Standard Billiard Table Size

There is no single standard billiard table size used in tournaments. It varies depending on the game being played. But three of the most widely used are 7 ft, 8 ft and 9 ft tables. But whatever size is utilized, the playing surface ratio is always 2:1.

Playing Surface Measurements

The playing surface on a 9 foot table is 100 x 50 inches. This is equal to 254 cm × 127 cm. The margin of error in the dimensions is 1/8 inches or 3.175 cm. If the table is 8 ft, the playing surface dimensions are 92 x 16 inches. This is equal to 233.68 cm × 116.84 cm. The margin of error is also 1/8 of an inch.

The 7 foot table has a surface playing space of 76 x 38 inches (193.04 cm × 96.52 cm). The 8 foot and 9 foot tables are the ones used in the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).

The Pockets

In WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) play, a pocket billiard table’s bed cannot be thicker than 2.54 cm (1 inch). The table flatness cannot exceed +0.010 inches (0.254 mm) across and +0.020 inches (0.508 mm) lengthwise. If the table isn’t going to be used in tournaments, 1/2 inch or less thick slates can be used.

UK Standard Billiard Table Size

In Britain, the common sizes used are 7 ft x 4 ft and 6 ft x 3 ft. 7 ft tables are almost always used when playing in pub pools. The balls measure 2”. This is smaller than the 2 1/4” size used in the US.

This also means the British pool table pockets are smaller. The pocket diameter is always 1.6 times the ball size. Compared to American tables, the middle pockets are more rounded.

Snooker Table Dimensions

A snooker table is simply a billiard table made for playing snooker. The typical snooker table dimensions are 11 ft 8.5 in x 5 ft 10 in (3669 mm x 1778 mm). Usually they are referred to as 12 x 6 ft. However, there are also 9 ft 5 in by 4 ft 10 in (2895.6 mm by 1554.48 mm) used. These are called 10 x 5 ft, although the term is not entirely accurate.

If you are going to use a standard billiard table size like 9' x 4'6", you’ll need a playing area of 100" x 50". The more playing space there is the better.