4 Person Dining Table Size
What is the exact dining table size you need to create visual balance in your design?
Before starting your furniture search, you should calculate the range of dining table sizes that can fit in your room based on design principles, which can vary between round, square and rectangle table sizes. Besides considering how many people you want to seat, your dining table size also needs to allow enough space for people to pass, fit a dining setting, and be proportional to the room size to create visual balance.
If you need a quote for a particular dining table size, when you contact PAROTAS, we offer advice on the best table design for your space and seating requirements. You can also read how to calculate the ideal chair and table height, or see a list of standard bar and counter stool heights.
Dining table size guide
Calculate the minimum and maximum dining table size for your room dimensions. Click to jump straight to each section:
- Dining table size compared to room size
- Dining table size compared to rug size
- Standard dining table height and chair height
- Calculate dining table size by seating
- 2 seater dining table size
- 4 seater dining table size
- 6 seater dining table size
- 8 seater dining table size
- 10 seater dining table size
- 12 seater dining table size
- Round, square and rectangle dining table sizes
Rectangle, oval, square and round table sizes
Below is a table showing the minimum dining table size requirements for each type of dining table shape (not include shared space).
2 seater | 4 seater | 6 seater | 8 seater | 10 seater | 12 seater | |
Round dining table sizes | Min: 2'6″ Ideal: 3ft | 3ft (92cm) 4ft (122cm) | 4'6″ (137cm) 5ft (152cm) | 5ft (152cm) 6ft (183cm) | 7ft (213cm) 8ft (244cm) | 8ft (244cm) 9ft (274cm) |
Rectangle/Oval dining table sizes | 2×2'6″ (61x76cm) | 4x3ft (122x91cm) | 6x3ft (183x91cm) | 8×3'6″ (244x110cm) | 10x4ft (305x120cm) | 12×4'6″ (366x135cm |
Square dining table sizes | 2'6″ (76cm) | 3–5ft (92cm) | 4–6ft (122cm) | 6ft (183cm) | 7ft (213cm) | 8ft (244cm) |
What dining table size should I buy?
Before deciding how many people you want to seat, you will need to see what size dining table will actually fit into the space you have, taking into account walls, walkways and other furniture.
To ensure you have adequate room around a dining table, you need a minimum of 30–36 inches (76cm) for clearance space, measured from the nearest obstruction, whether it be a wall, door, window or furniture. Although, a 30-inch space around your dining table size can still create a tight fit if people need to get up during the meal.
For a more comfortable space around your dining table size, opt for up to 42–48 inches (122cm), which also creates an elegantly proportioned room.
To ensure you don't choose a dining table size that is too small for your room, don't leave more than 6ft (183cm) from the edge of the room, at least on one side.
When deciding on your ideal dining table size, consider that 'less is more' if you're looking for a comfortable, spacious room. Taking into account these measures, you might find switching from a 10-seater to an 8-seater dining table size creates a better fit, for example, or from a rectangle to a round dining table size. Another option is to choose a table with fold-out leaves – ideal if you only host large groups occasionally – provided it still fits when expanded.
When deciding between a square, rectangle or round dining table size, your choice should be proportional to the shape of the room but also the amount you want to seat. For example, conversation can become difficult with tables measuring more than 7 feet wide (2m, similar to the distance that applies to the conversation area in a living room), which is what you would need if you're considering a round or square table to seat more than eight. The bigger the table, the more dining parties are restricted to conversations with the person next to them, rather than across the table. In some cases, it can be better to consider an alternate shape, for example, a rectangle dining table size.
If you want to visualize the space your table will take, a tip is to place a sheet on the ground or create an outline with masking tape.
To give an example, in a room measuring 10 x 12 feet (3 x 3.6m), it would be possible to fit a rectangle table size of 36–42 inches wide (91–107cm) and up to 60–70 inches long (152 x 178cm), or a square or round table size of around 48 inches in diameter (122cm), allowing for additional furniture along one wall.
Dining table size compared to rug size
If you're matching a table with a rug, you will need to make sure the rug is at least 30 inches longer than your dining table size on each side where there will be chairs.
If you use a rug 30-inches longer than your table – thus occupying the recommended space for free movement – then you should try to allow for at least 48 inches from your table to the wall to create visual balance.
Dining table height
Even though dining table designs vary considerably, the standard dining table height is usually pretty consistent. You need to ensure there is enough space for people to fit – and cross – their legs, without being too high that it becomes uncomfortable to eat. In general, you should leave at least 12 inches (30cm) between your chair seat and the tabletop.
Standard dining table heights range from 28 to 30 inches (71–76cm), which should be matched with a chair height of 18 to 23 inches (46–58cm, from floor to seat top), benches or stools. The shape of your table, however, can influence your chair and dining table height. Some tables have a support on the under side, which increase the distance required for legs.
If you're considering a counter-height table, where people might stand or sit on high wooden stools, the standard dining table height is 34–36 inches (86–91cm) and should be used with chairs measuring 24–26 inches (61–66cm) from floor to seat.
