How many tables for 20 guests? Round and banquet tables compared
At 20 guests the table count is small whichever size you pick: 2 to 4 tables. The choice is more about the room and the feel of the dinner than about the rental order.
2 to 4 tables for 20 guests, depending on table size.
- 60-inch round (8 seats)3 tables20 guests ÷ 8 per table, rounded up; 2 tables at 10 per table
- 66-inch round (10 seats)2 tables20 guests ÷ 10 per table, rounded up
- 72-inch round (10 seats)2 tables20 guests ÷ 10 per table, rounded up; 2 tables at 12 per table
- 6-ft rectangle (6 seats)4 tables20 guests ÷ 6 per table, rounded up; 3 tables at 8 per table
- 8-ft rectangle (8 seats)3 tables20 guests ÷ 8 per table, rounded up; 2 tables at 10 per table
Every table size side by side
Standard seats are what a caterer sets without being asked. The squeezed column is as many as most venues will put at one table.
| Table | Seats | Tables | Squeezed | Floor space (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60-inch round | 8 | 3 | 10 → 2 tables | 300 |
| 66-inch round | 10 | 2 | full at 10 | 220 |
| 72-inch round | 10 | 2 | 12 → 2 tables | 240 |
| 6-ft rectangle | 6 | 4 | 8 → 3 tables | 220 |
| 8-ft rectangle | 8 | 3 | 10 → 2 tables | 210 |
Which size to pick for 20 guests
- Fewest tables: 66-inch or 72-inch rounds at 10 seats each, 2 tables. Fewer tables means fewer linens and centerpieces to rent.
- Easiest conversation: 60-inch rounds at 8 seats, 3 tables. Everyone can talk across the table without raising their voice.
- Least floor space: 8-ft rectangles, about 210 sq ft of tables and chairs, against 300 sq ft for 60-inch rounds.
- Squeezing 10 onto a 60-inch round saves 1 table (2 instead of 3), but place settings overlap and the centerpiece has to be small. It works for a buffet; for a plated dinner, 8 is the comfortable number.
How these numbers are worked out
- Standard seats per table: 60-inch round 8, 66-inch round 10, 72-inch round 10, 6-ft rectangle 6, 8-ft rectangle 8.
- Squeezed seats: 60-inch round 10, 72-inch round 12. A 66-inch round is already full at 10.
- Rectangles are counted with chairs on both long sides only. A chair at each end adds 2 seats: 8 at a 6-ft table, 10 at an 8-ft table.
- Every count is rounded up to a whole table. A table can run under capacity; it can't seat part of a guest.
- Floor space is tables, chairs and walking room around each table only (about 10×10 ft for a 60-inch round, 10.5×10.5 for a 66-inch, 11×11 for a 72-inch, 7×8 for a 6-ft and 7×10 for an 8-ft rectangle). Add a dance floor, bar, and cake and gift tables on top.
- No head table or sweetheart table is counted. Each table-size page below works that out for you.
FAQ
How many tables do I need for 20 guests?
It depends on the table: 3 tables at 60-inch rounds, 2 at 66-inch rounds, 2 at 72-inch rounds, 3 at 8-ft rectangles or 4 at 6-ft rectangles. Each count is 20 guests divided by the standard seats per table, rounded up to a whole table.
Can I seat 10 at a 60-inch round table?
You can, and 20 guests would then need 2 tables instead of 3. Ten at a 60-inch round is a squeeze: plates and glasses overlap and the centerpiece has to shrink. It works for a buffet or a short dinner; for a plated meal, plan on 8.
Do 72-inch rounds seat more than 66-inch rounds?
Not at the standard count: both seat 10, so 20 guests need 2 of either. The 72-inch gives each guest more elbow room and takes 12 at a squeeze, though at 20 guests that still means 2 tables. The 66-inch takes less floor space, which helps in a room where a 72-inch layout doesn't fit.
Related guides
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