When choosing a pool table that’s right for you, the size is a very important factor to consider. Pool tables are often available to buy in the following lengths: 6ft, 7ft, 8ft and 9ft, with American tables often available in larger sizes, and British in slightly smaller sizes.

Standard sizes

The average size of a UK pool table is 7ft, but many pubs and clubs opt for the smaller, 6ft size. In America, the standard pool table size for homes and private residences is 8ft, but their professional tournaments are played with the full-sized, 9ft tables.

Just to make things a bit more confusing, the 7ft American pool table is larger than the 7ft British table, by around 6 inches lengthwise.

UK pool tables vs American pool tables

You may be wondering, ‘I want a big table, should I just get an American one?' The short answer: it’s not that simple. American tables are usually bigger than British ones, but they also allow for different ways of playing the game. For example, the pockets on American tables are wide with straight-cut corners, which makes it easier to pot a ball, when compared with UK tables’ narrow, rounded shoulders.

Also, UK pool tables often have a fuzzy, napped felt, which causes friction and results in a slower ball speed. In contrast, American tables often have a nylon ‘speed’ cloth, which has less friction and allows for faster speeds.

Bigger tables call for bigger pool cues, pool balls and a different way of playing. To learn more about the differences, see British vs American Pool Tables.

Consider the size of your room

Getting your pool table to fit comfortably in your room isn’t enough - you need to make sure you allow yourself enough room to play. It is recommended that you have at least one and a half metres of cueing room all around the playing surface of your table, but if your table is in the middle of a room, you should allow extra space to let people walk through the room without interrupting the game. For an 8ft UK pool table, playing with full-sized 58” pool cues, it is recommended that your minimum room dimensions are 17' x 13'6".

While you may have enough space, a bigger table won’t always be the best option. Children will find it harder to play on a 9ft table than a 6ft table. In the same way, taller people may opt for a larger table, in order to feel less cramped and restricted.

To maximise your space, opt for a pool dining table. We stock a variety of pool dining tables and can even craft a bespoke pool dining table to perfectly suit your interiors.

Delivery space

Although pool tables arrive unassembled, they can still be very large. It is crucial that you make sure the table will fit comfortably through any obstacles e.g. doors and staircases.

While we offer delivery, installation and assembly services, it may be a good idea to contact us beforehand, just to run over the dimensions, to make sure everything will run smoothly.

Customise your own

The easiest way to get a pool table that suits your needs is to customise one yourself. Many of our tables, including the Atlantic English UK Pool Table and the K Steel American Pool Table allow for a moderate level of customisation, letting you change the size, cloth colour, and mechanisms. If that isn’t enough, we also offer a custom pool table making service. Fill out our online form to find out more.