Tablecloth Calculator
Find the tablecloth size you need from your table dimensions and preferred drop, plus the closest standard tablecloth size to buy.
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What this tool does
Find the tablecloth size you need from your table dimensions and preferred drop, plus the closest standard tablecloth size to buy. Drop is measured from the table edge to where the cloth should hang: 8-12 in is lap-level casual, 15 in is formal mid-drop, and floor length is about 28-30 in on a standard table. Round tables use the width field as a second check only — enter the diameter as length.
How to use the Tablecloth Calculator
- Enter or select table shape.
- Enter or select table width (inches).
- Enter or select table length (inches, or diameter for round).
- Enter or select drop on each side (inches).
- Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.
Formula
Cloth width = table width + 2 x drop; cloth length = table length + 2 x drop (round tables: diameter + 2 x drop). The buy size is the smallest standard size that covers both cloth dimensions.
- shape
- Table shape
- tw
- Table width (inches)
- tl
- Table length (inches, or diameter for round)
- drop
- Drop on each side (inches)
Drop is measured from the table edge to where the cloth should hang: 8-12 in is lap-level casual, 15 in is formal mid-drop, and floor length is about 28-30 in on a standard table. Round tables use the width field as a second check only — enter the diameter as length.
Worked example
For tablecloth calculator, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Table shape: rect; Table width (inches): 36; Table length (inches, or diameter for round): 60; Drop on each side (inches): 10.
Inputs
- Table shapeRectangle / square
- Table width (inches)36
- Table length (inches, or diameter for round)60
- Drop on each side (inches)10
Result
- Cloth width needed (inches)56
- Cloth length needed (inches)80
- Standard size to buy60 x 84 in
Results explained
- Cloth width needed (inches)
- Cloth width needed (inches) from the formula above. Drop is measured from the table edge to where the cloth should hang: 8-12 in is lap-level casual, 15 in is formal mid-drop, and floor length is about 28-30 in on a standard table. Round tables use the width field as a second check only — enter the diameter as length.
- Cloth length needed (inches)
- Cloth length needed (inches) from the formula above. Drop is measured from the table edge to where the cloth should hang: 8-12 in is lap-level casual, 15 in is formal mid-drop, and floor length is about 28-30 in on a standard table. Round tables use the width field as a second check only — enter the diameter as length.
- Standard size to buy
- Standard size to buy from the formula above. Drop is measured from the table edge to where the cloth should hang: 8-12 in is lap-level casual, 15 in is formal mid-drop, and floor length is about 28-30 in on a standard table. Round tables use the width field as a second check only — enter the diameter as length.
Frequently asked questions
Add twice the drop to each dimension: with a 10-inch drop you need a 56 x 80 inch cloth, so the standard 60 x 84 size is the one to buy. This calculator does that maths and picks the buy size.
Casual dining: 8-12 inches (ends around lap level when seated). Formal: 15 inches or floor length (about 29 inches on a 30-inch-high table). Longer drops need wider standard sizes, which the buy recommendation reflects.
Cloth diameter = table diameter + 2 x drop. A 48-inch round table with a 12-inch drop needs a 72-inch cloth — between standards, so the 90-inch size (or a custom cut) is recommended, as shown in the result.
Yes — size it from the oval's length and width exactly like a rectangle. The corners will hang in soft points, which is the normal look for oval tables without a custom oval cloth.
Cloths shrink slightly in early washes (cotton can lose 3-5%) and standard sizes jump in steps. Buying the smallest standard size that still covers after shrinkage protects the drop you wanted.