How Many Tables and Chairs Do I Need? Seating Chart for 25 to 200 Guests

One of the most common questions when planning a party: how many tables do I actually need? Here is the quick answer for every common table size, a chart for 25 to 200 guests, and the serving tables people forget.

How many people fit at each table size

• 6 ft rectangular: 6 people (8 with one at each end)
• 8 ft rectangular: 8 people (10 with one at each end)
• 60-inch round: 8 people (10 for a tight buffet-style meal)
• 72-inch round: 10 people (12 if tight)
• Rustic farmhouse: 8 people
• 36-inch cocktail table: 4 to 6 people standing

Compare sizes and prices on our table rentals page.

Seating chart by guest count

These numbers use comfortable seating (no end seats on rectangles).

• 25 guests: 5 six-foot tables, or 4 sixty-inch rounds
• 50 guests: 9 six-foot tables, 7 sixty-inch rounds, or 5 seventy-two-inch rounds
• 75 guests: 13 six-foot tables, 10 sixty-inch rounds, or 8 seventy-two-inch rounds
• 100 guests: 17 six-foot tables, 13 sixty-inch rounds, or 10 seventy-two-inch rounds
• 150 guests: 25 six-foot tables, 19 sixty-inch rounds, or 15 seventy-two-inch rounds
• 200 guests: 34 six-foot tables, 25 sixty-inch rounds, or 20 seventy-two-inch rounds

Round or rectangular?

Rounds make conversation easier and look more formal, which is why most weddings use them. Rectangles fit more people in a narrow space such as a backyard, garage or church gym, and they double as buffet tables. Many parties mix the two: rectangles for food, rounds for guests.

Do not forget the extra tables

Seating tables are only part of the order. Most events also need:

• 1 to 2 six-foot tables for a buffet line per 50 guests
• 1 table for drinks
• 1 table for desserts or the cake
• 1 table for gifts or a guest book
• 2 to 4 cocktail tables for mingling at an open house

How many chairs?

One per guest, plus about 5% for late additions. For open houses where people come and go, you can seat about two-thirds of your total guest count at once. Browse styles on our chair rentals page; white folding chairs start at $1.80.

Leave room for space

Plan roughly 10 square feet per guest for seated dining, and keep about 5 feet between tables so people can walk behind chairs. If space is tight, rectangles lined end to end save the most room.

Want to know what this costs? Our Utah table and chair price guide has sample budgets for 30, 80 and 100 guests. If you would rather skip the setup, basic setup starts at $150 for up to 100 chairs and 12 tables.

Frequently asked questions

How many people fit at a 6 ft table?

A 6 ft rectangular table seats 6 people comfortably (3 per side), or 8 if you also seat one person at each end.

How many people fit at a 60-inch round table?

A 60-inch round seats 8 comfortably. For a buffet-style meal with less on the table, 10 can squeeze in.

How many tables do I need for 100 guests?

About 13 sixty-inch rounds, 10 seventy-two-inch rounds, 17 six-foot tables or 13 eight-foot tables, plus a few extra tables for food, gifts and drinks.

Should I rent extra chairs?

Renting about 5% more chairs than your RSVP count covers late additions and unexpected guests.