Pool Table Sizes: 7-Foot, 8-Foot and 9-Foot Tables Compared
Pool tables are named by their rough length, but the number that matters for play is the size of the playing surface, measured between the cushion noses. The playing surface is always twice as long as it is wide. Not sure what fits your room? Use the free pool table room size calculator.
Common sizes
| Table | Playing surface (about) | Room needed with a 58" cue (about) | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-foot ("bar box") | 78" × 39" | 16'2" × 12'11" | Bars, coin-op tables, many leagues and bar-box tournaments |
| 8-foot | 88" × 44" | 17' × 13'4" | Homes, some pool rooms |
| Oversized 8-foot ("8-plus") | 92" × 46" | 17'4" × 13'6" | Homes, some pool rooms |
| 9-foot | 100" × 50" | 18' × 13'10" | Pool rooms, pro events, most big tournaments |
Room sizes add about 58 inches (a standard cue) on every side of the playing surface. With a shorter 52" or 48" cue you can get by in less space, but you will feel it on shots near the rail.
How the game changes
On a 7-foot bar table, the balls are closer together and the break is powerful, so 8-Ball runs out more often and clusters are a bigger problem. Many bar-box tournaments play 8-Ball with a short race and a fast pace.
On a 9-foot table, shots are longer and position play is harder, but there is more room around the balls. Rotation games like 9-Ball and 10-Ball are mostly played on 9-footers, and so are the bigger tournaments.
Tournament tables
Flyers usually say "bar box" or "7-foot" when an event is on small tables, and "9-foot" or "big tables" otherwise. If a flyer doesn't say, ask the room. Players who practice on one size are often surprised by the other: cue ball speed on a big table and crowding on a small one are the usual adjustments.
Other things that affect play
- Pocket size. Tighter pockets make every shot harder. Pro tables often use pockets around 4.5 inches; many bar tables are more generous.
- Cloth. New, fast cloth makes balls roll farther and spin more. Older or slower cloth needs a firmer stroke.
- Cue ball. Some coin-op bar tables use a slightly larger or heavier cue ball so the table can return it. It reacts differently on draw shots.
Find pool tournaments near you and check the listing or flyer for table size.