If you opt for a bar table, standard table heights range up to 40–42 inches (102–117cm), with stools ranging from 28–30 inches (71–76cm). You can find more detail in our article about how to calculate your table and chair height, or how to calculate your bar and counter stool height.
Dining table size based on seating
Each person needs a minimum of around 24 inches (61cm) to eat comfortably, although some tables and chair designs (such as wooden benches) can allow more people to squeeze in when required. However, for a comfortable table surface, consider up to 28–30 inches (71–76cm) for more elbow room, especially if you have chairs with armrests or wide seats. In rectangular tables, you also need to calculate an extra 12 inches (30cm) for each end if you want to place seating at the head and foot of the table.
You will also need to consider the minimum depth required for a dining setting, plus some space for a shared area to place food, condiments or candles. To fit a basic plate setting allow for a minimum of 15 inches (38cm) deep, plus a minimum of around 5 inches (13 cm) for shared space (per person, or double for full table calculations).
To allow more room for your guests, as well as enough space for a full dining setting (including a bread plate and two glasses), then consider a table space of 30 inches wide (76cm) and 18 inches deep (46 cm), with a shared space of up to 9 inches (23cm) per person.
You be careful not to create too much distance, though; large round tables, for example, can make it difficult to reach food, while rectangular shapes can work better for seating large groups. If you do opt for a round table wide than 60 inches in diameter (152cm), you might consider adding a lazy susan to your table design.
Using the above dimensions, a rectangular dining table size for six would be calculated at around 78 x 40 inches (203 x 102cm), or 96 x 54 inches (244 x 137cm) for a more comfortable setting.
If you don't plan to put food or decorations on the table – for example, you have a side console table – or don't mind moving glasses around, then there's no need for calculating in shared space. If you sacrifice shared space, it's possible to create a dining table size as narrow as 36 inches (91cm), which is still enough space to put a bottle of wine and some candles, while a sideboard can be used to serve food. In a restaurant, for example, you will often find tables around 36 inches wide (91cm) with very little sharing space.
What size dining table?
Dining table sizes vary depending on the furniture design. You may be able to fit more people by considering an alternate arrangement, for example, switching from a square to a round dining table.
Below you can see size requirements based on square, rectangle and round dining table sizes, and tips to help you choose which shape would work best based on the seating you want.
2 seater dining table size
The measurements for a two-seater square table need to account for shared space, putting the minimum dining table size at 31 inches (79cm), while a rectangle table for two would need at least 42 x 31 inches (110 x 70cm). If you opted for a 36-inch (3ft; 91cm) round table, however, you could comfortably sit up to three people.
4 seater dining table size
Round dining table size for four
The standard dining table size for four averages 36 to 40 inches (3–4ft; 91–102cm), although a 4-foot round table (102cm) can also squeeze six seats when needed.
While the minimum round dining table size for four starts at 36 inches, a pedestal base works best to allow more room. To allow more room for chairs and leg space, especially if there are table legs, the ideal round dining table size for four is 48–50 inches (4ft; 122cm–127cm).
Square dining table size for four
The ideal four-seater square dining table size is around 43 inches (3ft; 107cm). Similar to a round table, the minimum dining table size can be as low as 36 inches (3ft; 91cm), although you should allow more room – up to 50 inches (4ft; 122cm) – for a better fit and if you have wide table legs. Going up to 60 inches (5ft; 152cm) will allow you to choose between four to six seats.
Rectangle dining table size for four
The comfortable average to seat four is around 60 x 31 inches (152 x 79cm), although this rectangle dining table size could also squeeze six with the right table and chair designs.
To fit four diners on two opposite sides (ie. excluding head and table settings), the minimum area would be 48 inches long by 36 inches wide (122 x 76cm). To sit one diner at each end, the minimum space required would be 48 x 36 inches (122 x 91cm), or 60 x 55 inches (152 x 137cm) for the ideal, comfortable fit.
6 seater dining table size
Round dining table size for six
You will need at least 48 to 60 inches in diameter (4–5ft; 122–152cm) to seat six at a round table, working best with a pedestal base. It is possible to create a tight 6-seater round dining table with a diameter of 44–54 inches, but aiming for 54–60 inches is a more comfortable fit and may even squeeze in eight.
The minimum round dining table size for six calculates to around 55 inches (140cm), although an ideal size would be 72 inches (6ft; 183cm). From about 60 inches (5ft; 152cm), you can start to squeeze in around seven to eight people, and with a minimal table design a 6-foot table could squeeze up to eight or nine when required.
Square dining table size for six
You will need at least 48 to 60 inches in diameter (4–5ft; 122–152cm) to squeeze in six at a square table (see table measurements for four and eight-seater tables).
Rectangle dining table size for six
It is possible to squeeze six people around a table measuring from 60–72 inches long (5–6ft) and 31–36 inches wide (152cm–183cm x 79–91cm).
