The right tablecloth size comes down to one number: the drop, which is how far the cloth hangs over the edge of the table. Pick your drop, add it to both sides of the table, and you have your size. The charts below do the math for the most common table shapes.
Step 1: Measure your table
- Rectangle or oval: measure the length and the width of the tabletop. Include any leaves you plan to use for the holidays.
- Round: measure the diameter, straight across the center.
- Square: measure one side.
Step 2: Choose your drop
- 6 to 8 inches: the everyday standard. It looks finished but stays clear of laps.
- 10 to 15 inches: a dressier look for holiday dinners and dinner parties.
- Floor length (about 30 inches): for buffets, dessert tables and events. Standard dining tables are about 30 inches tall.
The formula: table length + (2 × drop) = tablecloth length, and table width + (2 × drop) = tablecloth width. For a 72 x 40 inch table with an 8-inch drop, you need about 88 x 56 inches, so a 60 x 84 or 60 x 90 cloth is the closest standard size.
Rectangle tablecloth size chart
Table sizes below assume a drop of 6 to 12 inches.
| Tablecloth size | Fits tables about | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| 52 x 70 in | 28–40 in wide, 46–58 in long | 4–6 |
| 60 x 84 in | 36–48 in wide, 60–72 in long | 6 |
| 60 x 102 in | 36–48 in wide, 78–90 in long | 6–8 |
| 60 x 120 in | 36–48 in wide, 96–108 in long | 8–10 |
| 70 x 120 in | 46–58 in wide, 96–108 in long | 8–10 |
Round tablecloth size chart
| Tablecloth size | Everyday drop (6–12 in) | Floor length |
|---|---|---|
| 60 in round | 36–48 in tables | — |
| 70 in round | 46–58 in tables | — |
| 90 in round | 66–78 in tables | 30 in cocktail tables |
| 108 in round | 84–96 in tables | 48 in tables |
| 120 in round | 96–108 in tables | 60 in tables |
| 132 in round | — | 72 in tables |
Square tablecloth size chart
| Tablecloth size | Fits square tables about |
|---|---|
| 52 x 52 in | 28–40 in |
| 60 x 60 in | 36–48 in |
| 70 x 70 in | 46–58 in |
Common questions
What size tablecloth fits a 6-foot table?
A 6-foot (72 x 30 inch) folding or banquet table takes a 60 x 102 inch cloth for a dressier drop of about 15 inches, or a 90 x 132 inch cloth to reach the floor. A 6-foot dining table that is closer to 40 inches wide fits 60 x 84 to 60 x 90 for an everyday drop.
What size tablecloth fits an 8-foot table?
An 8-foot (96 x 30 inch) table takes a 60 x 120 inch cloth for a drop of about 12 to 15 inches, or 90 x 156 inches for floor length.
What about oval tables?
Use an oblong (rectangle) cloth sized with the same formula. The corners will fall into soft points, which is the normal look on an oval table.
Should I size up or down?
If you are between sizes, size up. A slightly longer drop looks intentional; a short one looks like the wrong cloth. Linen and cotton can shrink a little, so wash cold and line dry or tumble low.
Finish the table
Once the cloth is right, layer a table runner down the center, add cloth napkins at each seat and frame each plate with a charger plate. Shop all tablecloths, including our best-selling ivory lace tablecloth in 60 x 120, or see everything for the holidays in Holiday Hosting. For styling ideas, read Thanksgiving table decor ideas.