A six-foot table measures 72 inches in length, with a standard width of typically 30 or 36 inches. Understanding these base dimensions is the first step in calculating the necessary cloth size. The required size is determined by adding the desired overhang, known as the drop, to the table’s length and width.
Standard Sizing for Rectangular Tables
For a standard 72-inch long rectangular table, a moderate drop of 8 to 12 inches is often preferred for general use or dining. This length allows the cloth to hang neatly without obstructing seating or reaching the floor. To find the correct cloth length, you add the table length to twice the drop, meaning a 12-inch drop requires a cloth that is 96 inches long (72 + 24).
Since most standard rectangular tables are 30 inches wide, adding a 12-inch drop (30 + 24) means the required cloth width should be 54 inches. A common commercially available size that accommodates this drop is a 60-inch by 102-inch tablecloth, which provides a proportionate overhang on all sides.
If the standard table is 36 inches wide, the required cloth width is 60 inches (36 + 24). A 60-inch by 120-inch cloth is a widely used size that provides a balanced and elegant look while fully covering the broader 36-inch width.
Adjusting the Drop for Occasion
The length of the drop can be intentionally altered to suit the specific formality and function of the occasion. For casual events where ease of movement and minimizing fabric bulk are priorities, a shorter, more practical drop is suitable. A cloth measuring 52 inches by 90 inches, for instance, provides a drop of approximately 9 inches on all sides of a 72-inch by 30-inch table.
Conversely, a floor-length drop is desired for buffets, vendor displays, or formal banquets to conceal the table legs and storage underneath. Standard table heights are between 29 and 30 inches, meaning a floor-length drop requires about 29 inches of overhang.
To achieve a floor-length appearance on a 72-inch by 30-inch table, a cloth measuring 90 inches by 132 inches is generally required. If the table is 36 inches wide, a cloth size of 90 inches by 156 inches is necessary. This ensures the fabric fully reaches the floor on all four sides, creating a seamless presentation.
Sizing for 6-Foot Round Tables
While the six-foot table is often rectangular, it can also refer to a table with a 72-inch diameter, which requires a circular cloth. The sizing calculation for round tables is simpler, as the diameter of the cloth must exceed the table diameter by twice the desired drop.
For a standard drop of 18 inches, which balances coverage and accessibility, a tablecloth with a 108-inch diameter is appropriate (72 inches + 36 inches). This size allows diners to sit comfortably without the fabric pooling in their laps.
For a formal look, a floor-length drop on a 72-inch round table requires a 132-inch diameter cloth. This size ensures the fabric drapes elegantly to the floor and guarantees the cloth fits without needing additional seams or overlays.