Measuring Your Pool Table

There are different sizes of pool tables and knowing your measurements can save you money and heartache. Different manufacturers use different width rails, so the industry standard is to measure your playing field. You should also know that a seven footer isn’t truly 7′, an eight footer isn’t really 8′ and so on. Some people also are convinced they have one size and they really have an other.

Take your tape measure and measure in inches between the cushion noses on the short side of the table (see photo of an 8′ right). Don’t measure under the cushion or inside the pocket. The length is typically double the width, but if it makes you feel better you can measure lengthwise, too.

Typical sizes are:
7′ — 40″ x 80″
8′ — 44″ x 88″
Pro 8′ — 46″ x 92″
9′ — 50″ x 100″

Figuring Out the Number of Slates

So, you aren’t sure if you have a one piece slate pool table? It makes a huge difference if you are moving a table, especially when there are stairs involved. Take a look underneath the rails near the side pocket. If you see a break like in the photo to your right, you have a three piece slate table. If you don’t see a break, you can look underneath the table for two support cross beams. Two support beams usually means your table is a three piece slate, but not always.

Newer tables usually have three pieces of slate. Many tables manufactured in the 1970s and 1980s used one piece slates, but not all. Nine footers never have a one piece slate except Diamond coin operated tables. Some antique tables have four pieces and we have yet to see a table that has two pieces.

Still not sure? Give us a call and we can try and help you find out. Hopefully, before you get the expensive surprise.