What size dining table seats 8 people?
A table that seats 8 comfortably is about 96″ × 40″ (244 × 102 cm). You'll want a room at least 14′ × 9′ 4″ to pull chairs out, and 16′ × 11′ 4″ to walk around comfortably.
Method: About 24″ of table edge per person, with 36–48″ of clearance between the table and walls.
Dining table size
96″ × 40″
Seats 8 comfortably
| Length × width | 96″ × 40″ |
| Room needed (tight, 36″ all round) | 14′ × 9′ 4″ |
| Room needed (comfortable, 48″) | 16′ × 11′ 4″ |
- • Leave 36″ between the table edge and the wall so chairs can pull out, and 42–48″ where people walk behind the chairs.
- • Count about 24″ of table edge per person. Squeezing in more guests means elbows touching.
Dining table size by seats
| Seats | Rectangular | Round | Room needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 30″ × 30″ | 30″ | 8′ 6″ × 8′ 6″ |
| 4 | 48″ × 36″ | 44″ | 10′ × 9′ |
| 6 | 72″ × 36″ | 60″ | 12′ × 9′ |
| 8 | 96″ × 40″ | 72″ | 14′ × 9′ 4″ |
| 10 | 108″ × 42″ | 84″ | 15′ × 9′ 6″ |
| 12 | 120″ × 44″ | n/a | 16′ × 9′ 8″ |
How it works
Each person needs about 24″ of table edge. Rectangular tables are sized for an end chair at each end, and the room should be at least 36″ bigger than the table on every side so chairs can pull out. 48″ makes it easy to walk behind seated guests.
More dining table guides
Frequently asked questions
What size table seats 6?
A rectangular table about 72 inches by 36 inches, or a round table about 60 inches across.
How much space do you need around a dining table?
At least 36 inches from the table edge to the wall, and 42 to 48 inches where people walk behind the chairs.
Round or rectangular table for a small room?
Round, usually. It has no corners, so people can squeeze past it, and it seats the same number in less space.