What Size Tablecloth for an Oval Table

Measure an oval table at its longest and widest points and add twice the drop to each, the same as a rectangle; oval cloths come in the rectangular sizes (Sur La Table). A 42 × 72 in oval takes a 60×84-inch cloth: 9 in at the sides and 6 in at the ends.

60×84-inch oval tablecloth on a 42 by 72 inch oval table, to scaleTop view: 9 in at the sides, 6 in at the ends.table9 in6 in
Drawn to scale. Each grid square is one foot.
Oval tablecloth by table size (casual drop)
Oval tableCloth neededStandard sizeActual drop
42 × 60 in54 × 72 in60×84 (Sur La Table)9 in sides, 12 in ends
42 × 72 in54 × 84 in60×84 (Sur La Table)9 in sides, 6 in ends
42 × 84 in54 × 96 in60×104 (Sur La Table)9 in sides, 10 in ends
44 × 96 in56 × 108 in60×108 (Premier Table Linens)8 in sides, 6 in ends

The rule

  • Tablecloth size = table size + 2 × the drop (Sur La Table).
  • 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).
  • 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