Seats per table
| Table | Size | Comfortable | At a squeeze |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round | 48″ · 122 cm | 4–6 | 6 |
| Round | 60″ · 152 cm | 8 | 10 |
| Round | 66″ · 168 cm | 8–10 | 11 |
| Round | 72″ · 183 cm | 10 | 12 |
| Banquet | 6 ft × 30″ · 183 × 76 cm | 6 (8 with ends) | 8 |
| Banquet | 8 ft × 30″ · 244 × 76 cm | 8 (10 with ends) | 10 |
| Square | 60″ · 152 cm | 8 (2 per side) | 12 |
Rule of thumb: allow about 24–30 inches (60–75 cm) of table edge per guest. Larger chairs, chargers and big centrepieces push you to the comfortable end.
Plated vs buffet vs family style
For a plated dinner, stay at the comfortable number — servers need room to reach in. Buffets can usually take one extra chair per table because there are fewer dishes on the table. Family-style service (platters on the table) needs the most space of all; consider dropping a seat.
Space between tables
Chairs need around 45–60 cm (18–24 in) behind the table edge, and people need to walk behind seated guests. Many venues aim for roughly 1.5 m (5 ft) between table edges so a chair can be pushed back and someone can still pass. Wheelchair routes need more. Your venue’s layout and fire capacity always take precedence.
Mixing sizes
You don’t need every table the same. A few 60-inch rounds among 72-inch ones let you fit an eight-person friend group without leaving two empty chairs. Long feasting tables in one area and rounds elsewhere can suit a room with an awkward shape.
In the planner, change any table’s shape and seat count individually; it redraws at the real size so you can see whether it fits.
Plan it, then print itPaste your guest list, seat everyone on a to-scale floor plan, and print the sign and cards — free, no account.
Open the planner