Room Size for Pool Tables

A standard billiards table measures 4-1/2 feet by 9 feet, a size that many homes might not be able to accommodate, especially because you'll need much more space around the table to play comfortably.

Expert Insight

EasyPoolTutor.com recommends that you need space equivalent to the dimension of the "playing area" plus the length of the cue stick on each side plus, at the very least, an extra 6 inches of space.

Playing Area

When a person refers to the size of a billiards table, he usually means its "playable area"---the total area inside the cushion of the table border.

Room Dimensions

A standard-size pool table needs a room with dimensions of at least 18 feet, 4 inches by 14 feet, 6 inches. Seven-foot pool tables require a room that's at least 16 feet, 8 inches by 13-1/2 feet.

Space Solutions

You can fit a larger pool table in a smaller-than-recommended room by using a shorter pool cue. Using a cue that's 12 inches smaller than a standard cue, for example, reduces the necessary room dimensions by 2 feet for the length and width.

Tips

When placing a pool table in a room with an obstacle, such as a pole, you should orientate the table so the obstacle resides on one of the long sides---it's easier to move the pool cue around because of the extra space. If that's not possible, the obstruction should be on the side you break from, because the balls will end up at the opposite end (called the foot).