what pool table size should you buy

Buying a pool table is exciting—but it’s also a decision that deserves careful thought. One of the most common questions homeowners ask is what pool table size should you buy to fit both your space and how you actually plan to use it.

The right table enhances your home, fits comfortably in your room, and matches your playing style. The wrong size can feel cramped, awkward, or underused. This guide breaks down everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision—especially if you’re buying a pool table for a home in the Delaware Valley.

What Is The Ideal Size For A Pool Table?

Understanding Standard Pool Table Dimensions

Pool tables are categorized by the length of the playing surface, measured from cushion to cushion. The most common sizes you’ll encounter are:

When wondering what pool table size should you buy, you are often really asking two questions at once:
Will it fit my room, and will it be enjoyable to play on?

Why Room Size Is The Deciding Factor

The biggest mistake homeowners make when they buy a pool table is focusing on the table itself instead of the space around it. You need enough clearance on all sides of the table to take a full cue stroke comfortably.

A general rule is a minimum of 5 feet of clearance on every side, assuming standard 58-inch cues.

Typical room size requirements:

  • 7-foot table: about 13’ x 16’

  • 8-foot table: about 14’ x 18’

  • 9-foot table: about 15’ x 20’

Many homes in Bucks County and Montgomery County have finished basements, bonus rooms, or additions that fall right on the edge of these dimensions. In those cases, choosing the best pool table size means balancing comfort with realism.

Should I Get A 7ft Or 8ft Pool Table?

A 7-foot pool table offers shorter shot distances, slightly wider margins, and a faster pace of play. It is more forgiving and tends to feel more social and casual.

An 8-foot pool table introduces longer shots, more precise positioning, and a playing experience that feels closer to traditional home billiards. Many experienced players prefer this size because it rewards accuracy and strategy.

How To Decide Between The Two

A 7-foot table often makes more sense if:

  • Your room is under 14 feet wide

  • The table will be used by kids or casual players

  • The space serves multiple purposes

An 8-foot table is usually the better choice if:

  • You have adequate clearance on all sides

  • You want a more traditional playing experience

  • You plan to use the table frequently over many years

In practice, there is no universally “correct” option. The right answer depends on how naturally the table fits into your home.

What Is The Advantage Of A 7-Foot Pool Table?

Better Fit For Basements And Multi-Use Rooms

One of the biggest advantages of a 7-foot pool table is flexibility. Many Delaware Valley homes have basement support columns, soffits, or lower ceilings that limit layout options.

A 7-foot table:

  • Allows full cue strokes in tighter spaces

  • Reduces the need for short cues

  • Fits more naturally into finished basements

This often leads to better overall play, even if the table itself is smaller.

More Accessible For All Skill Levels

For families and casual players, a 7-foot table tends to get more use. Games move faster, shots feel achievable, and guests feel comfortable jumping in without feeling intimidated.

What Size Pool Tables Do Most Bars Have?

Most bars and pubs use 7-foot pool tables, primarily because they fit better in commercial spaces and allow quicker games. The shorter length keeps games moving, which works well in social environments.

Home Play Is A Different Experience

That said, home environments allow more flexibility. You are not limited by floor traffic, table turnover, or revenue per game. This is why many homeowners prefer an 8-foot table once they realize they have the space.

Understanding this difference helps clarify what pool table size should you buy for your own home rather than trying to replicate a bar setting exactly.

What Pool Table Size Should You Buy?

Start With Measurement, Not Assumptions

Before choosing a table, measure your room carefully. Include doorways, ceiling obstructions, and furniture placement. If your space is borderline, a slightly smaller table will almost always play better than a cramped larger one.

Ask yourself:

  • Can I take a full stroke from every angle?

  • Will lighting be centered properly?

  • Will the table dominate the room or complement it?

Think Long-Term Use

Many buyers focus on how they play now instead of how they’ll use the table over time. If kids are involved, or if the table will be a gathering point for friends and family, ease of play matters.

This long-term perspective often leads to a clearer answer to what pool table to buy, especially for primary residences rather than dedicated game rooms.

Reading guides helps, but choosing the right pool table often becomes clearer when you can visualize how different sizes actually fit into a real space. Whether you prefer shopping in person or online, access to knowledgeable guidance makes a significant difference in choosing the right table.

At Royal Billiard & Recreation, we’ve helped homeowners throughout the Delaware Valley make informed pool table decisions since 1982. For those who like a hands-on experience, our Colmar showroom allows you to see and compare table sizes in person. For those buying online, the same expertise is available to help you select the right table for your space.

Showroom Address:
515 Bethlehem Pike
Colmar, PA 18915

If you visit our showroom, you can:

  • Compare 7ft and 8ft pool tables side by side

  • See how table size affects gameplay and room flow

  • Get guidance based on your actual room measurements

If you’re buying a pool table online, our team can help you:

  • Determine which table size fits your room dimensions

  • Understand clearance requirements before delivery

  • Choose a table that matches how you plan to use it

Why Expert Guidance Still Matters

Whether you buy in person or online, choosing a pool table without proper guidance often leads to sizing mistakes. Homes in the Delaware Valley vary widely in layout, ceiling height, and available space, which makes one-size-fits-all advice unreliable.

Working with experienced professionals helps ensure the table you choose fits comfortably, plays well, and works long term. Taking the time to understand what pool table size should you buy reduces the risk of overcrowded rooms, limited cue movement, or a table that simply doesn’t get used.

A pool table is a long-term addition to your home and your lifestyle. The best pool table size isn’t the largest one available—it’s the one that fits your space naturally, supports comfortable play, and matches how you actually live and entertain.