How to Measure a Pool Table

There are many different sizes of pool/billiard tables and knowing your measurements can save you money and heartache. Different pool table manufacturers use different width rails, so the industry standard is to measure your playing field. You should also know that a seven footer isn’t truly 7′, an eight footer isn’t really 8′ and so on. Some people also are convinced they have one size and they really have another.

Take your tape measure and measure in inches between the cushion noses on the short end of the pool table (see photo of an 8′ right). Don’t measure under the cushion or inside the pocket. The length is typically double the width, but if it makes you feel better you can measure lengthwise, too.

Typical pool table sizes are:
7′ — 39″ x 78″ or 40″ x 80″ (sometimes called bar size)
8′ — 44″ x 88″ (sometimes called standard size)
Pro 8′ — 46″ x 92″ (this is a standard 8′ antique size)
9′ — 50″ x 100″ (sometimes called tournament size)

Figuring Out the Number of Slates

So, you aren’t sure if you have a one piece slate or a three piece slate pool/billiard table? It makes a huge difference if you are moving a pool table table, especially when there are stairs involved. Take a look underneath the rails on either side of the side pocket. If you see a separation like in the photo to your right, you have a three piece slate pool table. If you don’t see a separation, you can look underneath the table for two support cross beams. Two cross support beams usually means your pool/billiard table is a three piece slate, but not always.

All newer pool tables, from the late 1980’s to present day usually have a three piece slate bed. Many billiard tables manufactured from the 1960’s to 1980’s used one piece slates, but not all. All nine footers never have a one piece slate except Diamond coin operated pool tables. Most all seven and eight foot coin operated pool tables have one piece slates. Some antique billiard/pool tables have a four piece slatebed and we have yet to see a table that has a two piece slate.

Still not sure? Give us a call and we can try and help you find out. Hopefully, before you get the expensive surprise.