Tablecloth Size Calculator
Enter your table dimensions and preferred drop length — the cloth overhang on each side — and get the exact tablecloth size you need. Works for both rectangular/oval and round tables, in inches or centimetres.
Table shape
Unit
in
in
in
Length needed to achieve the chosen drop on both ends
- 1
Drop on both sides
2 × 9 = 18The cloth hangs down by the drop on both ends and both sides simultaneously. - 2
Tablecloth width
36 + 18 = 54 - 3
Tablecloth length
60 + 18 = 78
How does this calculator work?
Tablecloth size = table dimension + 2 × drop, applied to both length and width (or to diameter for round tables). A casual drop is 6–9 in (15–23 cm); formal is 12–15 in (30–38 cm); floor-length is ~30 in (76 cm). Round up to the nearest standard cloth size.
Formula
How this is calculated
A tablecloth must cover the table top and hang down evenly on all sides. The drop (or "fall") is the distance the cloth hangs below the table edge. You add twice the drop to each dimension because the cloth overhangs on both sides simultaneously: both ends for the length, and both sides for the width. For a round table the same logic applies to the diameter — add one drop-length for each side of the radius, giving diameter + 2 × drop.
Common drop conventions: a short "casual" drop of 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) suits everyday dining; a "banquet" or "formal" drop of 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) is typical for event settings; a floor-length or "full" drop of 29–30 inches (74–76 cm) covers the table legs completely and suits display tables, buffets, and formal events. For a chair to be pulled in comfortably the drop is usually kept to 12 inches or less.
Fabric is sold by the linear metre or yard. Once you have the cloth dimensions, divide the larger dimension by the fabric width (typically 137 cm / 54 in for most linens) to determine how many widths you need, then multiply by the smaller dimension to estimate yardage. Pre-made tablecloths are usually listed in standard sizes — always round up to the nearest available size rather than down.
Frequently asked questions
For a casual family dinner setting, a drop of 6–9 inches (15–23 cm) is common. For a more formal dinner, 12–15 inches (30–38 cm) is typical. A floor-length "exhibition" drop is 29–30 inches (74–76 cm) and suits trade show or display tables. Event linens for banquet tables most often use a 30-inch drop to reach the floor on standard 30-inch-high folding tables.
Treat an oval table the same as a rectangular one: use the maximum length and maximum width of the oval, then add twice the drop to each. Most oval tablecloths are cut as rectangles with the corners rounded, so using the rectangular formula gives you the right fabric dimensions. If you are buying a pre-made oval cloth, the listed dimensions refer to the maximum length and width, matching this formula.
Yes — if you are cutting and hemming your own tablecloth, add 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) to each finished dimension to allow for a single or double hem. So for a finished cloth of 60 × 84 inches, cut the fabric to 62 × 86 inches (with 1-inch hems all around). Pre-washed and pre-shrunk fabric is recommended so the finished cloth does not shrink after the first wash.
Also known as
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. (2026). Tablecloth Size Calculator [Online calculator]. TG we-Calculate. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/tablecloth-size-calculator
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team. "Tablecloth Size Calculator." TG we-Calculate. 2026. https://we-calculate.com/calculator/tablecloth-size-calculator.
TG we-Calculate Editorial Team, "Tablecloth Size Calculator," TG we-Calculate, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://we-calculate.com/calculator/tablecloth-size-calculator
@misc{wecalculate_tablecloth_size_calculator, title = {Tablecloth Size Calculator}, author = {{TG we-Calculate Editorial Team}}, howpublished = {\url{https://we-calculate.com/calculator/tablecloth-size-calculator}}, year = {2026}, note = {TG we-Calculate} }
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