Tent size guide
How big a tent do you need? Tell us your guest count and seating style and we'll size the tent — plus the tables, chairs, and linens to match.
Tent size calculator
Enter your guest count and how you'll seat them — we'll size the tent and count the tables and chairs.
Recommended tent
20×30
600 sq ft needed
Tables
7
60" round tables (seat 8)
Chairs
50
one per guest
These are starting points for seating only. Add space for buffets, bars, a dance floor, staging, or a DJ. Need a hand? We'll confirm the right size for your space.
How tent sizing works
The right tent size comes down to two things: how many people you're hosting and how you'll seat them. Seated dinners need more room than standing receptions, and round tables need more room than long banquet rows because of chair pull-out and aisle space. As a rule of thumb, plan about 8 sq ft per guest for banquet rows, 12 sq ft per guest for round tables, and 6 sq ft per guest for a standing, cocktail-style party.
Those figures cover seating and the aisles around it. If you're also adding a buffet, bar, cake table, DJ, or dance floor, add that square footage on top.
Tent size by guest count
A quick reference for common headcounts. Round-table layouts are the roomiest; standing receptions pack in the most people.
| Guests | Banquet rows | Round tables | Cocktail / standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 10×20 | 20×20 | 10×20 |
| 30 | 20×20 | 20×20 | 10×20 |
| 50 | 20×20 | 20×30 | 20×20 |
| 75 | 20×30 | 20×60 | 20×30 |
| 100 | 20×40 | 20×60 | 20×30 |
| 150 | 20×60 | 2 × 20×60 | 20×60 |
Sizes are starting points for seating only. Add space for food, drink, and dancing.
Table & linen reference
Most parties mix a few table types. Here's what each common table seats and the linen size that drops to the floor for a polished look.
| Table | Seats | Linen (floor-length) |
|---|---|---|
| 6 ft banquet (rectangle) | 6–8 | 90×132" cloth (to-the-floor) |
| 8 ft banquet (rectangle) | 8–10 | 90×156" cloth (to-the-floor) |
| 60" round | 8 | 120" round cloth (to-the-floor) |
| 48" round | 6 | 108" round cloth (to-the-floor) |
| Cocktail hi-top (30–36") | stand 4–6 | 120" round or spandex cover |
Common questions
- How big a tent do I need for 50 guests?
- For 50 guests at round tables, plan a 20×30 tent (600 sq ft); banquet rows fit in a 20×20 (400 sq ft); a standing cocktail party fits in a 20×20. Round tables need the most room because of chair pull-out and aisle space.
- How big a tent do I need for 100 guests?
- For 100 seated guests, plan a 20×40 tent (800 sq ft) for banquet rows or a 20×60 for round tables. A standing cocktail reception for 100 fits comfortably under a 20×30. Add space if you also want a buffet, bar, or dance floor.
- How many tables do I need for 100 guests?
- At 8 guests per table, 100 guests need about 13 tables — either 60" rounds or 6 ft banquet tables. For a cocktail party, plan roughly one hi-top per 6 guests.
- How many chairs should I rent?
- For a seated dinner, rent one chair per guest plus a few spares. For a standing cocktail event you only need seating for about 30% of guests, since most people mingle.
- How many square feet per person for a tent?
- Use about 8 sq ft per guest for banquet rows, 12 sq ft per guest for round tables, and 6 sq ft per guest for standing or cocktail style. These already include aisle and circulation space for seating only — add more for buffets, bars, staging, or a dance floor.
Ready to lock in your date? Check availability and book online.