U-shaped conference room layouts
A U-shape seats the outside edge only and stays open toward a display or presenter. It trades total seats for sightlines: everyone faces the room and the screen, nobody sits inside the U.
Last updated October 19, 2026
| Plan for | Each leg | Head run | Overall footprint | Seats @36″ | Min. room (48″ clearance) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 ft | 9 ft | 9 ft × 9 ft | 9 | 17 × 17 ft | Plan |
| 10 | 12 ft | 9 ft | 12 ft × 9 ft | 11 | 20 × 17 ft | Plan |
| 12 | 12 ft | 12 ft | 12 ft × 12 ft | 12 | 20 × 20 ft | Plan |
| 14 | 15 ft | 15 ft | 15 ft × 15 ft | 15 | 23 × 23 ft | Plan |
| 16 | 18 ft | 15 ft | 18 ft × 15 ft | 17 | 26 × 23 ft | Plan |
| 20 | 21 ft | 21 ft | 21 ft × 21 ft | 21 | 29 × 29 ft | Plan |
Layouts are generated by the planner engine at 36 inches per person; Seats @36″ can exceed the Plan for count because lengths round up to the nearest 6 inches. Each run is modelled 24 inches deep.
How U seating is counted
Seats = the two legs plus the head, each divided by the space per person, outside edge only (Paul Downs seating guide; OFW sizing guide). The inside edge is working space, not seating. Keep the open end toward the display wall, and hold 42–48 inches behind the outside chairs so people can pass (OfficeSimpli).
Planning the room
- Put the display on the open short wall; the planner Plan links above already allow for a credenza/display wall.
- Size the legs from headcount at 30 inches per person minimum, 36 for comfort.
- Check the farthest seat can read the screen — sizing guidance is in the room layout guide.
- For angled sightlines to one display, compare a V-shape plan.
For discussion-led rooms without a presenter, a single large table usually seats more people in the same footprint.
Conference table sizing, answered
How many people fit in a U-shaped layout?
Only the outside edge seats people: two runs plus the head, each divided by the space per person. The chart gives planner-sized layouts for 8 to 20 people.
What is a U-shape best for?
Training and presentation rooms: everyone faces inward and toward the open end, where the display or presenter stands. Nobody sits with their back to the screen.
How deep is each run of a U-shape?
This planner models each run at 24 inches deep, the depth of training and presentation tables. Allow 42–48 inches of clearance behind the outside chairs.
U-shape or V-shape for video calls?
Both leave a wall open for the display and seat the outside edge only. A V angles the two runs toward the display; a U adds a head run across the closed end. Compare both in the planner.