How to Calculate Tablecloth Size for Rectangular and Round Tables

Updated: May 27, 2026

The Tablecloth Size Formula

Tablecloth size = table size + drop on every side.

Rectangular or Oval Tables

Cloth length = table length + (drop × 2)
Cloth width  = table width  + (drop × 2)

Round Tables

Cloth diameter = table diameter + (drop × 2)

The × 2 accounts for the drop on both ends/sides (the cloth hangs down on each side).

Step 1 — Measure Your Table

Measure the tabletop only — not including legs or apron:

Rectangular / oval: Length (longest dimension) and Width (shorter dimension)
Round: Diameter (straight across the center)

Use a tape measure on the tabletop surface, measuring to the edges of the top (not the edge of the apron below).

Step 2 — Choose Your Drop

The drop is how far the tablecloth hangs below the tabletop edge on each side:

Style	Drop	Best For
Casual / lap	6–8”	Everyday family dining
Standard dinner	12–15”	Most home use
Formal / restaurant	15–18”	Restaurant tables, dinner parties
Buffet / event	29–30”	Floor-length on 30” tables

Bold = most common home tablecloth drop.

A 30” table height is standard for dining. A 29” drop = floor-length (tablecloth touches floor with 1” to spare).

Step 3 — Calculate

Example 1: 72 × 36” rectangular table, 12” drop (standard dinner)

Cloth length = 72 + (12 × 2) = 72 + 24 = 96"
Cloth width  = 36 + (12 × 2) = 36 + 24 = 60"
→ Buy a 60 × 96" tablecloth

Example 2: 48” round table, 15” drop (formal)

Cloth diameter = 48 + (15 × 2) = 48 + 30 = 78"
→ Buy a 78" round tablecloth (round tablecloths sold by diameter)

Example 3: Floor-length buffet table, 6 ft table (72 × 30”), 29” drop

Cloth length = 72 + (29 × 2) = 72 + 58 = 130"
Cloth width  = 30 + (29 × 2) = 30 + 58 = 88"
→ Need 88 × 130" — very large; typical event tablecloths for 6 ft banquet tables are sold as 90 × 132"

Common Table Sizes and Tablecloth Sizes

Rectangular tables:

Table Size	8” Drop	12” Drop	15” Drop	Floor (29”)
48 × 30” (4-seat)	64 × 46”	72 × 54”	78 × 60”	106 × 88”
60 × 36” (4–6 seat)	76 × 52”	84 × 60”	90 × 66”	118 × 94”
72 × 36” (6–8 seat)	88 × 52”	96 × 60”	102 × 66”	130 × 94”
96 × 36” (8–10 seat)	112 × 52”	120 × 60”	126 × 66”	154 × 94”

Bold = most common US dining room table.

Round tables:

Table Diameter	8” Drop	12” Drop	15” Drop	Floor (29”)
36”	52” round	60” round	66” round	94” round
48”	64” round	72” round	78” round	106” round
60”	76” round	84” round	90” round	118” round
72”	88” round	96” round	102” round	130” round

Oval Tables

Use the longest length and widest width as if rectangular. The tablecloth will be rectangular (or oval-shaped if you purchase a fitted oval cloth). Most oval tablecloths sold in standard rectangular dimensions drape naturally over oval tables.

Buying vs. Custom

Most stores sell tablecloths in standard sizes (e.g., 60 × 84”, 60 × 102”, 70” round). If your calculation falls between standard sizes, round up to the next size — a slightly longer drop is always better than one that’s too short.

Use the Clothing Size Calculator → Tablecloth tab for automatic calculation.