Tablecloth Size Calculator

How it works

tablecloth = table length + 2 × drop by table width + 2 × drop (round: diameter + 2 × drop) · cut size = tablecloth + 2 × hem · fabric widths = ⌈cut width ÷ fabric width⌉ · fabric to buy = widths × cut length (the cheaper of the two orientations)

The drop is how far the cloth hangs over each edge. A casual everyday drop is 15–25 cm (6–10 in), formal dining 30–38 cm (12–15 in), and a floor-length cloth for events uses the table height, about 76 cm (30 in). A tablecloth for an oval table is sized like a rectangle and then rounded at the ends, and a round cloth is cut from a square. When the cut size is wider than your fabric, join widths — put a full width in the middle and equal strips at the sides so the seams fall symmetrically, and add seam allowance for each join.

Worked example

A 180 × 90 cm table with a 25 cm drop needs a 230 × 140 cm tablecloth. With 2.5 cm hems you cut 235 × 145 cm, which fits one 150 cm width of fabric, so buy 2.35 m.

Sources: Wikipedia — Tablecloth

Frequently asked questions