How many people fit at a 36″ round table? Will a 30″ × 48″ top seat four? This table seating chart answers those questions for the round, square and rectangular table sizes restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels use most. Use it to choose table tops, count seats for a new dining room, or check whether a layout will work before you order.
Free printable table seating guide (PDF)
One page with top-down diagrams for square, rectangular and round tables, sized in inches. Print it for your planning meeting or share it with your designer.
Quick answer: seats per table size
- 2 people: 24″ round, 24″ × 24″ square, 30″ × 30″ square, 24″ × 30″ rectangle
- 4 people: 36″ or 42″ round, 36″ × 36″ square, 30″ × 42″ or 30″ × 48″ rectangle
- 4–6 people: 48″ round
- 6 people: 30″ × 60″ or 30″ × 72″ rectangle
- 8 people: 60″ round, 30″ × 96″ rectangle
- 8–10 people: 36″ × 84″ or 36″ × 96″ rectangle
These are comfortable planning figures, not maximums. Actual fit depends on chair width, arms, the table base and how tightly you want to seat guests.
Round table seating chart
Round tables are sociable and easy to move around, but they use floor space less efficiently than squares and rectangles. Most restaurants use 24″–36″ rounds for two-tops and four-tops, and 48″–60″ rounds for larger parties.
| Round table diameter | Seats | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ round | 2 | Cafés, bistros, bar-height high-tops |
| 30″ round | 3 | Small cafés, lounges, patios |
| 36″ round | 4 | Standard four-top |
| 42″ round | 4 | Roomier four-top with space for shared plates |
| 48″ round | 4–6 | Family and group dining |
| 60″ round | 8 | Large parties, banquets, private dining |
Shop round table tops.
Square table seating chart
Square tables are the most flexible choice for a dining room: they seat two or four on their own and push together for larger groups.
| Square table size | Seats | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 24″ × 24″ | 2 | Cafés, counters, tight two-tops |
| 30″ × 30″ | 2 | Standard restaurant two-top |
| 36″ × 36″ | 2–4 | Two-top with room to spare, or a four-top |
| 42″ × 42″ | 4–6 | Generous four-top |
| 48″ × 48″ | 4–6 | Large four-top or small group |
Shop square table tops.
Rectangular table seating chart
Rectangles make the most of wall runs, banquettes and long rooms. Table depth matters as much as length: 24″-deep tables suit booths, counters and single-sided seating; 30″ is the usual depth for dining; 36″ gives face-to-face guests more room and suits communal tables.
| Rectangular table size | Seats |
|---|---|
| 24″ × 30″ | 2 |
| 24″ × 36″ | 2 |
| 24″ × 42″ | 4 |
| 24″ × 48″ | 4 |
| 24″ × 60″ | 6 |
| 24″ × 72″ | 6 |
| 24″ × 84″ | 6–8 |
| 24″ × 96″ | 8 |
| 30″ × 36″ | 2 |
| 30″ × 42″ | 4 |
| 30″ × 48″ | 4 |
| 30″ × 60″ | 6 |
| 30″ × 72″ | 6 |
| 30″ × 84″ | 6–8 |
| 30″ × 96″ | 8 |
| 36″ × 42″ | 4 |
| 36″ × 48″ | 4–6 |
| 36″ × 60″ | 6–8 |
| 36″ × 72″ | 6–8 |
| 36″ × 84″ | 8–10 |
| 36″ × 96″ | 8–10 |
Where a range is shown, the higher number assumes guests at the ends of the table. Shop rectangular table tops.
How much table space does each guest need?
- Side-by-side spacing: allow about 24″–30″ of table edge per guest. Use the lower end for armless side chairs and quick-turn cafés, and the upper end for fine dining.
- Arm chairs and oversized chairs need more room. Check the chair’s overall width and allow a few inches between chairs.
- Table bases: a base that’s too small makes a top tippy, and a base that’s too big bumps knees. See our table base sizing guide to match a base to each top.
- Room layout: for space between tables, aisles and square feet per seat, see the restaurant seating layout guide.
Table seating FAQs
How many people fit at a 36-inch round table?
Four people fit comfortably at a 36″ round table. A 42″ round also seats four, with more room for plates and elbows.
How many people can sit at a 48-inch round table?
A 48″ round table seats four to six. For eight guests, step up to a 60″ round.
How many people fit at a 30 x 48 table?
A 30″ × 48″ rectangular table seats four, two on each long side.
What size table seats 6 people?
A 30″ × 60″ or 30″ × 72″ rectangle seats six, and a 48″ round seats up to six. A 36″ × 60″ rectangle seats six to eight.
What size table do I need for 8 people?
A 60″ round or a 30″ × 96″ rectangle seats eight. A 36″ × 84″ or 36″ × 96″ rectangle seats eight to ten.
How much space does each person need at a table?
Plan on about 24″–30″ of table edge per guest. Arm chairs and wider upholstered chairs need the upper end of that range or more.
Ready to furnish your dining room? Browse restaurant table tops, table bases, restaurant chairs and bar stools, most in stock and typically shipping in 2–3 days.