The formula
A tablecloth needs to cover the table plus the drop, the part that hangs over each edge. Because it hangs on both sides, add the drop twice:
- Rectangle, square or oval: (table length + 2 × drop) × (table width + 2 × drop)
- Round: table diameter + 2 × drop
Crate & Barrel’s example: a 72 × 42 inch table with a 9 inch drop needs a 90 × 60 inch cloth. A 60 inch round table with a 15 inch drop needs a 90 inch round cloth.
How long a drop?
| Look | Drop | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Casual | 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) | Everyday dining; the calculator starts at 8 in |
| Formal | about 15 in | Dinners and events |
| Floor length | the table’s height | Usually about 30 in; measure yours |
The presets use 8 inches (20.32 cm) and 15 inches (38.1 cm); changing units keeps the same physical drop. These are starting choices, not fixed standards.
Choose “My own drop” for anything in between. For floor length the drop equals the table height, so a 60 inch round table that is 30 inches high needs a 120 inch round cloth.
Buying or sewing
Shops sell tablecloths in set sizes. If the exact size isn’t available, choose the next size up; the drop will be a little longer. Enter a cloth’s size under “Already have a cloth?” to see the drop it gives on your table, including different drops at the ends and sides of a rectangle.
To sew your own, add a hem allowance to every edge; the calculator shows the cut size. If your fabric is narrower than the cut width, you’ll need a seam. For a round cloth, cut a square the size of the cut diameter, then cut the circle from it.
Keep your plan
Print your current plan or choose Save as PDF in the browser’s print dialog. Your inputs stay in a device draft when browser storage is available. An optional free account lets you save and sync the project in My projects. Calculating and printing stay open to everyone.