Cue Sports Australia

Woodworking quick answers: billiard table dimensions
A quick reference guide for billiard table dimensions, including carom, snooker, and PBTA standards for different size tables. English and metric units are provided.

The term billiards describes any number of games played with small solid balls on a cloth-covered table propelled by tapering sticks called cues. Today there are more than four hundred types of billiard games, and billiards is the third most popular participant sport in the United States. Each year, more than thirty-five million people play some form of billiards.

Unlike informal group games such as football or baseball, which can easily be enjoyed without strict measurements, billiards requires a table with specific dimensions that vary depending on the type of game and table size. When building a billiard table, these dimensions are vital for accurate play.

Billiard Table Dimensions: General Measurements

.005 inches (.013 centimeters): Maximum allowable vertical difference between panels of the table bed.

.02 inches (.051 centimeters): Maximum variation in flatness of the playing surface along the length of the table.

.03 inches (.076 centimeters): Maximum variation in flatness along the playing surface when 200 pounds is loaded at the center.

1/8: Fraction of table length used as the distance between diamonds or rail markers.

31 inches (79 – 80 centimeters): Regulation height of table bed.

Dimensions: Small Carom Tables

A carom table has no pockets, and the game focuses on trick shots and angle calculation instead of pocketing balls.

4.17 feet (1.27 meters): Width of playing surface.

5.011 feet (1.5275 meters): Total width of table.

8.33 feet (2.54 meters): Length of playing surface.

9.19 feet (2.80 meters): Total length of table.

1.42 – 1.46 inches (3.6 – 3.7 centimeters): Distance from table bed to the nose (beveled edge of table).

Dimensions: Regulation Carom Tables

4.66 feet (1.42 meters): Width of playing surface.

5.504 feet (1.6775 meters): Total width of table.

9.32 feet (2.84 meters): Length of playing surface.

10.17 feet (3.10 meters): Total length of table.

1.42 – 1.46 inches (3.6 – 3.7 centimeters): Distance from table bed to the nose (beveled edge of table).

Dimensions: Snooker Table

Snooker is one of the most popular forms of billiards, involving red and spotted balls that must be sunk in a specific order.

3 3/8 inches (8.57 centimeters): Minimum width of an end pocket.

3 5/8 inches (9.21 centimeters): Maximum width of an end pocket.

4 1/16 inches (10.32 centimeters): Minimum width of a middle pocket.

4 5/8 inches (11.75 centimeters): Maximum width of a middle pocket.

70 inches (177.8 centimeters): Width of playing surface on a regulation table.

140.5 inches (356.9 centimeters): Length of playing surface on a regulation table.

Dimensions: PBTA Standards

The Professional Billiards Tour Association (PBTA) was formed in 1991 to organize tournaments and television coverage, and their standards apply to all regulation tables.

1 29/64 inches (3.69 centimeters): Nose (beveled edge defining playing surface) height on a regulation table.

3 11/16 inches (9.37 centimeters): Distance from the center of the diamond or rail marker to the edge of the nose on a regulation table.

75 degrees: Regulation cushion
facing angle. The cushion facing is the leather or rubber cover on the ends of the beveled edge of the table.

105 degrees: Cut angle (angle formed by adjacent pocket sides) of a side pocket.

140 degrees: Cut angle of a corner pocket.

Dimensions: Length to Width Ratio

In general, the length of a billiard table is equal to twice the width. Table sizes vary depending on the players involved and the space available in the room where the table is located. It is best to choose a table size that will allow plenty of room for shots from all sides, taking into consideration the length of the cues so players are not running into walls or other fixtures.

6 Foot Table Playing Surface: 32 inches wide by 64 inches long (81.3 centimeters wide by 162.6 centimeters long).

7 Foot Table Playing Surface: 38 inches wide by 76 inches long (96.5 centimeters wide by 193.0 centimeters long).

8 Foot Table Playing Surface: 44 inches wide by 88 inches long or 46 inches wide by 92 inches long (111.8 centimeters wide by 223.5 centimeters long or 116.8 centimeters wide by 233.7 centimeters long).

9 Foot Table Playing Surface: 50 inches wide by 100 inches long (127.0 centimeters wide by 254.0 centimeters long). Corner pockets measure from 4 7/8 inches to 5 1/8 inches wide (from 12.4 centimeters to 13.0 centimeters). Side pockets measure from 5 3/8 inches to 5 5/8 inches wide (from 13.7 centimeters to 14.3 centimeters).

10 Foot Table Playing Surface: 56 inches wide by 112 inches long (142.2 centimeters wide by 284.5 centimeters long). Diamonds are spaced 14 inches (35.6 centimeters) apart.

No matter which type of billiards is played or what table is used, constructing a billiard table demands precise measurements and exact dimensions. That accuracy will add up to enjoyment that no tape measure
can reach.