A Helpful Beginners Guide To Ping Pong Table Dimensions

If you’re considering purchasing a ping pong table for the first time but, have tons of questions about ping pong table dimensions floating through your head; you’ve come to the right spot.  The purpose of this post is to inform you all about ping pong table dimensions and what things to consider before buying one.

What are the official ping pong table dimensions?  

According to the International Table Tennis Federation, an “official tournament approved” table’s dimensions should be 9 feet long by 5 feet wide and have a height off the ground of exactly 2.5 feet.  Also, the net should be a total of 6 inches off the table.

But, does that mean you’ve got to have an “Olympic Games ready” ping pong table, just to have the guys over for some beer and ping pong?  No.

Are all table tennis tables the same size?  Are recreational tables the same as approved tournament tables?

Don’t worry, keep reading and we’ll answer all your questions as it relates to ping pong table dimensions.  If you’ve got a specific question, just click the table of contents and skip to that section.

Related Content:  Want to know which paddle is my favorite paddle for recreational use?

What Is The “Standard Size” Of A Ping Pong Table?

The standard size of ANY ping pong table approved for official ITTF (International Table Tennis Federation) tourney-level play is:  

274 cm long x 152.5 cm wide x 76 cm high.  For those looking for those dimensions in feet that equates to:

9ft by 5ft by 2.5ft.

As we go through this article you may see a lot of ping pong table dimensions measured in centimeters or meters…  

Why?

Well, because a lot of major table tennis manufacturers give their table specs in centimeters or meters instead of feet.

That means all ping pong table dimensions are measured in centimeters.  But, to make things easier for you, I’ll translate it all into feet for ya.

Ok, so we now know the standard size of an “official” ITTF approved ping pong table…but what about a general recreational table for casual play in a basement or Rec Room?

Well, virtually all full-size recreational tables are going to have the same table specs as an “official” ping pong table.  The dimensions are the same. The only thing that is going to vary is the thickness of the table itself.

Ping Pong Table Dimension Fun Fact: Did you know the most common table tennis dimension spec listed by all manufacturers is the thickness of the table? Yep, this table thickness is listed because it gives you an idea of how much bounce the ball will have. 15mm is standard.  Anything higher gives you more bounce and is a more “lively” table.

An Example Of A “Standard Size” Ping Pong Table

The STIGA Advantage Table (pronounced “sti-guh”) featured above is a very popular table because it’s a “standard/full size” table that comes in three variations.  Each one comes 95% preassembled, can be assembled in roughly 10 minutes, and retails for under $500.

The main difference between the three variations is table thickness. If you’re a beginner, I’d recommend going with the inexpensive “Lite” version with 1/2″ tabletop for easy, fun, recreational play.

What Are The Dimensions Of A “Full-size” Table Tennis Table?

This question is easy.  We kind of already answered it.

As “full-size” ping pong table’s dimensions are going to be 9ft long by 5 ft wide by 2.5 ft high.  

To avoid any confusion, a “full-size” ping pong table is the same as a “standard-sized” ping pong table and even the same size as a common recreational table.

As long as they meet the 9ft x 5ft x 2.5ft specs we’ve listed already – it’s a full-size table.

What Size Is An “Official” Ping Pong Table?

Technically, the size of an “official” ping pong table is still the standard 9ft by 5ft by 2.5ft.  

So the ping pong table dimensions are the same across the board for a “standard size”, “full size” and “official size” table.  

The only thing that you’re going to find that’s different between an “official” ping pong table and a “recreational table” is the table thickness.

Official-size ping pong tables are going to have table thickness more suited for professional play.  “Official size” and “Professional Ping Pong Table” can mean the same thing depending on the manufacturer.

For instance, Killerspin (a big brand name in the world of table tennis) has both recreational tables (indoor and outdoor) and professional tables.  Their inexpensive MyT4 ping pong table is a recreational table with a beginner-level table thickness of 15MM.  

The Killerspin MyT4 (above) is a popular inexpensive recreational table.

