Here’s Exactly How Much Room You Need for a Pool Table

Giovanni Valle is a licensed architect and LEED-accredited professional and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). He is the author and managing editor of various digital publications, including BuilderSpace, Your Own Architect, and Interiors Place.

A pool table can be a fun addition to your home. It allows you to play with your family and friends whenever you like. For the best pool table setup, you must understand your pool table’s ideal room size requirements.

The minimum dimensions for a pool room depend on the size of your pool table. A larger table, such as a regulation-size 9-foot table, requires a room size of 14′-10″ x 19′-0″ or 4.52m x 5.79m. On the other hand, a smaller table, such as a bumper pool table (30″ x 46″), requires a room size of 12′-5″ x 13′-8″ for a standard 57″ cue and 11′-0″ x 12′-3″ for a 48″ cue.

Continue reading to understand more about room size requirements for pool tables, cueing space, different pool table sizes, how far the pool table should be from the wall, and the height between it and the lights.

Room Size Requirements for Pool Tables

Pool tables are available in different sizes, and you should be able to find the right table for your home. How much space do you need to place a new table in a room, and which additional factors should you consider? You need sufficient space several feet from either side of your pool table. This will give you enough open space to make your shots.

You will need plenty of space to make your pool table work because tables can be pretty sizable. You must factor in the size of the pool table and the pool cue length to determine the exact room size requirements. Map out where you plan to place your table. You could mark the ground to help you determine the ideal playing space you’ll need on either side of the pool table.

For instance, if you have a 9-foot pool table with a playing area of 100″ x 50″, the minimum room dimensions for a 58″ pool cue is 18′-0″ x 13′-10″ and a room size of 17′-0″ x 12′-10″ for a 52″ pool cue. A pool table of 88″ x 44″ will need a room size of 17′-0″ x 13′-4″ for a 58″ pool cue and a room size of 16′-0″ x 12′-4″ for a 52″ pool cue.

For a pool table size of 78″ x 39″, the minimum room size is 16′-2″ x 12′-11″ for a 58″ pool cue and 15′-2″ x 11′-11″ for a 52″ cue.

Here is a video to help you determine the right room size for your pool table:

Cueing Space

A pool table should have enough space to allow a player to cue a shot from any side or angle, preferably while using a full-size 57″ cue. It is advisable to have a cueing room of 5 feet all around the pool table’s playing surface. This way, players can use the 57-inch cue without hitting the walls.

While determining the ideal room size requirements, you should not only focus on the size of the table but also the length of the cue around the table. How close the cue’s handle is to the wall will determine the level of fun for the players engaging in a pool game. Typical two-piece pool cues have a length of 58 inches. Ample room size is the length of your pool table plus two times the cue length.

The ideal room size dimensions will vary depending on the cue sizes. For instance, the ideal room dimensions while using longer cues, such as a standard 58″ two-piece cue, are not the same as when using shorter cues. You will need a smaller room size while using shorter cues. However, even short cues are not less than 48″.

Typical Pool Table Dimensions

There are several standard pool table dimensions. While custom oversized and smaller tables exist, standard pool tables range in size from 7-ft, 8-ft, and 9-ft. A regulation-size pool table will have a width that is half the length of the pool table, regardless of the size.

The British 6-ft pool tables are typical in homes, clubs, and pubs in the UK.
The British 7-ft tables are full-size, and eight-ball tables are typical in European tournaments and leagues.
The American 7-foot table is the smallest of the American standard sizes but larger than the British 7-ft pool tables. When available space is limited, these can be a good option for home use.
The American 8-foot table is considered the standard pool table size in the U.S. for homes. 8-foot American pool tables are also popular in the UK.
The American 9-foot table is considered tournament size/regulation size and is commonly used in pool halls and for tournament play. As such, these tables are commonly referred to as tournament tables. Regulation 9-foot tables are 4.5 feet in width.

Consider your pool table’s dimensions when determining the ideal size of the room. You should also consider the pool cue’s length and the playfield width from the cushion’s edges.

How Far a Pool Table Should Be From the Wall

The distance between the pool table and the wall matters because players must change their positions and frequently move during the game. Players also need additional space because they have to extend the pool cue back while making a shot. To determine the suitable space, consider the standard cue length and the distance. The cue will have to go back if a player needs to make a shot while the ball is located against the rail.

Players will make most shots when the cue ball is not up against the wall, and you will probably not need too much room between the pool table and the wall. However, you should leave a minimum space of 5 feet around all the sides of the pool table. If space is an issue, you can adapt using a shorter cue of 52″.

It would be ideal to place your pool table in places with larger areas, like the basement. Even if an obstruction is present in these areas, it is easy to work around it. For instance, you can install a new pool table in the basement even if there is a pole. The chances of colliding with only one obstruction are low and can be overlooked.

Height Between Your Pool Table and the Ceiling/ the Lights

While determining the ideal room size, it is essential to consider the distance between your pool table and the ceiling or light fixtures. You might be planning to install specialty pool table lights above your pool unit, and you need to ensure you have enough room. Pool table lighting will come in handy in enhancing the playing experience. Placing the light above the table enables players to shoot from all angles without shadows.

The purpose of pool table lighting is to illuminate the pool table’s playing surface and not the entire room. Guidelines recommend a 62-66 inches distance between the lighting fixture and the floor and 32-36 inches from the pool table. The light’s canopy should sit around an average player’s nose level. You should position pool table lighting at the center of the table to ensure adequate light.

Bumper Pool Tables

Bumper pool tables are small but offer the competitiveness and excitement of full-size pool tables. The great thing about the bumper pool tables is that they provide the same thrill as the standard size pool tables or billiard tables but in a much smaller space. A standard pool table requires a room size of 14′-10″ x 19′-0″ or 4.52m x 5.79m. A bumper pool table requires a much smaller room size of 12′-5″ x 13′-8″ for a cue size of 52″.

Bumper pool tables would be a perfect option if you have always wanted a pool table in your home but do not want to set aside an entire room. The cues are smaller for bumper pool tables, and you do not need much space to play conveniently. Due to their lower room size requirements, bumper pool tables are ideal for modern homes.

Final Thoughts

The room you need for your pool table will vary depending on the pool table’s dimensions and your cue’s length. You should also consider whether or not to place other furniture in the same room as the pool table. Account for wall fixtures and other obstructions, such as the cue rack and other wall hangings.

Furniture higher than hip level might interfere with your cue. Lower pieces of furniture will not affect your playing experience but will take up space nonetheless, so you need to factor this in as well. Smaller rooms can work if laid out properly with the right size pool table, but you are better off using a larger space such as your basement.