Are you thinking of buying a ping pong table for your home? These tables can provide hours of fun for the whole family and can help you improve your fitness and hand-eye coordination. However, before investing, it’s important that you do your research, especially when it comes to sizing.
Whether you’re a professional or a casual player, you’ll need to determine how much space you’ll need to fit your ping pong table.
Various sizing dimensions are available for ping pong tables, and players require additional space around the table to move. So, it is crucial that you determine the right size table for your home to get the most out of your investment.
Ping Pong Table Sizes
There are two sizes of ping pong tables available: full size and ¾ size. The latter tables are usually aimed at children, so unless you’re investing in a table just for your little ones, it’s better to invest in the standard size because children can play on full-size tables, too.
Standard Size Tables
Full size ping pong tables are 9’ in length and 5’ in width. So, if you are to purchase a standard size table, there are room sizing recommendations that ensure you get the best out of your ping pong game.
A general rule when it comes to ping pong, 5’ at each end of the table is a sufficient amount of space, along with 3’ of clearance at either side. So, the recommended room size is around 19’ x 11’ for a full size table.
Note that some players, particularly aggressive ones, prefer larger rooms. This is, so they have more space to maneuver themselves during competitive games.
In professional environments such as the World Championships and the Olympics, the largest size room required for a ping pong table is 46’ x 23’.
¾ Size Tables
If you are considering purchasing a ¾ table for your future ping pong stars, these models measure 6.75’ x 3.75’. So, you’ll need at least 17’x14’ of space to accommodate a table of this size.
Ping Pong Table Alternatives
If you want a ping pong table but don’t have the space for a full size or ¾ size table, there are other options. Besides foldable tables, you can find tabletop versions that can fit on an office desk or simply convert your dining table by mounting a collapsible net using soft clamps. While these models won’t offer the same playing surface as a ping pong table, and you may be unable to achieve accurate spin shots, they are ideal for recreational players.
What is the Minimum Space Required to Play at Home?
The smallest recommended room size you could probably get away with is 17’-18’ long. A room smaller than this will seriously affect your enjoyment of the game and compromise your playing development and abilities.
With a room this small, fitting the table would be tight, and swing back on particular shots could prove to be more difficult. However, if your table’s intention is for casual play only, this size room would be sufficient to play ping pong as a hobby.
It is usually not recommended that you purchase a ping pong table if your room size is smaller than 17’. Only purchase if you intend to play alone with your table in a playback position with half the table set at a perpendicular angle.
What Size Room is Recommended for Doubles Games?
If you want to invest in a ping pong table to play doubles games, an ideal size room would be around 24’ x 14’. However, the bare minimum size you could play in would be around 19’ x 11’. This room size would be a tight squeeze and recommended for younger players.
Doubles games are only really recommended for those who have worked on their game and can keep control over the ball and where they swing their paddle. This is because damage can be caused to the ping pong table, and in worst-case scenarios, each other.
So, if you’re considering purchasing a ping pong table for doubles games, the larger the room size, the better, especially if you are an amateur.
What to Do if You Don’t Have Enough Room
If you realize your room size is inadequate, then it’s a good idea to consider how often you’ll be playing ping pong and how seriously you take the game. This can determine whether you invest in a professional table.
For example, if you’re only investing in a ping pong table for leisure, you can most likely get away with the minimum area of space required. Alternatively, you can purchase a fold-up ping table, which will only take up room when playing the game. When they are not in use, they can fold away compactly and be placed in storage.
You could also opt for a combination table. Complete with other fun indoor games, including air hockey and pool, they’re designed with the re-purposing of space in mind.
Or, if you’re willing to take your game of ping pong outside, there are plenty of outdoor ping pong tables you can invest in. These tables are perfect for summer days in the garden and provide just as much fun as indoor tables. They’re extremely durable and can withstand adverse weather conditions, meaning you’ll be able to play ping pong for years to come. What’s more, you’ll also have the freedom to purchase a full size table too, which is a definite plus for adult players if ¾ size tables aren’t an option.
Find the Right Balance Between Table Size and Floor Space
If you’re planning on purchasing a ping pong table, whether it be for professional reasons or casual play, ensure that you always reference table sizing guides to ensure you have enough space indoors.
Too little space has the potential to compromise play by restricting shots, arm movements and inhibiting foot traffic around the room. It also has the potential to cause damage to your ping pong table, as well as yourself and other players.
If you’ve measured your room and don’t think you’ll have the space required, then it’s recommended you opt for a ¾ table or a foldable model.