Conference table sizes for 12, 14 and 16 people
Large tables are sized by the same rule as small ones: allow space per person along each side, add one seat at each end, then check the room can hold the result with clearance behind every chair.
Last updated October 19, 2026
| Seats | Length @30″ | Length @36″ | Length @42″ | Width | Min. room (@36″, 48″ clearance) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 7 ft 6 in | 9 ft | 10 ft 6 in | 42–48 in | 17 × 12 ft | Plan |
| 10 | 10 ft | 12 ft | 14 ft | 48–54 in | 20 × 13 ft | Plan |
| 12 | 12 ft 6 in | 15 ft | 17 ft 6 in | 48–54 in | 23 × 13 ft | Plan |
| 14 | 15 ft | 18 ft | 21 ft | 54–60 in | 26 × 13 ft | Plan |
| 16 | 17 ft 6 in | 21 ft | 24 ft 6 in | 54–60 in | 29 × 13 ft | Plan |
| 18 | 20 ft | 24 ft | 28 ft | 60–66 in | 32 × 14 ft | Plan |
| 20 | 22 ft 6 in | 27 ft | 31 ft 6 in | 60–66 in | 35 × 14 ft | Plan |
| 22 | 25 ft | 30 ft | 35 ft | 60–66 in | 38 × 14 ft | Plan |
How to read this chart
Lengths come from the planner engine: two people for every full spacing along the length, plus one at each end, rounded up to the nearest 6 inches (Paul Downs seating guide; OFW sizing guide). Width follows length — 36–42 inches up to six feet, rising to 60 inches and beyond for tables over 22 feet — so people at the far end can still see and reach the centre.
Twelve, fourteen or sixteen?
- 12 people: the largest size that still fits many standard boardrooms at comfortable spacing. Start with the 12-seat plan.
- 14 people: check width as carefully as length; the room, not the table, is usually the limit. Try the 14-seat plan.
- 16 people: sightlines down a long rectangle get harder, so compare the boat shape and boardroom sizes before deciding. Try the 16-seat boat plan.
Every Plan link opens the planner with that headcount and spacing already set, so you can test your actual room. For other headcounts see the full size chart (6 to 22 seats) or the dimensions guide.
Conference table sizing, answered
What size conference table seats 12 people?
At 36 inches per person a 12-seat rectangular table is 15 feet long; at 30 inches per person, 12 feet 6 inches. Width follows the planner rule for that length.
What size conference table seats 16 people?
At 36 inches per person a 16-seat rectangular table is 21 feet long; at 30 inches per person, 17 feet 6 inches. Beyond sixteen people, compare a boat or racetrack shape for sightlines.
How big should the room be for a 14-person table?
Take the table length and width at your spacing and add 42–48 inches of clearance on every side; the chart shows the minimum room at 36 inches per person with 48 inches of clearance.
Should I use 30, 36 or 42 inches per person?
Allow 30 inches per person as a minimum, 36 inches for comfort, and 42 inches where laptops and papers are spread out (Paul Downs; OFW).