Dressing your table with a tablecloth can freshen it up for both casual dining and formal meals. But without the proper know-how, finding the right tablecloth size for your table can be a daunting task. Luckily for you, we’ve provided some easy-to-follow steps on how to measure for a tablecloth. We've also included a list of standard tablecloth sizes and table runner sizes you can choose from to decorate your table.

How to Select the Correct Tablecloth Size
Step 1: Measure Your Table
Step 2: Determine Your Drop Length
Step 3: Find Your Tablecloth Size
Step 4: Pair Your Tablecloth With a Table Runner

How to Select the Correct Tablecloth Size

Step 1: Measure Your Table

To get a square tablecloth size, you can measure just one side and use that as your table width and table length measurements. For an oval or rectangle tablecloth size, measure the entire length and width of the table. For a round tablecloth size, all you'll need is the diameter – the measurement from one side of the circle to the other that passes through the circle's center. It should be the longest measurement across the table's surface.

Step 2: Determine Your Drop Length

The second step when learning how to measure for a tablecloth, is to decide on your preferred drop length. The drop length is the length of tablecloth that hangs over each side of the table. For a casual look, a lap-length tablecloth is ideal. Floor-length tablecloths provide a more elegant look to your table and are perfect for special occasions. As a rule of thumb, a tablecloth's drop length is usually 8" in casual settings and 15" in formal settings.

Step 3: Find Your Tablecloth Size

Now that you have your table's length, width, and drop-length measurements, you can find the perfect tablecloth size for your table. If your table is a standard size and you'd like to opt for a standard 8" or 15" drop length, you won't need to do any math – we've done all the calculations for you in the chart below.

If you have an oval table, it's important that you search for oval tablecloth sizes with the dimensions you've calculated – a rectangle tablecloth will fit but not perfectly. Take a look at the different tablecloth sizes depending on your table size below!

Don't see your table size on our chart? Use your measurements and preferred drop length to calculate the tablecloth size that would be perfect for your table. We've included the equations you will need to use as well as a couple of examples.

You can use these equations to calculate a general tablecloth size, and then select the tablecloth that is the closest match. If you would like a floor-length tablecloth, replace the drop length with the table height.

Step 4: Pair Your Tablecloth With a Table Runner

A table runner is an additional piece of dining linen that highlights the center of your table. It can be placed on a table by itself or on top of a tablecloth. Table runners add depth and (usually) a pop of color or pattern to your tablescape. The table runner size is up to you, but ideally it shouldn’t be longer than your tablecloth. We recommend selecting a runner with a length about 12" shorter than the length of your tablecloth – it should fit perfectly. If your table runner is being used on a bare table, the table runner should hang about 6" off the table on both sides.

For extra-wide rectangular tables, use two table runners either side by side or under the place settings on either side of the table. For round tables, you can crisscross two of the same table runners in an X-shaped pattern across the center of your table. You can also use a square piece of fabric and place it in the center of your table with your centerpiece on top.

Tip!

Wayfair also offers 36" diameter round table toppers. These table toppers are attractive finishing touches you can use on top of your tablecloth. A vase of flowers, candle, or bowl is often placed at the center of the table topper to complete the look. Make sure to measure your table topper to fit within the width of your table.

Popular Tablecloth Sizes

Tablecloths can also be found in popular sizes that correspond with common dining table dimensions.

Round & Square

Rectangle Oval

Finding the perfect tablecloth size and table runner size is no easy task, and that’s why Wayfair is here to help!