You’re planning a wedding dinner, a birthday meal, or a seminar with a seated lunch, and you need to decide how many tables to order. The same question comes up every time: What table size should you choose based on the number of people, and how many guests can be seated around a round table without anyone feeling cramped?
The answer depends on the width of the tabletop and the space allocated to each guest. A dining table in a family dining room and a reception table follow the same calculation rules, but not the same constraints: at an event, the goal is to maximize seating capacity without sacrificing comfort. This comprehensive guide reviews every size, from 90 to 180 cm, to help you choose the right setup.
How do you determine the number of guests at a round table?
The basic rule is simple: allow 60 cm per person for a comfortable meal. That’s the space needed to set a plate, cutlery, and two glasses, while still having room to move your elbows freely. For a reception-style setup—when the meal is shorter or you’re seating children—you can reduce this to a minimum of 50 cm per seat. Any less than that, and diners will be in each other’s way.
For a round table, the calculation is based on the circumference: multiply the diameter by 3.14, then divide the result by the number of seats you’ve chosen. A 150-cm table thus has a circumference of approximately 470 cm, which seats 7 to 8 people at 60 cm per person, and up to 10 in a tight arrangement.
The table below summarizes the number of seats for each common table size.
| Plate diameter (in cm) | Comfort Seats | Seats in a tight configuration |
|---|---|---|
| 90 | 4 | 5 |
| 100 | 5 | 6 |
| 110 | 5 à 6 | 7 |
| 120 | 6 | 7 à 8 |
| 140 | 7 | 8 à 9 |
| 150 | 8 | 9 à 10 |
| 160 | 8 | 10 |
| 180 | 9 à 10 | 11 à 12 |
These ranges are based on chairs without armrests. If using armchairs, reduce the seating capacity by one per table. To see the available diameters, check our table rental catalog.
For smaller sizes, a table with a 90-cm diameter is suitable for 4 people, making it a good choice for a lounge area or waiting area. A 100-cm table seats five guests, and a 110-cm table seats six if everyone sits a little closer together. Smaller tables, such as a 75-cm round side table with a wooden tabletop, are designed for two people, providing two comfortable seats.
120-cm Round Table
With a diameter of 120 cm, the tabletop has a circumference of just under 380 cm. It comfortably seats 6 people, with each person having more than 60 cm of space. By arranging the place settings closely together, you can seat up to 7 or even 8 guests for a short meal or a children’s table.
This size is ideal for intimate dinners, family tables at weddings, or small team lunches. In a reception hall, it offers another advantage: its compact footprint leaves more space for movement between tables.
At Evenement & Objet, the 122-cm round table for 6–8 people fits this format. If you’re considering a square table for the same number of guests, note that the 122-cm square wooden table seats eight people, with two on each side.
140-cm Round Table
A 1.40-meter table has a circumference of about 440 cm: it comfortably seats 7 guests, or 8 in a tight arrangement. This is an intermediate size, very common in dining room furniture but less common in event rental lines.
If you’re aiming for 8 guaranteed seats with plenty of comfort, go up a size. The 152-cm round table for 8–10 people offers nearly 40 cm more circumference than a 140-cm table—enough for almost one additional seat.
150-cm Round Table
This is the most commonly used table size for receptions. With a circumference of nearly 470 cm, a 150-cm table comfortably seats 8 people and up to 10 in a banquet setup. Most rental companies offer tables that seat between 8 and 10 people.
To calculate the number of tables, divide your guest list by the number of seats per table. A wedding with 100 guests would therefore require 10 tables of this size if you seat 10 people per table, and 13 if you seat 8. The second option adds three tables, but your guests will be significantly more comfortable during a meal that lasts several hours.
Two versions are available for rent: the 152-cm round table for 8–10 people, which can be dressed with a tablecloth, and the 152-cm solid wood round table for 8–10 people, which looks great without a tablecloth for a rustic wedding or a dinner with a raw, natural style.
160-cm Round Table
At 1.60 m, the table’s circumference exceeds 500 cm. You can easily seat 8 guests, or 10 if you move the chairs closer together. It’s a good size for a long meal with several courses and different glasses for each course: the extra space really makes a difference at the table.
For rentals, there are two sizes that fit within this range. Choose the 152-cm table to limit the number of tables in the room, or the 1.78-meter table to provide more space for each guest.
