Tablecloth Size Calculator
Enter your table shape, dimensions, and how much drop you want, and this calculator gives you the exact tablecloth size to buy or cut. It handles rectangular, square, round, and oval tables in both metric and imperial units, with built-in drop guidance for casual and formal settings.
How to measure your table
Use a tape measure and measure from edge to edge - not from leg to leg or from underneath. For rectangular and oval tables, measure the longest dimension (the length) and the shortest dimension (the width). For square tables, measure one side. For round tables, measure the diameter by stretching the tape straight across the widest point through the centre. Write both numbers down before you use the calculator. If your table has a leaf extension, decide whether you want the cloth to fit with or without the leaf in place, then measure accordingly. Tables with irregular edges or rounded corners should be measured at the widest point in each direction.
Choosing the right drop length
The drop is the length of fabric that hangs below the table edge on each side. A 6 to 8 inch (15 to 20 cm) drop is the most practical for everyday dining: it covers the table apron and the top of chair legs without dragging on the floor or getting caught under chairs. A 12 to 15 inch (30 to 38 cm) drop is the standard for formal dinner parties and restaurant settings; it conceals the table legs partway and creates a more polished appearance. A floor-length drop of 28 to 30 inches (70 to 76 cm) is used for banquets, weddings, and buffet stations where you want the table base hidden entirely. For outdoor use, a shorter drop of 4 to 6 inches is often preferred because wind resistance is lower and fabric is less likely to lift. The calculator applies the same drop to all four sides (or all around for round tables).
Rectangular and square tables
For rectangular and square tables, the required tablecloth size is straightforward: add twice the drop to the table length, and add twice the drop to the table width. A table that is 30 inches wide and 72 inches long with a 10 inch drop needs a cloth that is 50 inches wide by 92 inches long. Square tables use the same formula on all four sides. Oval tables follow the same arithmetic as rectangular ones: add twice the drop to the longest diameter and to the shortest diameter. If you cannot find an exact match at a retailer, always round up to the next available size rather than rounding down. A cloth that is a couple of inches larger than calculated will hang symmetrically if you centre it carefully.
Round tables
A round tablecloth needs to be a circle whose diameter equals the table diameter plus twice the drop. For a 60 inch round table with a 15 inch drop, you need a cloth 90 inches in diameter (60 + 2 x 15). Round tablecloths are sold in standard diameters: 70, 90, 108, 120, and 132 inches are the most common. If you are making your own from fabric, note that most fabric rolls are narrower than a large round tablecloth, so you may need to join two panels. The seam should run along the centre of one side so it is symmetrical. An alternative for round tables with a longer drop is to use a rectangular cloth and allow the corners to drape artfully - a popular style for casual events.
Common tablecloth sizes and drop lengths
| Table size | Table shape | Standard cloth size | Typical drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 x 36 in | Square | 54 x 54 in | 9 in each side |
| 48 x 48 in | Square | 64 x 64 in | 8 in each side |
| 30 x 60 in | Rectangle | 52 x 90 in | 11 in each side |
| 30 x 72 in | Rectangle | 52 x 108 in | 11-18 in each side |
| 30 x 96 in | Rectangle | 52 x 120 in | 11-12 in each side |
| 36 x 72 in | Rectangle | 60 x 102 in | 12-15 in each side |
| 48 in diameter | Round | 70 in diameter | 11 in all around |
| 60 in diameter | Round | 90 in diameter | 15 in all around |
| 72 in diameter | Round | 108 in diameter | 18 in all around |
Standard tablecloth sizes carried by most retailers. Add the drop to both sides of each table dimension to verify fit.
Frequently asked questions
What drop length should I use for a formal dinner?
The convention for formal dining is a 12 to 15 inch (30 to 38 cm) drop. This conceals the table legs from most seated angles while keeping the cloth clear of the floor. For a banquet or wedding reception where tables will not have chairs pushed under them, a floor-length drop of 28 to 30 inches is typical.
Do I add the drop once or twice?
Twice. The drop hangs on both sides of the table, so you add it twice to each dimension. A 10 inch drop on a 30 inch wide table adds 20 inches to the width, giving you a cloth 50 inches wide. The calculator handles this automatically.
What size tablecloth fits a 6-foot folding table?
A standard 6-foot folding table is 72 inches long and 30 inches wide. For a casual drop of 6 inches on each side you need a cloth 84 x 42 inches. For a 12-inch formal drop you need 96 x 54 inches. The nearest stock sizes are typically 52 x 108 inches or 60 x 102 inches, which give a slightly larger drop.
Can I use a rectangular tablecloth on a round table?
Yes, and it is a popular styling choice for casual events. The cloth will drape in four points at the corners rather than hanging evenly. For an even look on a round table, use a circular tablecloth. If you use a rectangular one, centre it carefully so the overhang is equal on all sides.
How do I measure an oval table?
Measure the longest end-to-end diameter (the length) and the shortest side-to-side diameter (the width). Enter both values into the oval mode of this calculator. The required cloth is the oval table length plus twice the drop by the oval table width plus twice the drop. Because oval tablecloths are harder to find in stock, many people use a rectangular cloth and allow the corners to drape, which works well with a formal drop.
What if I cannot find an exact tablecloth size?
Always round up to the next larger standard size. A cloth that is slightly too large hangs symmetrically when centred. A cloth that is too small leaves the corners of the table exposed and the drop will be uneven. Most retailers stock tablecloths in increments of 6 or 12 inches, so round up to the nearest increment.