There’s nothing like having your own pool table to enjoy at home where friends and family can come together to play this popular game.
To ensure you get the perfect setup though, you need to have the correct pool table room size to make it all work and give you enough room to entertain.
So, how much space is needed in a room to fit a pool table and what other things have to be considered?
Generally, you’ll need at least a few feet either side of the table in order to make your shots with enough room and depending on the size of your table, there are minimum room dimensions that you should adhere to.
Other things should also be considered when figuring out if a pool table will fit, like the distance between the ceiling and the table, if there are lights or other fixtures in the way, and what size your pool cues are.
What is the Right Pool Table Room Size?
Luckily, we can walk you through all of these factors to ensure you get the right fit and end up with enough space to make your pool table the centerpiece of your home as it should be.
Before investing in a pool table, you’ve probably made a decision about where in the house you’re going to set it up.
Pool tables can be pretty sizeable so you’re going to need a lot of room to make it work, but how do you know the exact measurements?
This chart can show you the minimum pool table room dimensions you’ll need for each standard size of the pool table so you can measure up and see if it’ll fit.
| Pool Table Size and Playing Area | Minimum Room Dimensions (58′ pool cue) | Minimum Room Dimensions (52′ pool cue) |
| 9 feet 100 x 50″ | 18′ x 13′ 10″ | 17′ x 12′ 10″ |
| 8 feet 88 x 44″ | 17′ x 13′ 4″ | 16′ x 12′ 4″ |
| 7 feet 78 x 39″ | 16′ 2″ x 12′ 11″ | 15′ 2″ x 11′ 11″ |
This chart only accounts for rooms that are designed with these measurements in mind, so if you have an irregular shaped room or unique space that you want to put it in, you’ll have to consider the difference.
Map out where you plan on putting the pool table and make a marking on the ground to see how much space you’ll have on either side and see if it will work in that area.
How Far Does a Pool Table Need to Be Away From the Wall?
The game of pool requires players to move constantly around the table and change their positions regularly.
During each shot, the pool cue is extended back far behind the person which requires a lot of additional room on top of the table itself.
When trying to determine how much space is required by the table and the wall, we look at the length of the cue and the farthest it would need to go back if a shot had to be taken when the ball was sitting right up against the rail.
While most shots will be towards a ball that’s not right up against the rail you won’t always need this much space, but to sure you should aim for around 4.5 feet around all sides of the pool table.
Sometimes you can adapt to your surroundings by using a shorter 52′ cue when space is an issue, but it shouldn’t be pushed too far.
Most larger areas will have enough room for a pool table and if there’s only a minor obstruction in the way you can generally work around it.
Some people find that installing a pool table in their basement can be done even if there’s a pole installed, as the chances of running into just this one obstruction would be rare so it can be forgiven.
What Height is Required Between A Pool Table and a Light?
Another imperative thing to consider is the height difference between your pool table and the ceiling, but more importantly, any lights or fixtures that might be above it.
This should also be considered if you’re planning on installing specialty pool table lights above the unit, in which case you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room.
Pool table lighting is a great addition to a pool room because it makes for a better game.
Being able to see the balls and angles clearly without shadows, as the light is fixtured above the table gives you an advantage.
The purpose of these lights is not to illuminate the room, but only the playing surface of the pool table, so they come with their own guidelines.
Guidelines state that lighting should be at least 62-66 inches from the floor to the lighting fixture, and then 32-36 inches from the pool table felt.
Depending on the type of floor the table is set on and if you’re able to make adjustments to the legs of the table, this amount could vary somewhat.
An average player should have the canopy of the light sitting around their nose level for further clarification.
Another point to consider is what type of lighting will be sufficient depending on the size of the pool table.
If you own a standard 7 feet pool table, the best size is a three-light bar. For anything larger, a four-light bar will suffice.
You’ll want to position it over the center of the table so it provides adequate light but not so close that it will interfere with the game.
Finally, the ceiling in the room you plan on putting the pool table also has to be factored in.
A high ceiling can be challenging if you plan on installing lights because they are quite heavy to hang from high distances.
On the contrary, a low ceiling with lights that are closer to the table can cause more glare or shadow on the balls, which will be a detriment to the players.
The best approach is to choose a light with an adjustable chain that has a few feet to work with.
What’s the Right Size Table to Buy?
The biggest question people have when choosing their pool table is what size is actually needed to play a proper game of pool at home.
Once you’ve established how much space you have to work with, this will be your first indicator of the size you can get with 7, 8, and 9 feet being the most popular options.
Smaller pool tables are available in 6.5 and 7ft styles and they’re usually a more budget-friendly option.
Some might prefer a larger table if they can afford the space they take up and the higher cost, but there’s really no right or wrong approach.
The right size table for you is the one that fits and the one that you can afford, so it’s a completely personal decision.
Although there are general recommendations for the minimum dimensions of the room, it’s always better to have more space than this.
As the pool is a very social game and most people install a table for the entertainment value, you’ll want to provide guests with enough space to hang out in your games room without anyone feeling like they’re crowded.
Related Questions
Choosing a pool table comes with many considerations, and the size requirements are one of the most important.
Check out our answers to some common questions that new pool table owners have about their potential investment if you’re still unsure what direction to go.
What’s a Standard Size Pool Table in the US?
Playing pool at a bar, pool room or someone’s house with their own table, you’ll usually find these are 8′ x 4′ tables and with a standard pool cue size of 58”.
In the UK, most pool tables found at pubs or in the home are 7′ x 4′ with a pool cue size of 58′.
How Much Is a Pool Table For Home?
These days there are many types of pool tables in varying degrees of quality that can be purchased for the home.
A basic entry-level pool table of 7 feet can range between $1,000 to $1,200, increasing in price depending on the materials and construction.
How Heavy Is an 8 Foot Pool Table?
The weight of the pool table will need to be considered when buying one and setting it up, and for a standard 8-foot table made of hardwood and slate, these generally weigh around 1,000lbs.
Pool tables made without slate are a lot less, as this material weighs around 450 lbs on its own.
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