How to Measure Your Table for a Tablecloth (and Get the Overhang Right)
One of the most common mistakes people make when buying a tablecloth is getting the size wrong, either ending up with an awkward short cloth that barely covers the edges, or an overlong one that pools on the floor. The good news is that measuring is straightforward once you know the overhang rules.
This guide covers rectangular, round and oval tables, with real numbers to make it easy.
The Overhang Rule: How Much Drop Should a Tablecloth Have?
The overhang (also called the drop) is the amount of cloth that hangs down from the edge of the table on each side. Getting this right is the key to a tablecloth that looks intentional rather than accidental.
Everyday use: 20–30cm drop
For an informal everyday table: breakfast, family meals, working from home, a drop of 20–30cm on each side is the standard. It covers the table edge without getting in the way of chairs or people sitting down.
Dinner parties and formal settings: 30–40cm drop
For a more dressed table: dinner parties, entertaining, Christmas, increase the drop to 30–40cm. This gives the table a more considered, elegant feel without going floor-length.
Floor-length: for buffets and event tables only
A full-length drop that reaches the floor is really only appropriate for side tables, buffet tables, or event hire situations. For a dining table where people sit down, it's impractical and can look more like a tablecloth on a trestle than a dressed dinner table.
How to Measure a Rectangular Table
Rectangular tables are the most straightforward to measure.
The formula
Tablecloth length = table length + (2 × your chosen drop)
Tablecloth width = table width + (2 × your chosen drop)
A worked example:
Say your table measures 180cm long × 90cm wide, and you want a 30cm drop for a dinner party:
- Length: 180 + (2 × 30) = 180 + 60 = 240cm
- Width: 90 + (2 × 30) = 90 + 60 = 150cm
- You'd need a tablecloth of approximately 240cm × 150cm
Always measure the actual table surface not an existing tablecloth, as these are often the wrong size to begin with.
How to Measure a Round Table
Round tables just need a single measurement: the diameter (the distance straight across the centre of the table).
The formula
Tablecloth diameter = table diameter + (2 × your chosen drop)
A worked example
If your round table is 120cm across, and you want a 25cm drop:
- 120 + (2 × 25) = 120 + 50 = 170cm diameter tablecloth
One thing to note: round tablecloths are harder to find than rectangular ones, particularly in printed designs. Many retailers only stock standard sizes, so if your table is an unusual diameter, you may find yourself with limited options. It's worth knowing that Nic Brittin makes square tablecloths that look beautiful on a round table, the corners drape elegantly at the sides and give a relaxed, unfussy look. And if you have an unusual size or a specific requirement, Nic Brittin also offers a bespoke service, so you're never stuck settling for something that doesn't quite work.
How to Measure an Oval Table
Oval tables are the trickiest to get right. Because the table is longer in one direction than the other, the drop will be different at the ends than at the sides unless you buy a tablecloth specifically sized for an oval.
Option 1: Buy an oval tablecloth
If you can find one in the right size, this is the ideal solution. Measure the longest length and the widest width of your table, then add your chosen drop to each (multiply by 2 as with rectangular tables).
Option 2: Use a rectangular tablecloth
A rectangular cloth on an oval table is a practical compromise. Use the length and width of your oval table (at its longest and widest points) as the starting measurements, then add your drop as normal. The corners will overhang slightly differently to a purpose-made oval cloth, but it works well in practice.
Option 3: Embrace the asymmetry
Some people simply accept that the drop will vary around an oval table and choose the tablecloth size that gives the right drop on the long sides, accepting a slightly shorter drop at the narrow ends. This is often perfectly fine, especially for informal settings.
What If You're Between Sizes?
If you're between two standard sizes, always go longer rather than shorter. A slightly longer drop looks intentional. A cloth that barely covers the edges looks like a mistake.
The exception is if you're buying for a table with chairs that tuck under tightly in that case, a shorter drop avoids the cloth bunching up when people sit down.
Table Runners and Placemats: An Alternative to a Full Cloth
Not every table needs a full tablecloth. Depending on the look you're going for, table runners and placemats can work beautifully especially on a dining table with a lovely wood grain you don't want to hide entirely.
Table runners
A table runner runs down the centre of the table, typically leaving 30–40cm of table visible on each side. Standard runners are 40cm wide; length is usually table length plus 30–60cm for the overhang at each end. Runners work particularly well layered over a plain tablecloth, or on their own on a bare table for a relaxed, informal look.
Placemats
Standard placemats are typically 30cm × 40cm — large enough for a dinner plate, with room for cutlery. If you're buying placemats as part of a coordinated set with napkins or a runner, check that the designs work together before ordering.
Mixing table linen
One of the questions we get asked most is whether it's okay to mix patterns and colours across different pieces of table linen. The short answer is yes and done well, it often looks better than an exact match. We'll be covering this in a separate post shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a tablecloth touch the floor?
For a dining table, no a floor-length drop looks better on a side table or event table. For everyday and formal dining, a drop of 20–40cm is the standard.
What size tablecloth do I need for a 6-seater table?
It depends on the size of your table, but most 6-seater rectangular tables are around 180–200cm long and 90–100cm wide. Using the formula above with a 30cm drop, you'd typically be looking at a tablecloth of around 240–260cm × 150–160cm. Always measure your specific table rather than going by seating capacity, tables vary significantly in size.
How much overhang for a tablecloth on a trestle table?
For a buffet or serving trestle where no one is sitting, a floor-length drop often looks best and hides the legs and any storage underneath. For a seated trestle table (common at outdoor events), use the same 20–30cm rule as any other dining table.
Can I use a tablecloth that's too big?
Yes, within reason. A few centimetres too long on each side is usually fine and can look elegant. If the cloth is significantly too large, it will bunch up against chairs and underfoot, which becomes a trip hazard and looks messy.
