Pocket billiards or ‘pool’ as it is also known as, is a popular indoor game played across the world. This SportsAspire article gives you information regarding the dimensions and measurements of standard pool tables.
Pool is usually played with 15 colored and numbered balls and 1 white cue ball, on the six-pocket billiard table. When planning to build or buy a pool table for your home, you will need a dedicated room that has enough space to allow the players to move freely around all sides of the table (the play field size), as well as for the cue to move around swiftly. A traditional pool table has exposed leather web pockets at the end of the table with additional leather fringes to cover them. The modern table’s pockets are more bucket-shaped, surrounded by the wooden rail of the table itself, or a plain metal casting. The given measurements are relatively same for both traditional as well as modern tables.
Pool Table Dimensions
Pocket billiard tables come in different sizes, mostly measuring 9-foot (2.7 m), 8.5 ft (2.6 m), 8 ft (2.4 m), or 7 ft (2.1 m) tables. In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2:1 ratio (e.g. 9 × 4.5 ft).
For a 9-ft table, the playing surface (the dimensions between the noses of the cushions) measures 100 inches (254 cm) by 50 inches (127 cm) with a 1⁄8-inch (3.2 mm) margin of error for either dimension.
For an 8-ft table, the playing surface has to measure 92 inches (234 cm) by 46 inches (117 cm), with the same 1⁄8 inch margin of error permitted.
The playing surface for a 7-foot table, usually found in pubs, bars, and private residences is 76 inches (193 cm) by 38 inches (96.5 cm).
Regardless of table size, the WPA standard table has wide, angular pockets that taper inward, generally 1.75 to 2.25 times as wide at the opening as the diameter of the 2 1⁄4-inch (57 mm) balls, wider at the side than the corners.
Tips for the Pool Table
Make sure that you have taken precise measurements, factoring in the added furniture, especially if you are planning to arrange the pool table along with a bar.
If the room where you are going to put the pool table is small, you can shift objects like bar stools away from the room.
Before measuring the room, place the hanging lamp at the proper place (the center of the table will be ideal), rather than making last minute adjustments.
It may sound discouraging, but planning a huge pool table in a relatively small room, where the players don’t even have enough place to move around, may deter your interest in the game.
Building the pool table in a cozy room with pleasant sporting ambiance is definitely a great idea, but you must always calculate and avoid making common mistakes. Personalizing the room will definitely make you popular amongst your friends as well!
