What Size Tablecloth for a 40×72 Table

A 60×84-inch tablecloth fits a 40 × 72 in table with a casual drop: 10 in at the sides and 6 in at the ends (Sur La Table). The size is the table plus twice the drop (Sur La Table).

60×84-inch tablecloth on a 40 by 72 inch table, to scaleTop view: 10 in drop at the sides and 6 in at the ends.60×104, dashedtable10 in6 in
Seen from above, to scale: the drop is the cloth that hangs past each edge. Each grid square is one foot.
Tablecloth for a 40 × 72 inch table by drop
DropStandard size (in)Actual drop
Casual (6 to 8 in)60×84 (Sur La Table)10 in at the sides, 6 in at the ends
Formal (10 to 15 in)60×104 (Sur La Table)10 in at the sides, 16 in at the ends
Floor length (29 to 30 in)no standard size: buy custom—
Every standard size on a 40 × 72 in table
Tablecloth (in)At the sidesAt the endsSource
52×706 intoo shortSur La Table
60×8410 in6 inSur La Table
60×10410 in16 inSur La Table
60×10810 in18 inPremier Table Linens
60×12010 in24 inSur La Table, Premier Table Linens
90×13225 in30 inPremier Table Linens
90×15625 in42 inPremier Table Linens

The rule

  • Tablecloth size = table size + 2 × the drop (Sur La Table).
  • Between two standard sizes, buy the larger one (Sur La Table).

Sources

  1. Sur La Table: Tablecloth Buying Guide, checked
  2. Premier Table Linens: Table Linen Sizing Guide, checked

Rules checked