Find the Perfect Pool Table Dimensions For Your Game Room

In this guide to pool table dimensions, I’ll share the types such as standard, regulation, 6ft, 7ft, 8ft, and game room sizes. Creating an entertainment area at home goes beyond setting up a television or a home theater. If you want to add more dynamics to your space, installing a pool table is worth considering.

Stereotyped as a bar game, the game of pool is highly inclusive, where kids and amateurs can join. This sport promotes mental exercise and encourages bonding among friends and family. A billiards game is also an impressive addition to your game room man cave.  The sight of billiard tables, whether it’s for 8-ball or other variants, can elevate any room’s atmosphere.

But before going through the nitty-gritty of the design, like the quality of materials, you’ll have to decide on what size you need to get. The key elements that affect this decision are your playing skills, the number of people who will be using the table, and your available space. Read on as we explore the different sizes and characteristics of pool tables to guide you when purchasing.

Standard Pool Table Sizes

By American standards, professional game tournaments use a 9-foot pool table (100 x 50 inches). The standard pool table height is between 29 ¼ inches and 31 inches from the floor. But why this big?

For one, a large surface can affect the playing experience.  The balls spread well when breaking, thus amping up the game since they are way more challenging to shoot.  But also, a 9-foot table is better for television. 

Often shown on TV, covering a tournament is challenging on smaller surfaces.  With a 9-foot pool table, players can have more space to move around without blocking the camera, especially for close-up shots. If you are a professional player with the luxury of space, then this size is perfect for your practice.

A good rule-of-thumb for figuring out the optimum room size is simply adding 10 feet to the table size. – A Rookie’s Guide to Pool Table Maintenance and Repair, Mose Duane

The American standard pool table is bigger than its European counterpart, where the latter uses an 8-foot pool table for official tournaments and a 7-foot size for amateur leagues.  The billiard balls for American billiards games are slightly larger, too.  

However, not everyone can accommodate something this massive.  Less experienced players will also find it extremely difficult to enjoy the game. Fortunately, there are smaller regulation dimensions you can buy. 

Regulation Pool Table Measurements

Regulation pool table dimensions are proportional by following a 2:1 ratio to provide you with an excellent gaming experience.  This means the table length is twice its width. They can be used at home or installed in commercial spaces like sports bars and other recreational areas.

Although most manufacturers follow regulation dimensions, it is important to double-check if you are getting the correct size.

6 Foot Table

Significantly smaller than the American tournament table, a 6-foot pool table is fit for amateurs and children.  Convenient for those with limited space, this table measures 6 feet by three feet.

Despite its smaller size, it still provides a satisfactory gaming experience, as long as you adjust your play for the other variables, such as the rack and pockets accordingly. This measurement, more common in the UK, is a slate of choice for many players.

Given its size, some players may find the playing field too narrow for a decent game of billiards.  But this actually adds more dynamics to the game.

The awkward angles when taking shots with your cue provide good practice in refining your skills.

Many 6-footers are portable, too. This feature makes it easier to set them aside when not in use or bring them anywhere.

Portable game products are made from melamine with metal folding legs and weigh around 200 lbs.

Do note that the billiard balls of this size are lighter than usual.  So, if you plan to turn professional, it is better to consider the other larger dimensions instead.  However, this measurement choice is just right for fun and games, especially for kids.

7 Foot Table

Is a 6-foot pool table too small for you, but you’re not ready to invest in professional tables?  If you have more room to spare, you can enjoy a slightly advanced yet still fun game on a larger surface.

Typically referred to as the ‘bar size’ or ‘bar box,’ a 7-foot pool table (7ft by 3.5ft) is perfect for a casual game or the amateur leagues.  They are frequently found in sports bars and lounges and are sometimes coin-operated.  With this around, you can practice at home and turn up ready at your favorite sports bar.

A common challenge for smaller-sized playing surface is the balls cluster more often compared to larger units.  That said, you end up spending more time breaking the balls before taking shots. 

On the upside, they are nearer to the pocket holes, making it a player’s choice to aim and shoot.

8 Foot Table

The 8-foot pool table is the most popular dimension among homeowners.  Amateurs with the right amount of skills and professionals can play here,  mastering the art of ball placement and handling the cue.

Measuring exactly 8 feet long by 4 feet wide, it balances comfort and game difficulty.  The balls do not cluster as much as on a smaller surface and still provide an intermediate difficulty level when taking shots.

For these reasons, the 8-foot design is a favorite for unofficial game tournaments.  Training on this table dimension makes switching to other sizes easier, too.

Billiard Room Dimensions

The general rule is to allow at least five feet of clearance space around the pool table to ensure comfort.  That said, keep in mind the length of your cues as well.

The standard length of a pool cue is 57 to 58 inches.  If you or any of the users are shorter, consider buying shorter cue sticks, too.  Ensure you have enough space to move around without your cue stick hitting the wall. You’ll also want the room where cue sticks can rest, and possibly other storage, or a home bar with bar stools.

Below are the following minimum room dimensions for each pool table.

6-foot model room dimension:

• 58” cue: 15’3” x 12’8”

• 52” cue: 14’3” x 11’8”

• 48” cue: 13’3” x 10’8” 

7-foot model room dimension:

• 58” cue: 16’2” x 12’11”

• 52” cue: 15’2” x 11’11”

• 48” cue: 14’2” x 10’11”

8-foot model room dimension:

• 58” cue: 17’ x 13’4”

• 52” cue: 16’ x 12’4”

• 48” cue: 15’ x 11’4”

9-foot model room dimension:

• 58” cue: 18’ x 13’10”

• 52” cue: 17’ x 12’10”

• 48” cue: 16’ x 11’10”

Complete your entertainment set-up with a home bar and other man cave ideas depending on the room size.