A garden table always looks smaller in the shop or in a product photo than it does on your patio. You need space not only for the tabletop, but also for the chairs around it, for pulling them back when you stand up, and for someone walking over to the table with a platter. In this article you can read how much space a garden table really takes up, with a simple rule of thumb, a calculation table with tables that are currently available, measuring steps and a short test to help you choose the right size.
In short: allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person and keep at least 70 cm clear around the table, preferably 90 cm. The rule of thumb is: length + 140 cm by width + 140 cm. A table for 4 needs roughly 2,6 by 2,6 metres (round) or 3 by 2,25 metres (narrow), a table for 6 roughly 3,6 by 2,35 to 3,7 by 2,55 metres, and a table for 8 to 10 people at least 4,2 by 2,8 metres. Not sure about the size? Do the table size test.
How much table do you need per person?
The first question is how big the table itself should be. As a rule of thumb, allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person. At 60 cm you can sit side by side without bumping elbows, at 70 cm there is comfortable room, and chairs with armrests also fit well next to each other. For a rectangular table, a width of 90 to 100 cm or more is pleasant, so there is still room in the middle for platters, a jug of water and a candle.
This means a rectangular table comes to roughly 160 cm for 4 people (two on each long side), 220 to 230 cm for 6 people and around 280 cm for 8 to 10 people, if you also seat someone at each end. You can see this in the range: the Felini 160 cm has 4 seats according to the specifications, the Felini 220 cm and the Scotland 230 cm both seat 6, and the oval Edison 280 cm offers room for 8 to 10 people according to the product information. You can find an overview of sizes per number of people, including round tables, in buying a garden table: what to look for.
How much space do you need around the table?
This is where it most often goes wrong. A chair does not stand right against the table: you pull it back to sit down and stand up. So measure from the table edge:
Space from the table edge
- 70 cm: the minimum to pull a chair back and stand up
- 90 cm: pleasant if someone also needs to walk behind an occupied chair
- More than 90 cm: if the route to the garden, the shed or the kitchen passes behind the chairs
- Side without chairs: no pull-back space is needed there, only room to walk past
These are the same measurements we use in how much space you need for a garden set and in our garden design tips. Do you have chairs with wide armrests or thick cushions, or are they on a patio with joints where the legs catch? Then allow 90 cm rather than 70 cm.
Never measure to the edge of the paving, but to the first obstacle: the fence, a planter, a step or the door that opens outwards. That is the space you really have.
The rule of thumb for your patio
With those two rules of thumb, you can work out how much floor space you need for any table. If people will sit on all sides, add twice the space behind the chair to both the length and the width:
- Minimum: (table length + 140 cm) x (table width + 140 cm)
- Generous: (table length + 180 cm) x (table width + 180 cm)
- Round table: diameter + 140 cm, in both directions
Worked example: the Scotland garden table is 230 cm long and 115 cm wide. At a minimum you need 230 + 140 = 370 cm by 115 + 140 = 255 cm, so 3,7 by 2,55 metres. If you want to be able to walk around it comfortably, it becomes 4,1 by 2,95 metres. If nobody sits on one long side, because the table stands against a wall or hedge? Then you don't need 70 cm on that side, and you save space in the width.
Calculation table with available tables
In this table we have applied the rule of thumb to tables that are currently available. The table sizes and number of seats come from the product information; the floor size is the minimum (70 cm all round) and generous (90 cm all round), rounded to the nearest 5 cm.
| People | Table | Floor minimum / generous |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Edison round Ø122 cm | 2,6 x 2,6 m / 3 x 3 m |
| 4 | Felini 160x84 cm | 3 x 2,25 m / 3,4 x 2,65 m |
| 4 to 6 | Edison oval 180x115 cm | 3,2 x 2,55 m / 3,6 x 2,95 m |
| 6 | Felini 220x93 cm | 3,6 x 2,35 m / 4 x 2,75 m |
| 6 | Scotland 230x115 cm | 3,7 x 2,55 m / 4,1 x 2,95 m |
| 6 | Lowland round Ø150 cm | 2,9 x 2,9 m / 3,3 x 3,3 m |
| 6 | Latina 180/230x100 cm | 3,2 (extended: 3,7) x 2,4 m |
| 8 to 10 | Edison oval 280x140 cm | 4,2 x 2,8 m / 4,6 x 3,2 m |
Does your patio fall between two lines? Then choose the smaller table. A table that is slightly too small a few times a year is less annoying than one you have to squeeze past every day.
Round, oval or rectangular: what fits where?
The shape of the table matters at least as much as its size. A round table needs the same space in every direction, so it fits well in a square corner or on a square patio. On a narrow patio it is actually awkward: the Lowland Ø150 cm needs roughly 3 by 3 metres, while the Felini 220x93 cm with the same number of seats (6) needs only 3,6 by 2,35 metres.
