How this calculator works
A pool cue needs room behind the ball as well as in front of it. The minimum room is the playing surface plus the cue length on both sides, plus a little room for the backswing. This page uses 6 inches of backswing per side. The dimensions here are for the playing surface, measured between the noses of the cushions; the cabinet and rails add several more inches. The result is the clear space needed, so mark it out on the floor before buying.
Formula
Room length = table playing length + 2 x (cue length + 6 inches). Room width = table playing width + 2 x (cue length + 6 inches).
Worked example
An American 8-foot table has a 88 by 44 inch playing surface, which is 2.235 by 1.118 m. With a 58-inch cue and 6 inches of backswing, the clearance is 2 x (1.473 + 0.152) = 3.251 m on each dimension. The room needs 5.486 m by 4.369 m, or about 18 ft by 14 ft 4 in.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I measure the table or the room?
Measure the room and compare the clear space with the required room size. The playing surface ignores the cabinet, so a table that just fits on paper can still leave too little room for a stroke.
What if my room is slightly small?
Use a shorter cue for shots near the cushion, or accept that some shots will need a different stance. A 48 or 52 inch cue reduces the required width by about 10 to 12 inches per side.
Are English and American table sizes the same?
No. English tables are usually described by the outer or playing length with a narrower width, while American tables use standard playing surfaces such as 39 by 78 inches for a 7-foot table. The page uses the playing surface for each type.