What size billiard table fits my room?

Almost everyone measures the wrong thing. They measure the table, find it fits, and only discover the problem after delivery - when the cue hits the wall on a shot down the rail.

The measurement that decides everything

A full-length cue is about 145 cm. To play a straight shot from the cushion you need roughly that much clear space beyond the table edge, on every side. So the room you need is the table's outer size plus about 2.9 m on each dimension - 1.45 m at each end and at each side.

That single rule explains every number below.

Room size by table size

• 7 ft table - our 186 3-in-1 is 2.15 x 1.22 m overall. Room needed: about 5.05 x 4.12 m.

• 8 ft table - our 8 ft tables are 2.63 x 1.45 m overall. Room needed: about 5.53 x 4.35 m.

• 9 ft table - most of our 9 ft tables are 2.83 x 1.55 m overall. Room needed: about 5.73 x 4.45 m.

If your room comfortably clears the second figure, you can stop reading and go and choose a table. Most of our billiard tables are 8 ft or 9 ft.

When the room is slightly too small

Being 30 or 40 cm short on one dimension is not the end of it. Two things help:

• Short cues - a 1 m cue buys back about 90 cm of clearance. Keep a pair on the wall for the two tight rails and play normally everywhere else. Most players adapt within a session.

• Drop a size - an 8 ft table in a room that comfortably fits it beats a 9 ft table you have to fight. The game is better on the smaller table.

If neither works, the 3-in-1 convertible is worth a look: it plays pool, converts to table tennis, and takes a flat top for dining, so a smaller room earns its keep three ways instead of once.

Measuring properly

Measure at table height, around 80 cm off the floor - not at skirting level. That is where the cue actually travels, and it is where the obstacles live:

• Columns and wall returns, common in Dubai villas and majlis layouts

• Low windowsills and AC returns

• The arc of a door as it swings open

• Sofa backs and console tables you intend to keep

Mark the table footprint on the floor with masking tape, then walk each rail with a broom held at cue height. It takes ten minutes and settles the question completely.

Or just come and stand at one

Our tables are set up and playable at Dragon Mart 1, Shop ABG 03-14. Bring your room dimensions and we will tell you honestly which size works. If you would rather ask first, get in touch - and when the table arrives, our team handles delivery, installation and levelling.