What Size Tablecloth for a 6-Foot Table

A 60×84-inch tablecloth is the size sold for 6-foot tables (Sur La Table). On a 30 × 72 in table (Costco Business Center, Premier Table Linens) it hangs 15 in at the sides and 6 in at the ends.

60×84-inch tablecloth on a 30 by 72 inch table, to scaleTop view: 15 in drop at the sides and 6 in at the ends.60×104, dashedtable15 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 6-foot folding table by drop
DropStandard size (in)Actual drop
Casual (6 to 8 in)60×84 (Sur La Table)15 in at the sides, 6 in at the ends
Formal (10 to 15 in)60×104 (Sur La Table)15 in at the sides, 16 in at the ends
Floor length (29 to 30 in)90×132 (Premier Table Linens)30 in at the sides, 30 in at the ends
Every standard size on a 30 × 72 in table
Tablecloth (in)At the sidesAt the endsSource
52×7011 intoo shortSur La Table
60×8415 in6 inSur La Table
60×10415 in16 inSur La Table
60×10815 in18 inPremier Table Linens
60×12015 in24 inSur La Table, Premier Table Linens
90×13230 in30 inPremier Table Linens
90×15630 in42 inPremier Table Linens

The rule

  • A 6 to 8 inch drop for casual or everyday dining (Sur La Table).
  • A 10 to 15 inch drop for more formal occasions (Sur La Table).
  • A 29 to 30 inch drop for banquets, with the cloth nearly grazing the floor (Sur La Table).
  • Tablecloth size = table size + 2 × the drop (Sur La Table).
  • Between two standard sizes, buy the larger one (Sur La Table).
  • The most standard width for a rectangular banquet table is 30 inches (Premier Table Linens).

Sources

  1. Sur La Table: Tablecloth Buying Guide, checked
  2. Costco Business Center: Lifetime Commercial Fold-In-Half Table, 72"L x 30"W x 29"H, checked
  3. Premier Table Linens: Table Linen Sizing Guide, checked

Rules checked