A rectangular table gives the most seats per square metre and follows the line of an elongated patio. An oval table, such as the Edison, needs roughly the same floor space as a rectangular table of the same size, but without corners to bump your hip against. That is pleasant if the walkway runs past the table. You can read more about shapes and materials in buying a garden table: what to look for.
How to measure your patio in 5 steps
Measure the length and width of the area where the dining space will go, up to the wall, fence, border, planter or step. Watch out for doors that open outwards and for a sliding patio door you need to pass through.
Take 140 cm off both measurements (twice 70 cm). What remains is the largest table that fits. If you want to be able to walk around it comfortably, subtract 180 cm instead.
Does the route to the garden, the shed or the kitchen pass the table? Then give that side at least 90 cm. A side without chairs, for example against a hedge, can be narrower.
Mark out the table size with masking tape, or lay down old sheets or cardboard. Place your chairs around it, pull them back and walk around it. Then you'll see straight away whether it works.
Measure the height of the armrests and compare it with the height from the floor to the underside of the tabletop. For a table with legs at the corners, also check the distance between the legs, as the chairs need to fit between them.
For step 5, the product information helps: the Felini has 66 cm of clearance under the top, the Scotland 68 cm and the Lowland Ø150 cm 72 cm. Between the legs there is 71 cm on the Scotland and 54 cm on the Latina. You can read what to look for in the chairs themselves in buying garden chairs: what to look for.
Test: which table size suits your patio?
Answer four short questions about your group and your patio. You will get a table size that fits, with an example from our range.
Which table size suits your patio?
How many people usually sit at your table?
- Two to four
- Five or six
- Eight or more
- Usually four, a few times a year six
How wide is your patio at the narrowest point where the table will go?
- Narrower than 2,6 metres
- Between 2,6 and 3 metres
- Wider than 3 metres
How long is the area you have available for the dining space?
- Less than 3,2 metres
- Roughly 3,2 to 3,7 metres
- Roughly 3,7 to 4,2 metres
- More than 4,2 metres
What else needs to fit on your patio alongside the dining area?
- Almost nothing, it's a small patio
- A lounge corner or sunbed, so the table can't always be large
- A few planters and a barbecue
- Nothing special, the table is the centrepiece
A compact table for 4 (up to approx. 160 cm or Ø122 cm) A table for four suits your patio best. Round and cosy is the Edison Ø122 cm (minimum 2,6 by 2,6 metres), narrow and sleek the Felini 160x84 cm (minimum 3 by 2,25 metres).
A table for 6 (approx. 220 to 230 cm or Ø150 cm) You have room for six. On a narrower patio the Felini 220x93 cm fits, with more width the Scotland 230x115 cm. If your patio is almost square, look at the round Lowland Ø150 cm.
A large table for 8 to 10 (approx. 280 cm) Your patio is big enough for a generous table, such as the oval Edison 280x140 cm. Allow at least 4,2 by 2,8 metres, and preferably 4,6 by 3,2 metres.
An extendable table (180/230 cm) Small day to day, large when guests come. The Latina extends from 180 to 230 cm at 100 cm width. Closed, you need a minimum of 3,2 by 2,4 metres; extended, 3,7 by 2,4 metres.
Are you also unsure about the type of furniture, for example a garden set or a lounge dining set? The selection guide will help you further in a few steps.
Garden tables by size
Below is one table per size, from compact to large. The sizes and seats come from the product information from Garden Impressions; current prices and shops can be seen on the card.
For 4 people, round: Edison Ø122 cm
A round table for 4 people with a Vironwood top in a light brown wood look and a dark grey aluminium frame. It is 75 cm high with 69 cm to the underside of the top. Floor space: minimum 2,6 by 2,6 metres.
Edison round garden table 122 cm
Prefer a stone top? The Lowland round garden table Ø120 cm has room for four people according to the product information, a Centostone top and adjustable feet caps.
For 4 people, narrow patio: Felini 160x84 cm
On a narrow patio every centimetre of width counts. The Felini is 84 cm wide and 160 cm long, with 4 seats. The top and frame are aluminium in carbon black. Floor space: minimum 3 by 2,25 metres. Please note: the clearance under the top is 66 cm, so measure the armrests of your chairs.
Felini aluminium garden table 160x84 cm
For 6 people, narrow patio: Felini 220x93 cm
The larger Felini is 220 cm long and 93 cm wide, with 6 seats. Here too the top is aluminium. Floor space: minimum 3,6 by 2,35 metres, generous 4 by 2,75 metres.
Felini aluminium garden table 220x93 cm
For 6 people, with room on the table: Scotland 230x115 cm
With a width of 115 cm you have room in the middle for platters and plates. The Scotland has a Centostone top in a sand colour on a dark grey aluminium frame, 6 seats, and is listed in the specifications as All Weather. Floor space: minimum 3,7 by 2,55 metres.
