How long should a table be for 20 people?

If you are like me, it is almost impossible to figure out how many people can actually sit at a table comfortably without bringing in the guests and trying it out. We get asked all the time, how many people will fit at a 60 inch round table? Below is a calculator and a chart to help you with your planning.

Table Sizes and Seating: How Many People Will Fit?!?

When you are looking at this and other charts online, you will see a range for the number of people that will fit. It irritates me when I’m looking for an answer and find a range; I just want someone to give me the exact answer. Even though I know it’s annoying, I had to do it because it really depends on your preference. There is no right answer.

72 inch table with 12 chairs. Note: these are not formal place settings with chargers

Here are some rules of thumb:

• If your guests will be seating for long periods of time (like for a formal dinner), go with the smaller number of people (for example, only put 8 at a 60 inch round). You will need the extra space for the formal table settings. You also want your guests to have some elbow room and servers to have room to deliver plated meals.
• When you choose bulky chairs or chairs with arms, you have to go with the the smaller number or the chairs won’t fit.
• If kids will be sitting at the table, you can definitely go with the bigger number of chairs (you may even be able to add more).
• If your guests will need to turn their chairs to view a stage or something else, go with less chairs or it will be nearly impossible for everyone to move their chair as needed.
• When you use the higher number on the rectangle tables, you cannot push all of the chairs completely under the table.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can sit at a 60 inch round table?

8-10 people can fit at a 60″ round table.  If you seat 10, everyone will not be able to slide their chairs under the table.  If you have formal place settings, you definitely can’t fit more than 8.

How many people can sit at a 72 inch (6ft) round table?

10-12 people can fit at a 72″ round table.  If you seat 12, everyone will not be able to slide their chairs under the table.  If you have formal place settings, you definitely can’t fit more than 10.

How many people can sit at an 6′ (72″) banquet (rectangle) table?

6-8 people can fit at a 6′ table.  If you seat 8, the people on the end will not be able to slide their chairs under the table.  If you have formal place settings, you definitely can’t fit more than 6.

How many people can sit at an 8′ (96″) banquet (rectangle) table?

8-10 people can fit at an 8′ table.  If you seat 10, the people on the end will not be able to slide their chairs under the table.  If you have formal place settings, you definitely can’t fit more than 8.

Other things to consider when you are choosing a table:

• You want to have 24″ of aisle between tables. To compensate for chairs, round tables should be set 54 inches apart, and rectangle tables should be set 60 inches apart.
  
• The 72 inch round table has a huge space in the middle so you need a wider centerpiece. (Note on centerpieces: keep centerpieces below eye level or less than 12 inches tall.  If you want to use a tall centerpiece, keep it slim so it doesn’t interfere with the guests’ view of each other. Check out this article on flower costs for some great tips for DIY centerpieces.)
• The 72 inch round table is so large that it is hard for people to talk across. (This is fine for louder events where people are really only going to talk to the people on either side of them.)

60 inch round table with 10 chairs

• The 60 inch round is the most commonly used table. You can fit the most people in a space with this table (unless you want to go banquet style with rectangle tables lined up together).

Banquet style with rectangle tables

Non-standard Tables

There are all sorts of tables available for your event (farm tables, picnic tables, etc.). Get the dimensions of the table you are considering and compare it to the chart to figure out how many people will fit. Or, if you want to make it really easy, just email us at [email protected] and we will talk it through with you.

I hope this helps you with your party planning. Here are a couple of other relevant blogs I’ve written:

Types of Rental Chairs and Average Prices

What Size Tablecloth Do I Need

How much does it cost to rent table place settings?

Let me know what you think or what other topics you’d like me to cover.

Summary

Article Name

Table Sizes & Seating

Description

Here is how to choose the right size and style table rental for your party. Includes tips for how many people will fit at each table.

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