When you’re in the market for a card table, where do you start? How many shapes and sizes are available and how much space do you need? Unless you own a casino, chances are you have no clue what you’re looking for or how many options are available.
Regardless of why you need a card table before you purchase one you should know how big you need it to be and how much space you have for it. If you have limited space, you will need to buy a smaller table. The larger your space, obviously, the more options you have.
The standard dimensions for a square card table are 34 inches per side. A larger square table is 38inches per side. A rectangle card table comes in 48 inches by 92 inches. Round card tables are either 36-inch diameter or 60-inch diameter. Oval card tables are 48 inches by 30 inches, and octagon card tables are 48 inches on each side.
The size of the card table you choose not only depends on the space available, but also on how many people you want to use it at one time, and what the card table will be used for.
Also, consider how much use the card table will have; this will determine how strong you want the table to be. If it’s something you will use seldomly, choose a card table that can be stored away when you’re finished with it.
Popular Shapes and Sizes
If you’re in the market for something fancier than the standard, square card table, don’t worry, you have options. Regardless of size or shape, the standard heights are either 28 inches or 30 inches from the ground. If it’s for kids, go with a lower table. For adults, choose the taller one. The chart below illustrates the standard sizes available.
| Shape | Standard Dimensions | Number of Players That Fit Comfortably |
| Small Square | 34 inches by 34 inches | Four: one player on each side |
| Large Square | 38 inches by 38 inches | Four to Six: one or two on two sides |
| Rectangle | 48 inches by 92 inches | Ten to Twelve: two on small sides, up to three on the longer sides |
| Round | 36-inch diameter to 60-inch diameter | Four to Eight, depending on the person’s body size or preference in spacing |
| Oval | 48 inches by 30 inches | Six: one on each end; two on the long sides |
| Octagon | 48 inches on each side | Eight to Sixteen, depending on body sizes |
How Big Should It Be?
If you plan to use the card table in a small space, such as a bedroom office, or breakfast nook, you should purchase a smaller card table like a square table or a small, round table.
If you have a larger room, such as a living room or bedroom, you will be able to comfortably fit a medium-sized table such as a rectangle or a large, round table. If the space you have is big, like a ballroom or outdoor event, you should get an oval table or octagon.
There’s no rocket science involved in choosing the right size table to fit your needs. If you need a card table for two, maybe for a two-player game or single-person puzzle, there is no reason to buy a larger table that will take up more space.
If you want to host a game of poker for your buddies, and your guest list includes five or six friends, you need to get a larger table to accommodate your guests.
Important Things to Consider
Once you determine how much space is available for your card table, and how many people you want to accommodate, it’s important to consider other factors such as portability and durability. Also, consider features that are available depending on how much you want to spend.
Portability is an important feature to think about. You may want to move it out of the way while it’s not being used, or take it to different events to be used for different reasons. While some card tables come stationary, others come with foldable legs that allow the table to be stored away or easily moved. The larger the table, the less likely you will be able to store it away.
Another important feature to consider when choosing a card table is durability. You don’t want your card table to cave in if someone excitedly slams a hand of a full house on the tabletop. You also don’t want the table to crash down or topple over if you’re using it as a coloring station for toddlers.
The range of durability goes from flimsy and light to heavy and sturdy. If you don’t care about moving it too often, go with the heavier table. The smaller the table, the less sturdy it will be.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Card Table
Some card tables come with interchangeable tops. There are deep, inset surface tops that are made for throwing dice across; and there are flat, velvety surface tops made for placing cards face down so wandering eyes don’t see.
Some package deals come with multiple tops to accommodate multiple purposes. Some tops are leather, while others are plastic, wood, or vinyl. It’s all just a matter of what you’re using it for and who you want to share it with. This leads us to the next factor to consider.
Fancy Features That will “Wow” Your Guests
Card tables can come plain, or they can come with multiple features. The fancier the features, the higher the price will be. Consider what is more important before investing in an impressive, “fully loaded” card table. For instance, some card tables have automatic card dispensers and built-in cup holders. More expensive card tables have disguisable storage compartments. Some card tables have armrests. Some have LED lights and USB charging ports.
How Much Will you Spend?
Let’s face it, in today’s market – nothing is cheap. What you would have paid for a heavy, wood card table five years ago is what you will likely pay for a flimsy, small foldable. Okay, maybe it’s not that bad.
A basic, square card table will cost you anywhere from $39.00 to $95.00, with an average of about $60 bucks. A medium-sized table may cost between $150.00 to $700.00, depending on the features you want. A large card table will cost between $500.00 and $3,000.
Popular Uses for Card Tables
Aside from the obvious purpose, which is playing cards or board games, there is a wide array of purposes that card tables used. Think about other uses you want to get out of the card table if you’re not choosing one for just card games.
The following is a list of creative purposes people come up with for their card table(s), and what shape is most suitable for said usage:
| Usage | Shape Best Suitable | Why this Shape is Best Suitable |
| Puzzle | Square | Smaller area for singles or couples to work on |
| Chess Games | Square | Smaller playing space for less distraction |
| Board Games | Rectangle, Circle, Oval | Larger space for multiple players |
| Arts & Craft Projects | Square, Rectangle, Circle | Larger space to spread out supplies |
| Buffet Table | Rectangle, Oval | Long and narrow for placement of table out of the way of guests |
| Girl Scout Cookie Selling | Square, Rectangle | Smaller space for children to work in with less room for distractions |
| Temporary Event Table | Square, Rectangle | Smaller space for team members to work together closely |
| Yard Sales | Rectangle, Oval | Long and narrow for placement on parameters allowing space for guests |
| Display Table | Square, Rectangle, Circle | Aesthetically appealing |
| Baby Shower or Bridal Shower or Birthday | Square, Rectangle | Aesthetically pleasing and small enough to blend in |
| Dining Table | All shapes | Depending on the number of guests |
Takeaways
Size matters. Depending on the card table’s purpose, who will use it, and where it will be placed, you will need to go into this knowing what size fits you best. As such, it’s important to measure your space before hitting the market, taking into consideration whether you need additional space for people to walk around it.
Use painter’s tape and line out the dimensions on the floor to make sure the table will fit appropriately. If looking for a card table as a gift, try to scope out the area ahead of time. Returning an unboxed card table can be just as burdensome as teaching a rookie how to play poker.
Once you know the general size and shape you need, consider other features such as portability and durability. Be practical and calculated in your decision. Remember what you will use it for. Don’t buy a fancy card table if you plan to use it for children or to place a fishbowl on it. On the other hand, don’t buy a table so small your guests are rubbing elbows.
There are a lot of options to choose from, depending on the variables discussed above. Size, shape, durability, portability, and fancy “extras” are all things you should consider, as well as how much you can afford, before committing.
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