Scotland garden table 230x115 cm carbon black
Sometimes 4, sometimes 6: Latina extendable 180/230x100 cm
An extendable table is the solution if you want to free up space every day. The Latina is 180 cm long and extends to 230 cm, with a width of 100 cm and 6 seats. The top and frame are aluminium in taupe. Floor space: minimum 3,2 by 2,4 metres, extended 3,7 by 2,4 metres.
Latina extendable garden table 180/230x100 cm
For 8 to 10 people: Edison oval 280x140 cm
For large gatherings the oval Edison 280x140 cm is a generous choice, according to the product information suitable for 8 to 10 people. The top is light teak Vironwood, the frame aluminium in carbon black. At 49 kg, it is a table for a permanent spot. Floor space: minimum 4,2 by 2,8 metres, generous 4,6 by 3,2 metres.
Edison oval garden table 280x140 cm
Also worth considering: the oval Edison 180x115 cm for 4 to 6 people and the round Lowland Ø150 cm for 6 people. If you want to see more options side by side, read best garden table 2026.
Garden tables for 4 people
View tables →Garden tables for 6 people
View tables →Garden tables for 8 people
View tables →Little space? How to make the most of it
Is your patio just short of space for the table you want? Then there are a few ways to gain room without giving up seats:
A bench against the wall
Place a bench against the wall or fence along one long side. You don't need to pull a chair back there, so on that side you only need the depth of the bench instead of 70 cm of pull-back space.
Choose narrow rather than short
On a narrow patio you gain more with a narrower table than with a shorter one. The Felini 220x93 cm has 6 seats and is 22 cm narrower than the Scotland 230x115 cm.
Dining and lounging in one
Is your patio too small for both a dining area and a lounge corner? A lounge dining table or the height-adjustable Cyprus table (from 52 to 75 cm) combines both. Read more in buying a dining lounge set, or browse the balcony tables for very small outdoor spaces.
You'll find more ideas for a small outdoor space in small garden ideas for the back garden and balcony styling tips.
Common mistakes
Only measuring the table
The size on the box is just the tabletop. With chairs and pull-back space you need 140 cm more in each direction. A table 230 cm long therefore requires 3,7 metres already.
Buying for the biggest party of the year
A table for ten that is mostly used by four takes up your patio every day. Choose based on your regular group, and get an extendable table if you occasionally have more people.
Forgetting the walkway
Does everyone walk behind the chairs to get to the garden or the shed? Then 70 cm is too tight and someone has to stand up all the time. Give that side at least 90 cm.
A round table on a narrow patio
Round looks compact, but needs the same amount of space in every direction. On an elongated patio, a narrow rectangular or oval table often works better.
Not counting the parasol
A parasol base next to the table also takes up floor space. A cantilever parasol can stand beside the dining area, with the canopy above the table. Read more in where to place a parasol.
Checklist before you order the table
- Length and width measured up to the first obstacle
- Doors, sliding patio doors and steps taken into account
- 140 cm (or 180 cm for generous) subtracted from both measurements
- Walkway marked out and at least 90 cm kept clear there
- Table size laid out on the ground with tape, sheets or cardboard
- Armrest height measured against the height under the top
- Space for a parasol or cover considered, see protective covers
Frequently asked questions
How much space do you need around a garden table?
Keep at least 70 cm clear between the table edge and a wall, fence or edge of the patio. That way you can push your chair back and stand up. If you also want to be able to walk behind a seated chair, it's better to allow 90 cm.
How do you calculate how big a patio needs to be for a garden table?
Add twice 70 cm to both the length and the width of the table. A 230x115 cm table therefore needs at least 3.7 by 2.55 metres. With twice 90 cm, for space to walk around it, that becomes 4.1 by 2.95 metres.
How much space do you need for a garden table for 6 people?
Allow 60 to 70 cm of table edge per person. For 6 people this comes to a table of roughly 220 to 230 cm long, such as the Felini 220x93 cm or the Scotland 230x115 cm. You then need a clear area of at least 3.6 by 2.35 metres or 3.7 by 2.55 metres. A round table of Ø150 cm for 6 people needs roughly 3 by 3 metres.
Does a round garden table take up less space than a rectangular one?
Not always. A round table fits neatly into a square corner, but needs the same space in every direction. The Lowland Ø150 cm needs roughly 3 by 3 metres, while the Felini 220x93 cm for the same number of seats needs only 3.6 by 2.35 metres. On a narrow patio, a rectangular table therefore often fits better.
Which garden table fits on a narrow patio?
On a narrow patio, look mainly at the width of the table. The Felini 160x84 cm garden table is only 84 cm wide and has 4 seats. With 70 cm on each side you then need 2.25 metres of width. If you place a bench against the wall along one long side, it can be even narrower.
Is an extendable garden table useful if you have little space?
Yes, if you usually sit with few people and have guests now and then. The Latina is 180 cm long and extends to 230 cm, with a width of 100 cm. Day to day you need at least 3.2 by 2.4 metres, and 3.7 by 2.4 metres when extended. Do check that the extra length will fit on your patio.
