Measure the smallest usable rectangle
Radiators, pillars, chimney breasts, sloping walls, door swings and fixed furniture all remove cue space. Measure to the obstruction, not the wall behind it.
The table fits. Does the shot?
Nominal table size is only the beginning. Plan around the playing surface, the longest cue, the cabinet, access, floor and light.
Metric & imperialCue clearanceInstaller checks
Last reviewed 21 August 2026The key calculation
Playing surface + two cue lengths
A player’s cue needs space beyond every cushion. For each room dimension, add the longest cue expected to both sides of the corresponding playing-surface dimension. A common 57-inch cue is about 145 cm, so it adds roughly 290 cm to both length and width.
The result is a clear playing rectangle, not a full installation specification. The outside cabinet is larger than the cloth, and installers may require additional working space.
Use the interactive room calculatorQuick comparison
Typical playing areas and clear rooms.
| Nominal table | Playing area | Minimum room with 145 cm cue | Approximate imperial room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 ft full size | 356.9 × 177.8 cm | 646.9 × 467.8 cm | 21′ 3″ × 15′ 4″ |
| 10 ft | about 305 × 152.5 cm | about 595 × 442.5 cm | 19′ 6″ × 14′ 6″ |
| 9 ft | about 274.5 × 137 cm | about 564.5 × 427 cm | 18′ 6″ × 14′ 0″ |
| 8 ft | about 244 × 122 cm | about 534 × 412 cm | 17′ 6″ × 13′ 6″ |
| 7 ft | about 213.5 × 106.5 cm | about 503.5 × 396.5 cm | 16′ 6″ × 13′ 0″ |
| 6 ft | about 183 × 91.5 cm | about 473 × 381.5 cm | 15′ 6″ × 12′ 6″ |
The full-size playing area uses the standard 11 ft 8.5 in × 5 ft 10 in dimensions. Smaller-table dimensions vary by manufacturer and are planning approximations. Confirm the exact model.
Plan the delivery route
Confirm stairs, corners, door widths, lifts, parking and the weight and size of every component with the installer before purchase.
Check level and load
A slate table is extremely heavy and depends on a stable, level support. Obtain appropriate building or professional advice where capacity is uncertain.
Protect the playing conditions
Use even table lighting without glare, allow safe head clearance, and follow the maker’s guidance for temperature, humidity, cloth and slate care.
Do not order from a calculator alone
Confirm the exact table and the exact room
Before committing money, ask the seller or installer for the cabinet dimensions, slate construction, total weight, recommended access clearance, installation method, warranty conditions and maintenance requirements. The room tool is a planning filter, not an engineering or installation approval.