To fit six without any diners at either end, the minimum dining table size for six would be 72 x 31 inches (6ft x 2'6″; 183 x 76cm). To calculate enough space for diners at the head and foot of the table, the minimum size 79 x 36 inches (6'6″ x 3ft; 198cm x 91cm), although to avoid any overlap in dining settings you would need at least 96 x 55 inches (8ft x 4'6″; 244 x 137cm).
8 seater dining table size
Round dining table size for eight
The average round dining table size for eight is 72 inches in diameter (6ft; 183cm), although anywhere from 54–60 inches (5ft; 137–152cm) can fit six to eight people. Depending on the design, it is possible to squeeze seven to nine seats on round tables measuring anywhere from 5–7 ft.
The minimum required size is around 5ft (152cm), working best with a pedestal base or simple legs, otherwise the ideal size to allow a full plate setting would be around 7ft (213cm).
Square dining table size for eight
The minimum square, eight-seater dining table size is around 6ft (183cm), although 7ft (214cm) is the ideal size; both sizes, however, can squeeze up to 10 seats.
You could also squeeze up to 12 people around a 7ft table; for a larger square dining table size, you might a rectangular dining table so guests aren't so far from each other.
Rectangle dining table size for eight
Dining table sizes for eight can range from 72 to 96 inches long by 36 to 43 inches wide (6–8ft x 3ft–3'6″; 183–244cm x 91–110cm), with the lower measurements also a comfortable fit for six seats and the higher measurements suitable to squeeze 10 people. The general standard you'll come across, though, will be around 78 inches long by 36 inches wide for a eight-seater rectangle dining table size.
With a table of 96 x 29 inches (8ft x 2'6″; 244cm x 76cm), four diners can fit along each side, although you would need at least 103 x 36 inches (8'6″ x 3ft; 259 x 91cm) if you wanted to sit three side-by-side and two diners at each end. The ideal size for the latter arrangement, however, would be 127 x 55 inches (10'6″ x 4'6″; 323 x 140cm).
A round dining table size can work well for six to eight people, as pictured above, but can get too large for conversation if you add space for 10 to 12 people.
10 seater dining table size
Round dining table size for 10
From around 84 inches (7ft; 213cm), you very can fit nine to 11 people, while a 96-inch table (8ft; 244cm) could squeeze from 10 up to 12.
If calculating by plate setting space, the minimum requirement is 7ft (or from around 183cm), while a comfortable size calculates to around 8ft (244cm).
Square dining table size for 10
With the right table and chair design, you could squeeze 10 people onto a square table measuring from 6–8 foot in diameter. Although larger than 7ft and distances start to get a little far for reaching dishes, although a lazy susan can be added in.
Rectangle dining table size for 10
It is possible to fit 10 seats on a rectangle table size of 8–10 feet x 3'6″–4'6″ (244–305cm x 110–140cm).
To seat 10, five side-by-side, you should aim for a minimum length of 10 feet and width of 2 feet 6 inches (305 x 76cm). If you want to include a head and foot setting, aim for 10'6″ x 3 feet (323 x 91cm), or ideally 11′ 6″ x 4'6″ (354 x 140cm) for generous seating space.
12 seater dining table size
Round dining table size for 12
With a diameter of 8 feet (244cm) you can comfortably fit 10 people, or squeeze in 12 with slightly less elbow space, while you would need around 9 feet in diameter (274cm) to spaciously sit 12 people. With a 9-foot table, you could comfortably fit a range of 11–14 settings, while a 10-foot table (305cm) could sit 12 to 15.
However, with diameters larger than 7 foot (or around 200cm), conversation and reaching for food can start to get difficult, so you might consider a rectangular arrangement.
Square dining table size for 12
A table of 84 inches (7ft; 214cm) could fit 12, although a more comfortable fit would be up to 96 inches in diameter (8ft; 244cm), which can sit anywhere from 8–12 people comfortably. You might find the distance of an 8-foot table, however, interferes with conversation. It is sometimes recommended to consider a rectangular arrangement if you require longer than 7 feet.
Rectangle dining table size for 12
The smallest rectangle dining table size needed to fit 12 seats would be around 120 x 55 inches (10ft x 4'6"; 305 x 140cm), which would also comfortably sit 10.
To seat six side-by-side, the minimum space required would 144 x 31 inches (12ft x 2'6″; 366cm x 76cm). You can create a shorter table by seating two on each end, although would need a minimum size of 127 x 48 inches (10'6″ x 4ft; 320 x 122cm) or ideally 139 x 60 inches (11'6″ x 5ft; 350 x 152cm).
If you need help calculating your dining table size, send an email to PAROTAS and we'll be happy to help.
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PAROTAS brings together carpenters, designers and architects to make custom parota wood furniture of even the most ambitious modern designs. The parota tree can be sustainably sourced in its native regions in Mexico and Central America, where it thrives in humid zones. Read more on the sustainability of parota (guanacaste) and the qualities of parota wood or contact PAROTAS to ask about your custom design. You can see the unique colour and grain of parota on our page on live edge wood.
Read more:
A Guide to Calculating Your Standard Table & Chair Heights
Striking Parota Wood Tables in Modern Designs
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