180-cm Round Table
A 180-cm table has a circumference of approximately 560 cm: it comfortably seats 9 to 10 guests, and up to 12 in a banquet setting. This is the ideal size for large family gatherings and gala dinners where you want to bring together about ten guests around the same table.
Be mindful of the space required: including chairs, a table of this size occupies a circle approximately 3 m wide. In a narrow room or under a reception tent, this quickly limits the number of tables that can be set up.
The 178-cm round table for 10–12 people fits this size. It allows you to accommodate a large number of people with fewer tables, which simplifies the seating arrangement and service.
What size table is best for 10 people: round, rectangular, or oval?
To choose the shape, start by considering the number of guests and the desired atmosphere. A round table encourages conversation: everyone can see everyone else, and no one ends up isolated at the end of the table.
For a rectangular table, calculate based on the length, allowing the same amount of space per person. If it’s at least 80 cm wide, add one guest at each end. If it’s less than 70 cm wide, the ends of the table quickly become cramped. A table measuring 180 x 90 cm can seat 8 guests. For 10 people, a 244-cm rectangular table is best: four guests on each side, one at each end, with a depth of just 76 cm.
Another advantage is that rectangular tables can be placed end-to-end. Two 183-cm rectangular tables for 6–8 people each form a table over 300 cm long, which seats up to 14 guests.
The oval table retains the conviviality of a round table while offering more length. It’s the ideal shape for a head table, such as the 10-person oval head table or its 14-person version.
The square table is best suited for small groups. The 87-cm square table for 2–4 people seats four: it’s perfect for tables of four or a bistro-style setting.
Also consider the table base. A single central leg leaves more legroom, whereas a table with four legs requires you to place the chairs between the legs. As for the extendable table—which is practical at home—it’s not practical for an event: it’s better to rent the right size right away.
Table height and clearance: the dimensions to allow for around the table
The standard height of a dining table ranges from 72 to 76 cm. The chairs should be the right height: allow about 30 centimeters between the seat and the underside of the tabletop so that guests can slide their legs in comfortably. If you’re renting chairs at the same time, our selection of chairs and folding chairs is designed for reception tables.
The space around your table is just as important as the tabletop itself. Each guest should be able to pull their chair back and stand up without bumping into the back of the neighboring chair. Allow 90 to 100 cm between the edge of the table and a wall or obstacle. Allow 120 cm if the caterer is serving individual plates and needs to move behind the guests.
Between two tables, leave at least 150 cm between the edges: the chair backs will face each other, and a clear path will remain in the middle. To estimate the total area, allow 1.2 to 1.5 m² per seated guest, then adjust according to your room and its constraints (pillars, doors, a stage, a dance floor). A scaled floor plan—even a rough one—will help you avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of delivery.
The number of chairs to order can then be calculated directly from your seating chart. Plan for a few more chairs than the number of confirmed guests to account for unforeseen circumstances.
What size tablecloth should you use for a round tray?
For a standard drape, add 30 cm to each side of the tabletop’s width. A 122-cm table therefore requires a round tablecloth measuring approximately 1.80 m; a 152-cm table requires a tablecloth measuring approximately 2.10 m; and a 1.78-m table requires a tablecloth measuring approximately 2.40 m.
For a floor-length tablecloth, which creates a more formal look, add twice the height of the table to the width of the tabletop. You’ll need about 2.70 m for a 122 cm table, 3 m for a 152 cm table, and 3.30 m for a 1.78 m table. Browse the available styles in our table linens section and check the dimensions listed on each product page.
Table Rentals: How to Choose the Right Size for Your Reception?
To make the right choice, always start with your guest list. Determine how many guests you want per table, then work backward to figure out the right table size and number of tables. Next, make sure that table size fits in your venue while leaving enough space for people to move around. The table should serve your seating plan—not the other way around.
If you’re unsure between two sizes, go with the larger one: it’s better to have a table that’s a little spacious than one where guests are crammed together for three hours. And if you’re not sure what dimensions to choose for an unconventional venue, our table rental catalog lists the dimensions of each table on its product page—whether round, rectangular, oval, or square.
Once you’ve decided on the right dimensions, add your tables, chairs, and table linens to your online quote request. Specify the date, venue, and number of guests: our teams will confirm availability and help you tailor all your furniture to your event.