LookHow to work out tablecloth size
Tablecloth size is the tabletop plus twice the drop, once for each side. Choose a drop of 6–8 in for a casual meal, 10–15 in for a formal table or about 30 in to reach the floor.
- Measure the tabletop. Length and width for a rectangle or oval, the diameter for a round table.
- Choose the drop. The drop is how far the cloth hangs past each edge. Sur La Table suggests 6–8 in for casual meals, 10–15 in for formal dinners and 29–30 in to graze the floor.
- Add the drop twice. A 36 × 72 in table with an 8 in drop needs (36 + 16) × (72 + 16) = 52 × 88 in.
- Check a standard size. A 60 × 84 in cloth on the same table hangs 12 in along the sides and 6 in at the ends.
Sur La Table also sizes rectangular and oval cloths by seats. The calculator checks each against your table and shows the drop you would actually get on every edge.
| Cloth size | Seats |
|---|---|
| 52 × 70 in | 4–6 |
| 60 × 84 in | 6–8 |
| 60 × 104 in | 8–10 |
| 60 × 120 in | 10–12 |
Tablecloth sizes for common tables
Exact size for each drop, with the closest standard cloth that still reaches that drop on every edge. “Custom” means no size in our standard list does.
| Table | Casual, 8 in drop | Formal, 15 in drop | Floor, 30 in drop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in round | 64 in round closest: 60 in round | 78 in round closest: 72 in round | 108 in round closest: 108 in round |
| 60 in round | 76 in round closest: 72 in round | 90 in round closest: 84 in round | 120 in round closest: 120 in round |
| 72 in round | 88 in round closest: 84 in round | 102 in round closest: 102 in round | 132 in round closest: 132 in round |
| 36 × 60 in | 52 × 76 in closest: 60 × 84 in | 66 × 90 in closest: 60 × 84 in | 96 × 120 in custom |
| 36 × 72 in | 52 × 88 in closest: 60 × 84 in | 66 × 102 in closest: 60 × 104 in | 96 × 132 in custom |
| 40 × 84 in | 56 × 100 in closest: 60 × 104 in | 70 × 114 in closest: 60 × 104 in | 100 × 144 in custom |
| 42 × 96 in | 58 × 112 in closest: 60 × 120 in | 72 × 126 in custom | 102 × 156 in custom |
Round tablecloths by drop
| Round table | 6 in drop | 15 in drop | Floor length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 in | 60 in | 78 in | 108 in |
| 60 in | 72 in | 90 in | 120 in |
| 72 in | 84 in | 102 in | 132 in |
How long should a table runner be?
A table runner should be 12 to 20 inches longer than the table, for a 6–10 in overhang at each end, and about a third as wide as the table.
That follows Sur La Table’s guide; Willamere suggests 12 to 18 inches longer than the table. A 72 in table takes a 84–92 in runner about 12 in wide. A longer runner is a styling choice: the 120 in runner in our Gather in Sage plan drapes 24 in past each end of a 72 in table.
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Shop the pieces Read the full guide: What size tablecloth do I need? Seating guests too? Use the seating chart maker and place card maker.
Tablecloth size: common questions
What size tablecloth fits a 6-foot table?
A 36 × 72 in table needs a 52 × 88 in cloth for an 8 in casual drop, or 66 × 102 in for a 15 in formal drop. The closest standard sizes are 60 × 84 in (casual) and 60 × 104 in (formal).
What size tablecloth fits a 60-inch round table?
72 in round for a 6 in drop, 90 in for a 15 in drop and 120 in to reach the floor, the sizes CV Linens lists for a 60 in round table.
How far should a tablecloth hang over the edge?
6 to 8 inches for a casual meal and 10 to 15 inches for a formal table, per Sur La Table. A floor-length cloth drops about 30 inches, the height of most dining tables.
How long should a table runner be?
About 12 to 20 inches longer than the table: Sur La Table suggests a 6 to 10 inch overhang at each end. A 72 in table takes a 84 to 92 in runner, about 12 in wide.
Sources
- Sur La Table: tablecloth buying guide. Drops, sizes by seats and runner overhang.
- CV Linens: tablecloth size guide. Round sizes for 6, 15 and 30 in drops.
- Willamere: tablecloth and table runner size guide. Runner length.
Planning guidance, not a product guarantee. Fabric shrinks and listings round sizes differently; check the exact measurements and care label before ordering.