Pool Table Sizes...

All American Custom Pool Tables pool tables can be ordered in 3 sizes:

8 foot (44"x88"),

pro 8 (46"x92"), sometimes called called "oversize 8",

9 foot (50"x100") tournament size.

Most models are also available in 7 foot (39"x78") size, commonly referred to as a "bar table".

The dimensions enclosed in parentheses define the playing field or area inside the cushions. These playing field dimensions are sanctioned by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) and are standard throughout the industry. Although professional tournaments are usually played on 9 ft tables, BCA regulations permit tournaments to be played on any pool table that is twice as long as it is wide.

Since the rails on American Custom Pool Tables pool tables are 5 1/2" wide, you must add 11" to the figures in parentheses to obtain the outer dimensions of the table.

The recommended space required for each size table is shown in the table below:

Ideal dimensions are shown in the middle column of the table above, but you can play with reasonable comfort in the space shown at the right by keeping shorter 52" or 48" cue sticks available for the occasional crowded shot. Since most shots will be made at an angle to the table, or with the butt of the stick raised, relatively few shots will require the shorter cues.

Bear in mind that you can have a low backed chair, couch or table within the alloted playing space as long as the butt of the cue rises above such obstacles. In general you can play over any obstacle lower than 32".

Room size is obvously a major consideration when choosing a table, but playing skill is also important. The larger the playing surface, the more challenging the game. Many casual players prefer the standard 8 foot table, even when they have space for a larger table. Serious players prefer a 9 foot table but may have to concede to the oversized 8 due to room size.

The 8 foot table is the most common size for home use. About 65% of the tables we sell are 8 foot, 20% 9 foot, 10% pro 8, and 5% 7 foot. The pro 8, or oversize 8 as it is sometimes called, is only 2" wider and 4" longer than an 8 foot table. Some consider it the "true" 8 foot table, but mostly it is chosen when the buyer wants the largest table possible but just doesn't have enough room for a 9 footer.

The 7 foot "bar" table is the size usually found in bars, often coin operated models. Some people have become so accustomed to playing on these bar tables that they prefer having the same sized table in their home, but usually 7 foot size is chosen because it is the only table that will fit in the space available. Most people will accept some inconvenient crowding of an 8 foot table, including occasional use of short cue sticks, before opting for a 7 foot table.

A word of advice: Don't let the need to use shorter cues for a few shots force you into a smaller table than you would like. Be especially wary of settling for a 7 foot "bar" table when using shorter cues could allow you to accomodate an 8 footer. The game is very different on a small bar tables. Unless you are accustomed to playing on small bar tables and really prefer that style of play, you will find the larger sizes much more challenging and enjoyable.

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