Dining Table Height and Dimensions
A standard dining table is 28–30 in (71–76 cm) tall, 36–40 in (91–102 cm) wide, and about 24 in (61 cm) long for every person seated. With dining chairs at about 18 in (46 cm), that leaves 10–12 in (25–30 cm) between the seat and the table top for your legs. Counter-height and bar-height tables are taller and use stools. The average dining table height is 30 in (76 cm), and a normal range is 28–30 in.
Dining table heights
| Table | Height | Seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dining table | 28–30 in (71–76 cm) | 18 in (46 cm) chairs |
| Low or Asian-style table | 14–18 in (36–46 cm) | Floor cushions |
| Counter-height table | 34–36 in (86–91 cm) | 24–26 in stools |
| Bar-height table | 40–42 in (102–107 cm) | 28–30 in stools |
The space that matters is between the seat and the underside of the top or apron: at least 10 in (25 cm) for thighs. A deep apron under a 28 in table can leave too little; keep it under 4 in (10 cm), or skip it and stiffen the top another way.
Table size by number of people
| People | Rectangular | Round | Square |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 30 × 30 in (76 × 76 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | 30 in |
| 4 | 48 × 30–36 in (122 × 76–91 cm) | 36–44 in (91–112 cm) | 36–44 in |
| 6 | 60–72 × 36–40 in (152–183 × 91–102 cm) | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) | 60 in |
| 8 | 80–96 × 40 in (203–244 × 102 cm) | 60–72 in (152–183 cm) | 72 in |
| 10 | 96–120 × 42 in (244–305 × 107 cm) | 72–84 in | 84 in |
Each diner needs about 24 in (61 cm) of table edge; 30 in (76 cm) is comfortable with armchairs. A table narrower than 36 in leaves little room in the middle for dishes.
Round and square tables, and the room each one needs, are in dining table dimensions.
Space around the table
| Clearance | Minimum | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Table edge to wall, nobody passing | 32 in (81 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) |
| Walking behind seated guests | 42 in (107 cm) | 48 in (122 cm) |
| Light above the table top | 30 in (76 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) |
So a 72 × 40 in table for six needs a room about 12 × 10 ft (3.7 × 3 m).
Building a dining table
A dining table from sheet goods needs a stiff top: a single 18 mm (3/4 in) board sags over long spans, so double it at the edges or add rails under it. Our dining table plan uses panel legs, a deep stretcher and a doubled edge, sized from the length, width and height you type:
For the narrow table behind a sofa, see console table height.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard dining table height?
28–30 in (71–76 cm) from the floor to the top. Dining chairs have seats about 18 in (46 cm) high, which leaves 10–12 in for your legs.
What is counter height and bar height for a table?
Counter-height tables are 34–36 in (86–91 cm) tall with 24–26 in stools; bar-height tables are 40–42 in (102–107 cm) with 28–30 in stools.
What size dining table seats 6?
A rectangular table 60–72 in (152–183 cm) long and 36–40 in (91–102 cm) wide, or a round table 60 in (152 cm) across.
How much space do you need around a dining table?
At least 36 in (91 cm) from the table edge to a wall or furniture, and 42–48 in (107–122 cm) where people walk behind seated guests.
How high should a light hang over a dining table?
With its bottom 30–36 in (76–91 cm) above the table top, a little higher for tall ceilings.