The drop is how far the cloth hangs over each edge. Casual dining usually has a 6–8 in (15–20 cm) drop, formal dining 10–15 in (lap length), and events a floor-length drop equal to the table height (about 30 in). For runners, a 6–12 in overhang at each end looks balanced.
How to use the Tablecloth Size Calculator
- Table shape
- Table length / diameter
- Table width
- Drop
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the table shape, enter its length and width (or diameter), and choose the drop.
Tips
- Measure over thin clothing with a soft tape held snug but not tight, and keep the tape level all the way round.
- Take each measurement twice; if you are between sizes, the larger size is usually the safer choice.
- Size charts vary by brand and country – check the maker’s own chart when it is available.
- For sewing projects, pre-wash fabric before cutting and buy 10% extra for shrinkage, pattern matching and mistakes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing inches and centimetres between the tape and the size chart.
- Forgetting seam and hem allowances when cutting fabric.
- Measuring an old, stretched garment instead of your body.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Table shape | Choose one: Rectangle, Square, Round (length = diameter), Oval … |
| Table length / diameter | Units: in, cm |
| Table width | Units: in, cm |
| Drop | Choose one: 6 in – casual, 8 in – standard, 10 in, 12 in – lap length … |
Example values
How the main result changes when Table length / diameter changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Table length / diameter (in) | Tablecloth length (in) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 52 |
| 54 | 70 |
| 72 | 88 |
| 90 | 106 |
| 108 | 124 |
| 144 | 160 |
Formula
Rectangle / oval: length = table length + 2 × drop; width = table width + 2 × dropSquare: side + 2 × drop; round: diameter + 2 × dropBooth: length + drop, width + 2 × drop; runner: table length + 2 × dropWorked example
Inputs — Table shape: Rectangle; Table length / diameter: 72 in; Table width: 36 in; Drop: 8 in – standard.
Results — Tablecloth length = 88 in; Tablecloth width = 52 in.
Frequently asked questions
What size tablecloth for a 6-foot table?
A 72 × 30 in banquet table needs 90 × 132 in for a floor-length cloth or about 60 × 102 in for a 15 in drop.
What size tablecloth for a round 60 in table?
120 in round for floor length, 84–90 in for a standard drop.
How long should a table runner be?
Table length plus 12–24 in, so it overhangs 6–12 in at each end.
What formula does the Tablecloth Size Calculator use?
Rectangle / oval: length = table length + 2 × drop; width = table width + 2 × drop.