How Big Pool Table Should I Buy: A Pool Table Sizing Guide for the Home Game Room

  • By: Tim
  • Time to read: 5 min.
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How Big Pool Table Should I Buy?

When buying a pool table, size is an important consideration. But how do you know how big table should I buy?

One should consider a few things when selecting the proper size pool table.


First, you need to think about the space you have available. For example, if you have a large game room, you’ll probably want a standard-size pool table. But if your area is limited, you may want to consider a smaller table.

You also need to think about who will be playing on the table. For example, if you have a family with small children, you’ll want to ensure the table is the right size for them. And if you’re planning to use the table for professional competitions, you’ll need to ensure it meets the regulation size.

Pool Table Sizes

There are a variety of pool table sizes, from tiny tabletop tables all the way up to professional tournament 9′ size tables. This guide will focus on the three most common sizes for a good at-home game room playing experience.

A quick note about what “regulation” means as it relates to pool table size:

A regulation pool table is any size pool table that has a size ratio of 2:1. It must be exactly twice as long as it is wide.

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7ft Pool Table

A 7ft pool table is commonly referred to as a bar size and is typically 78″ x 39″. This size is suitable for a smaller home game room.

8ft Pool Table

An 8ft pool table is commonly referred to as a standard size pool table and is typically 88″ x 44″. This is the most common size in home rec rooms or game rooms.

9ft Pool Table

A 9ft pool table is commonly referred to as a tournament size pool table and is typically 100″ x 50″. This is the table the game of pool was invented on and is still the size used in professional tournaments.


Now that we know the best pool table size options for a home game room let’s look at the minimum room size for each pool table.

What Is the Minimum Room Size for My Pool Table?

Or… What Is the Maximum Size Pool Table I Can Comfortably Fit In My Game Room?

A quick disclaimer:

The following guidelines are for rooms sized to fit only pool tables aka a billiards room. If you want to add other games or furniture to your game room you need to plan accordingly.

When you’re in the market for a pool table, you might wonder how to choose the right size for your room. Luckily, there’s a simple equation that can help. First, remember that the minimum length and width of your space should equal the table’s playing surface length and width plus twice the length of the longest cue you plan to use.

So if you have a smaller room, you might want to consider a smaller table.

And if you have a larger room, you might be able to go for a bigger table. But whatever size table you choose, just make sure you have enough space to shoot some pool.

Pool Table Sizing Equation

  • Room Min. Length = table playing surface length + (cue length x 2)
  • Room Min. Width = table playing surface width + (cue length x 2)

Pool Table Sizing Chart

Table SizeRoom Size Required
(with 58″ Cues)
Room Size Required
(with 52″ Cues)
Room Size Required
(with 48″ Cues)
7ft Table

39″ x 78″
13’ 6″ x 16’ 8″13′ x 16’ 2″2’ 8″ x 15’ 10″
8ft Table

44″ x 88″
13’ 11″ x 17′ 4″13’ 5” x 16′ 10″13’ 1″ x 16′ 6″
9ft Table

50″ x 100″14’ 6” x 18’ 4”14’ x 17’ 10”13’ 8” x 17’ 6”How big pool table to buy

Once you’ve considered the space available and decided how big pool table to get, there are still a few other factors you should consider when buying a pool table.

Other Pool Table Options to Consider

When you have decided on the perfect size pool table for your at home game room, there are still a few others you should consider to ensure they are getting the best playing experience possible. We will briefly touch on those below.

Pool Table Playing Surfaces

There are many different options when it comes to a pool playing surface. While a slate pool table is usually considered the best, the choices might be better for you depending on various personal factors.

Slate Pool Table

Pool tables with slate tops have a variety of benefits over those with other materials. Slate’s ability to be leveled quite precisely (to within.0001-or one ten-thousandth of an inch) makes it ideal for this application, in addition to its strength and durability.

Slate pool tables are the greatest for achieving that goal since they maintain the playing surface level, which is crucial in a game where location is everything. Slate pool tables also prevent the balls from rolling erratically.

Wood Pool Table

A wood pool table is typically made from medium density fiberboard (MDF), and while these tables are less expensive, they are known to warp in non-temperature controlled environments.

If you are only going to be playing pool casually with friends and family and doing it indoors, you may want to consider an MDF pool table as a budget-friendly option.

Plastic Pool Table

Plastic pool table tops are considered more of a toy and are not a good option for a home game room. These tables should be avoided unless you want something the kids can play on for a few months.

Budget

When buying a pool table, one of the more critical factors to consider is how much money you want to spend and your budget.

A typical home game room pool table will cost around $1200 – $3500 depending on the name brand, size, and quality. It is definitely possible to find them for less, but you are usually compromising in one key area or the other.

It is also possible to spend more than $3500 depending on the table quality and the options you choose.

Whatever your budget, ensure that you do proper research to achieve the best bang for your buck.

Final Thoughts on How Big Pool Table Should I Buy

So, what size pool table should you buy for your home game room?

It depends on how much space you have and how often you plan to use it. If you want to be able to play a few games every week with friends, go for the 7-foot or 8-foot table.

But if you’re more competitive and looking to get into to tournament pool, we recommend the 9-foot table.

No matter which size you choose, make sure you get a quality pool table that will last for years of fun! Thanks for reading our guide on how big pool table should I buy. We hope it helps make your decision easier.

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