Determining Table Size & Seating Capacity

Using the number of users to determine table size

Table size can be determined by multiplying the number of users by the space per person:

• We recommend a minimum space of 30” per user.
• 36” per user is more comfortable.
• 42” per user is very generous. This is also the minimum spacing for social distancing
• 48” per user is plenty of room to spread out papers.

Multiplying the number of desired users times the space per person will tell you how much perimeter your table needs.  Different table shapes distribute those users in different ways.  See the chart below for common table sizes for desired number of users.

Further Notes on Space Per Person

• The distance between users sitting next to each other is much smaller than the distance across a table. For instance, users on opposite sides of a 4′ wide modern conference room table, in a standard office chair, have about 7 feet of space between their heads.
• 30” spacing feels tight.  You are elbow to elbow with other users.
• 36” allows for room to move and space for taking notes on paper or operation of a laptop computer with minimal encroachment to the participants on either side.
• 36″ is also used for round tables, where users’ legs and feet are inhabiting a smaller space.
• When users have a computer and documents on the table, 42” is comfortable.
• For luxury situations or observing social distancing, 48” is preferred.

Chart: Minimum Size for Common Custom Conference Room Table Shapes Based on Number of Users

Using the size of the room to determine table size

Table Size by Room Dimension

First: Measure the room’s length and width. Subtract obstructions such as columns and other furniture. You want to determine the dimensions of the free space that can hold the table. (If your room is an odd shape, it’s best for us to analyze the space for you. We will need the floor plans. Fax them to us at 610 239 0732, or email them to us. We prefer a .pdf or .dwg file format.

 The clearance, or space between the table and the closest obstruction, varies with the size of the room. We use these dimensions:

• For spaces up to 16 feet long, minimum clearance is 42″ (3.5 feet) all around the table and 48″ (4 feet) is recommended.
• For spaces up to 22 feet long, minimum clearance is 48″ (4 feet) around the table and 60″ (5 feet) is recommended.
• For spaces over 22 feet long, minimum clearance is 60″ (5 feet) and 72″ (6 feet) is recommended

 Then: Subtract twice the clearance from the length and width of the room to find the table’s maximum dimensions.  Don’t want to mess around with math? WE CAN HELP YOU!  

Download sizing for common table shapes

Table Size For Common Table Shapes

Seating capacity is ultimately determined by the usable perimeter at the table.  Different shapes give you different amounts of perimeter.  We’ve put together guidelines for these common shapes:  Boat, Keystone, Rectangle, Modular, Racetrack, Round, Square, and variations of U, V, and Committee shapes.  We’ve also prepared .pdf documents with this information – use this link to download the whole set:

Download Paul Downs Size and Seating Charts

Keep in mind that we can build tables of any dimension and any shape.  These numbers should be considered as a starting point.  Now sure what will work best in your project?  Contact us!

Rectangular Table Seating

Rectangular (and square) tables are the most efficient shapes.  They have the most perimeter for a given length and width.  If you are trying to maximize seating capacity in a given space, start with a rectangle.

Square Table Size & Seating

Square tables are often the best way to maximize seating in a square-ish space.  They are efficient: square tables have about 30% more perimeter than a round table of similar dimensions.   Very large square tables are often (but not always) made with an open center.

Boat shaped table seating

Many people think that boat tables have more capacity than a rectangle of the same length.  This is almost always incorrect.  The curved sides make the table prettier, and enhance sight lines, but they don’t add much perimeter.

Keystone shaped table seating

Keystone tables are normally used for videoconferencing.  They have a wide end and a narrow end.  Our charts show sizing that omits users at the wide end.  (Width shown is at the wide end.)

Round (& Oval) Table Seating

Round conference tables are pretty, but inefficient.  They have a lot less perimeter than squares of the same maximum dimensions. The capacity calculation is very simple: users = diameter in feet. Large round tables are usually made with an open center. If your space isn’t square, we can make an oval table with the same perimeter – these will always have custom dimensions.

Racetrack Table Seating

Racetrack tables consist of a rectangular center capped with two half-circle ends. They have less perimeter than a rectangle of comparable length/width and are a bit longer to seat a given number of people.   Very large sizes can be made with an open center or as a set of modular tables (as seen in the picture) for added flexibility and balance.

Modular Table Seating

The most common shapes for modular tables are rectangles, squares, and triangles for corners.  A set with these shapes can be set up in many configurations.  We frequently make modular sets that include partial arcs and polygonal tables.  Even a very simple scheme, with one rectangular size and one polygon, can provide for many setups.  In fact, any table shape can be built using modular tables for flexibility.

U, V, And Committee Table Seating

U, V, and Committee tables all seat users along their outer edges.  U and V tables are good for videoconferencing;  Committee tables are used when leadership needs to meet the public.  Our chart shows the overall length required to seat people at three different spacings:  32″ for situations where maximum capacity is required; 36″ where some space between users is wanted; and 48″ where a lot of space is needed.

The length shown in the chart is the sum of the length of the outside edges.  The proportions of these tables must always be designed for the room and use.  Not sure what will work?  We’ll help.

Other Shapes Table Seating

We can make a table in any shape that works.  We can build any table out of modular pieces.  We can add scissoring mechanisms to a conventional table so that it can change into a videoconferencing table.  We aren’t confined by what we did yesterday.  Have a cool idea?  We will help you!