5′ x 9′ with a playing area of 50″ x 100″. They require a minimum room size of 14′ x 18′.

Keep in mind these measurements are the minimum amount of space you need for a pool table. It’s always better to have more room around the table to be comfortable shooting and a few stools are a good idea. I always recommend adding at least another two feet around the table for chairs and shooting room.

The amount of space you need for a pool table can vary from person to person depending on their stance, height and overall comfort. A good idea is to mock up the space where you plan on putting the table. Measure and mark off the area where the table will sit and position a chair at the edge. Take your standard pool playing stance over the chair and stroke a few times. This will help you determine the amount of space you comfortably need around the edges of the table to shoot.

how much space do you need for a pool table infographic 1

Variables

The measurements listed above and in the chart below are the minimum room dimensions you need to fit a pool table. But they’re not absolute sizes. Lots of things can effect the amount of space you need to not only fit the table but also be comfortable. Here are a few things to consider.

  • The amount of people you play with matters. If you shoot alone you won’t need as much room as if you play with a bunch of friends.
  • Don’t forget accessories like seating and racks for your cues.
  • Columns count as walls. This is a very common issue when putting a pool table in a basement with support columns.
  • If you plan on installing some light fixtures on the walls then make sure to account for them with your measurements. The minimum space requirements are from the edge of the pool table to the wall or anything protruding from the wall.

I generally recommend adding at least another 2 feet around the pool table to the minimum measurements. A few extra feet makes shooting more comfortable and gives people room to move around the table comfortably and sit.

What If The Room’s To Small For A Pool Table?

A bigger pool table is not always better. Having the right amount of space around the table so you can comfortably shoot is a must. It’s better to have a smaller table with enough room around it to shoot than trying to squeeze a large table in a small room.

How Far Should A Pool Table Be From The Wall?

How much space do you need around a pool table? This is the distance between the edge of the pool table and the wall, pole or things protruding away from the wall.

As a general rule of thumb, a pool table should be about 4-5 feet away from the wall. This is the minimum distance that will allow you to shoot without hitting the wall. But it’s a tight measurement for some very tall players. And it won’t be enough to shoot and have someone walk behind you.

A simple calculation is adding about 10 feet of space to the pool table’s dimensions. Add it to both the table’s length and width. This will give you the minimum room size you need for your table.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a pool table that’s too big for your room. Pool tables come in three main sizes, 7 foot, 8 foot and 9 foot. If you’re building a new house, it’s much easier to size the room around a big table. But if you’re buying a pool table for an existing room, make sure you size the table to fit the room.

Pool Cue Plus

Another way to determine how far a pool table should be from the wall is using a pool cue. The standard pool cue is 57-58 inches long. If that’s what you use, add 57-58 inches to each side of the table. This will give you the minimum distance you need. If you use longer cues add more space and less for short cues. But in general I always figure for longer cues in case a friend comes over that uses one. 60 inches is a good rule of thumb which is 5 feet.

How Much Room Do You Need For A 7 Foot Pool Table?

The minimum amount of space you need around a 7 foot table to comfortably play is a 13′ x 16′ foot room or 156″ x 192″. I prefer at least 5 feet of room to be safe so a room 13′ 6″ x 17′ is better.

How Much Room Do You Need For An 8 Foot Pool Table?

The minimum amount of space you need around an 8 foot table to comfortably play is a 13’6″ x 17′ foot room or 162″ x 204″. I prefer at least 5 feet of room to be safe so a room 14′ x 18′ is better.

How Much Room Do You Need For A 9 Foot Pool Table?

The minimum amount of space you need around a 9 foot table to comfortably play is a 14″ x 18′ foot room or 168″ x 216″. I prefer at least 5 feet of room to be safe so a room 14′ 6″ x 19′ is better.

Fnsy pool table next to support columns. Gray felt.

Pool table next to support columns. Poles count towards the room size you need for a pool table.

What To Do If A Pole Is In The Way

The amount of room you need to fit a pool table is measured from the edge of the table to the wall or anything protruding from the wall. This includes poles. If there’s a pool too close to the table you only have two options.

  • The first option is moving the pole. Poles are typically there to support beams which are load bearing. If you want to move the pole you’ll need to install a stronger beam that can span the distance you gained by moving the pole. Steel or engineered beams are usually a good choice. Consult with an engineer or architect and they can design the new beam, posts and footings for you.
  • Your second option is using shorter cues around the poles. A lot of great pool players shoot with shorter cues when they have to. A shorter cue enables them to maneuver around poles and other obstacles with as little as 24 inches of clearance. Short cues come in a variety of sizes like 36 inches, 48 inches and 52 inches. It’s not ideal, but it works.

Trouble shooter cues are a great choice if you have a pole in the way. They’re weighted at the front to feel like full size cues when you hit the ball. The stroke is different but when you strike the ball it feels the same because of the extra mass. Short cues range from 36 inch to 52 inch.

36 Inch cues are generally meant for kids so I’d buy a Trouble Shooter if you need something that short. A kids cut is too light and feels off when you strike the ball.

Pool Table Gallery

Here’s a small gallery filled with some of my favorite pool tables. Hopefully you can get an idea of the amount of space you need to fit a pool tables from the pics.

Beautiful gray wood pool table with gray cover. Carpet flooring.

Beautiful gray wood pool table with gray cover. Carpet flooring.

Wood pool table with tan felt. Wood floors with columns and ceiling beams.

Wood pool table with tan felt. Wood floors with columns and ceiling beams.

Modern wood pool table with gray legs. Red brick accent wall.

Modern wood pool table with gray legs. Red brick accent wall.

Classic pool table with green felt and black rails.

Classic pool table with green felt and black rails.

Ornate wood pool tables with gray felt.

Ornate wood pool tables with gray felt.

Basement pool table with green felt and wood legs. Pocket tassels.

Basement pool table with green felt and wood legs. Pocket tassels.

Basement pool table with support poles. Carpet flooring. Green felt with wood legs.

Basement pool table with support poles. Carpet flooring. Green felt with wood legs. The room size needed for this 9 foot table is measured from the edge of the table to the columns, walls and anything protruding from the walls like the cue rack.

Summary: How Much Room Do You Need For A Pool Table?

The amount of space you need for a pool table varies based on the size of the table and the cue you use. A standard regulation size pool cue is 57 – 58 inches long so lets assume that’s what you’ll be using. Pool tables come in three standard sizes each requiring a different size room. Seven Foot Bar Box Style Tables are 3.5′ x 7′ with a playing area of 38″ x 76″. They require a minimum room size of 13′ x 16′. Eight Foot Tables are 4′ x 8′ with a playing area of 44″ x 88″. They require a minimum room size of 13′ 6″ x 17′. Nine Foot Pro Style Tables are 4.5′ x 9′ with a playing area of 50″ x 100″. They require a minimum room size of 14′ x 18′.

Keep in mind these measurements are the minimum amount of space you need for a pool table. It’s always better to have more room around the table to be comfortable shooting and a few stools are a good idea. I always recommend adding at least another two feet around the table for chairs and shooting room.

The amount of space you need for a pool table can vary from person to person depending on their stance, height and overall comfort. A good idea is to mock up the space where you plan on putting the table. Measure and mark off the area where the table will sit and position a chair at the edge. Take your standard pool playing stance over the chair and stroke a few times. This will help you determine the amount of space you comfortably need around the edges of the table to shoot.

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