Tablecloth sizes vary from store to store, and you want to make sure you’re buying the right size tablecloth for your dining table. Today, we’re helping you take the guesswork out of how to measure for the right tablecloth size so you can always purchase the right-sized table linens for your table. From rectangle tablecloths and round tablecloths to table runners, we have you (and your table) covered.
What size tablecloth do I need?
The size tablecloth you need depends on two things: the shape and size of your table, and the kind of look you want the table to have. And when we’re talking about the size of the table, we mean the size of the table when it’s in use with a table cover. For instance, if you may usually use your kitchen table as is, but you like to use a tablecloth to cover the table when all the leaves are inserted. In that case, you need to include the leaves in your table measurements.
It’s also good to remember that unless you are having a custom tablecloth made that off-the-rack tablecloth sizes aren’t always going to offer a precise match in terms of table dimensions and desired drop length. And that’s perfectly all right! When a size is close but not exact, just round up to the size that best matches your measurements.
The basic measurements for tablecloth sizes
For starters, you need to know the length and width of the table for rectangular or square dining tables. For round tables, measure the diameter. These are the basic numbers you need to have on hand when shopping for tablecloth online or in-person.
After that, you’ll need to figure out how long you want the cloth to hang over the edge of the table. This overhang is known as the “drop,” and we’ll use that term throughout the rest of this post. A good rule of thumb to follow: the longer the drop, the more formal the look.
If you’re shopping for a tablecloth or table runner to use for a casual look or for your everyday table, then opt for a smaller drop. The standard drop is anywhere from 6-8 inches–anything less than that will give off a dinky appearance. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a formal dinner or special celebration, then you’ll want a longer drop–this is true whether you’re layering the table linens over a longer or full-length cloth or not.
Measuring for rectangular tablecloth sizes
Follow our straightforward formula for measuring your rectangle dining table, and you’ll always be able to buy the correct rectangle tablecloth on the first try.
- Decide how long you want the cloth to hang over the table. This is your drop.
- Next, add twice the drop to the the width of your table. That’s the width of the tablecloth you need!
- Finally, add twice the drop to the length of your table. This number shows us how long your tablecloth needs to be.
Note that you can also follow the same method for an oval table since you can always use a rectangular tablecloth on an oval table. Simply measure the widest point of the table to find the width when following the above formula.
Sometimes it helps to see the math, so let’s do a little calculating! For example, imagine that you have a six foot dining table (72″) that seats six comfortably. It measures 36″ wide. However, you want about longer drop–about a 15-inch overhang from the table.
Total width= 36 + 30 overhang = 66 inches
Total length = 72 + 30 overhang = 102 inches
In this scenario, one of our 70″ x 108″ rectangle tablecloths would work beautifully.
A quick & easy rectangular tablecloth sizes chart
Hate doing the math? Don’t worry! Just refer to this chart, and be sure to bookmark it for reference.
| Your rectangular table seats: | 6-8 people | 8-10 people | 10-12 people |
| And it’s this long: | 62″-72″ | 80″-92″ | 94″-105″ |
| You need this rectangular tablecloth size: | 70″ x 90″ | 70″ x 108″ | 70″ x 120″ |
As you can see from the chart, we offer three tablecloth sizes for rectangular or oval tables: 90, 108, and 120 inches in length respectively.
Enchanted - Blue ~ Rectangular Tablecloth
Orange Blossom ~ Persian Mediterranean Floral Print Tablecloth
Woodland Ferns ~ Light Blue, Sage Green Tablecloth RectangularHow to measure for a round tablecloth
It’s even easier to measure your table for a round tablecloth–there’s far less math involved!
It’s very quick to measure for a round tablecloth if you follows these simple steps:
- First, measure the diameter of your table.
- Next, determine how long you’d like the runner to hang over the edge of the table. This is your ‘drop.’
- Multiply the drop by 2, and add that figure to the diameter. This is the round tablecloth size that you need!
Let’s try putting this into practice. For instance, let’s say you want a 10″ drop for your 48″ round table. Multiply the drop by two for a total of 20 inches, add that to your 48″ diameter, and voila–you need a round tablecloth that’s about 68 inches.
A quick & easy round tablecloth size chart
| Your round table seats: | 4 | 4-6 | 6-8 | 8-10 |
| and it’s this wide: | 36″ | 48″ | 60″ | 72″ |
| you need this round tablecloth size: | 70″* | 70″ | 90″ | 90″** |
Whether you have a small or large round dining table, we have you covered. We offer two round tablecloth sizes: 70 inches and 90 inches. If you need a different size, you can always reach out and contact us about placing a custom order.
English Gardens ~ Round Tablecloth
Mosaique Bleue - Earth ~ Moroccan Tile Blue Round Tablecloth
Sunflower Serenade ~ Round Sunflower Tablecloth, Sunflower PrintHow to choose a table runner size
Even though a table runner doesn’t cover the entire surface, it’s still important to make sure you have the right size table runner for your table. You don’t want a table runner that’s too wide for your table, of course, and you also want to make sure that the drop isn’t going to fall into your guests’ laps. A six-inch drop is considered a standard drop for a table runner. However, you can choose to have a longer table runner–it’s all about what kind of look you prefer! Much like with tablecloths, the longer the drop, the more formal the look.
How to measure for table runners
There are three simple steps involved in measuring your table for a table runner:
- First, measure the width of your table and divide it in three. That number will give you the approximate width you need in a table runner. In general, a table runner should be roughly 1/3 of the width of your table.
- Next, determine how long you’d like the runner to hang over the edge of the table. This is your ‘drop.’
- Multiply the drop by 2, and add that figure to the length of your table for your ideal table runner size.
Our table runners are 18 inches wide and come in three lengths: 90 inches, 108 inches, and 120 inches.
- a 90 inch table runner is best for tables 66″ to 78″ long
- our 108 inch table runner for tables 78″ to 96″ long
- the 120 inch table runner for tables 96″ to 108″ long
We have a large collection of table runners that you’ll love using in your decor. We’ll have just the thing for you, whether you’re looking for unique and pretty farmhouse table runners, floral table runners, or extra-long table runners.
Enchanted - Ivory ~ Table Runner
Sunflower Serenade ~ Sunflower Table Runner, Botanic Print
Vanilla Glace ~ White Gold Romantic Elegant Luxury Table RunnerNow that you can measure for tablecloth sizes like a pro, it’s time to put your new knowledge into action! After measuring your table, it’s time to shop and treat yourself to some new table linens. See all of our beautiful tablecloths, elegant table runners and placemats here.
