Dining Table Dimensions
A standard dining table is 28–30 in (71–76 cm) tall and 36–40 in (91–102 cm) wide, with 24 in (61 cm) of length for each person: about 48 in for four, 72 in for six and 96 in for eight. Round tables seat four at 36–44 in across and six at 54–60 in. Then add 36 in of clear floor all round, so the chairs can be pulled out: a table for six needs a room about 12 × 10 ft.
Rectangular table sizes
| Seats | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 48 in (122 cm) | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) |
| 6 | 60–72 in (152–183 cm) | 36–40 in (91–102 cm) |
| 8 | 80–96 in (203–244 cm) | 40 in (102 cm) |
| 10 | 96–120 in (244–305 cm) | 40–42 in (102–107 cm) |
| 12 | 120–144 in (305–366 cm) | 42–48 in (107–122 cm) |
Width matters as much as length: under 36 in there is no room for serving dishes in the middle, over 42 in people cannot reach across or talk easily.
Round and square table sizes
| Seats | Round (diameter) | Square |
|---|---|---|
| 2–4 | 36–44 in (91–112 cm) | 36–44 in (91–112 cm) |
| 4–6 | 44–54 in (112–137 cm) | |
| 6–8 | 54–72 in (137–183 cm) | 60 in (152 cm) |
| 8–10 | 72–84 in (183–213 cm) |
Round tables seat more people in less space and everyone can see each other, but over 60 in across the middle is out of reach: add a lazy Susan.
Height and leg room
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Table height | 28–30 in (71–76 cm) |
| Chair seat height | 17–19 in (43–48 cm) |
| Seat to table top | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) |
| Underside of the apron | at least 24–25 in (61–64 cm) from the floor |
| Legs set in from the ends | 12–16 in, for a chair at each end |
See dining table height for counter- and bar-height tables.
Room size for a dining table
Add 36 in (91 cm) on every side where people sit, 42–48 in where they walk behind:
| Table | Room needed (36 in all round) |
|---|---|
| 48 × 36 in, 4 seats | 10 × 9 ft (3 × 2.7 m) |
| 72 × 40 in, 6 seats | 12 × 9 ft 4 in (3.7 × 2.8 m) |
| 96 × 40 in, 8 seats | 14 × 9 ft 4 in (4.3 × 2.8 m) |
| 54 in round, 6 seats | 10 ft 6 in square (3.2 m) |
Building a dining table
A dining table from sheet goods needs a thick top and stiff legs: double the edge of the top, laminate the leg panels, and run a deep stretcher under the middle so the top cannot sag. Our plan does all three and keeps the legs set in from the ends so a chair fits there too:
Frequently asked questions
What size dining table seats 6?
A rectangular table 60–72 × 36–40 in (152–183 × 91–102 cm), or a round table 54–60 in (137–152 cm) across.
What size table seats 8 people?
A rectangular table 80–96 × 40 in (203–244 × 102 cm), or a round table 60–72 in (152–183 cm) across.
How much space per person at a dining table?
24 in (61 cm) of table edge per person, 30 in (76 cm) for comfort or armchairs, and about 12 in of depth in front of each place.
How much room do you need around a dining table?
36 in (91 cm) from the table edge to the wall or furniture so a chair can be pulled out, 42–48 in where people walk behind seated guests.