However, their premium tables, which are part of their “professional” Revolution Series, can have a table thickness that ranges from 22 to 25 millimeters.  So those tables are going to play faster like a professional table should.

The Revolution Classic from Killerspin is the same table you see in a lot of professional tournaments seen on YouTube.

Helpful Quick Tip:

If you’re searching for ping pong tables and the terminology is confusing you because you’re seeing words like “official” or “standard” or “full-size”, just look at the price and the table thickness spec.  Tables in the $200 to $600 range are going to be recreational tables while more expensive ones, in the $1,000 range and above are most likely “professional” or “official” tables.

The other indicator is the tabletop thickness.  Anything in the 15mm to 20mm range is more beginner/recreational style.  While table top thickness in the 22-25 range is a faster pro-style table.  

Related Content: Did you know table tennis has been an Olympic sport for a very long time? Click to read when and how ping pong overcame the odds and became an official Olympic sport.

Are Table Tennis And Ping Pong Tables The Same Size?

Yes, ping pong tables and table tennis tables are the same size!  This is a very common question but also a very easy one to answer.

Ping pong and table tennis are the same sport.  It’s just two different ways to refer to the same sport.  So, ping pong tables and tennis tables are also the same, and as you’d expect, they are the same size.  

Depending on the brand or the online retailer you’ll see them listed as “ping pong tables” or “table tennis tables” but rest assured, they are the same thing and are all the same size.

Are ALL Ping Pong Tables The Same Size?

Are all tables the same size?  No, technically they are not.  Ping pong tables can vary in size.  Let’s break it down for you.  It’s relatively simple.  

Generally, ping pong tables come in three different sizes. 

1. Full-size
2. Mid-size
3. Junior Sized Ping Pong Tables 

Again, full-size tables are going to be advertised as “standard size”, “full-size”, “recreational” or “official size.”  These are ALL going to have ITTF-approved ping pong table dimensions of 9ft by 5ft by 2.5ft.

Mid-size ping pong table dimensions are smaller.  Approximately two-thirds smaller.  Scroll down for a more complete breakdown of mid-size ping pong tables and how they vary in size.

Junior-sized tables are very rare.  They are 3/4 the size of a standard table and generally have dimensions of 81″ x 45″ x 30″.  The only one I’d recommend is the Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table.

Are There Smaller Ping Pong Tables?

Yes!

The most common smaller-sized ping pong tables on the market are called “Mid-Size Ping Pong Tables.”

Who would want a mid-size table?  

Well, mid-size ping pong tables are a great option for those who don’t have a large, dedicated space for a full-size table like a man cave.   

Why would you want a smaller, mid-size ping pong table?

For starters, they’re a great option for parties!  Have you ever had to go down to the basement to get the extra folding table and chairs because you’re having guests?

Well, a mid-size ping pong table can actually double as a small party table, then easily convert into pint size table tennis set-up!  

Get all your guests involved in a fun-for-all-ages, friendly ping pong tournament – and do it anywhere!  Mid-size ping pong tables can fit in almost any room of the house and turn any party into a ping pong party!

The best part?  Mid-size tables are inexpensive, ranging from under $100 to under $200 dollars.

No room for a full-size table?  No problem!  Mid-size tables like the one above from Joola are pint-sized ping pong fun!

How Big Is A Midsize Ping Pong Table?

Generally speaking, mid-size tables are two-thirds the size of standard-sized tables.

I did a little research online and found that mid-size tables can actually vary in size quite a bit.  In fact, they vary in size way more than full-size, recreational tables.  

Mid-size ping pong tables will vary in dimensions when it comes to how long and how wide they are…meaning the Length and Width specs could be slightly different depending on the brand.  

Let’s take a look at some examples of mid-size ping pong tables and their dimensions.

The Hathaway Reflex 6Ft Table pictured above is 72″ long by 37″ wide and 30″ tall.  Many mid-size tables are 72 inches long or 6 feet.  Also, that is as long as they get.

The Stiga Space Saver pictured above is 70″ long by 40.5″ wide and 30″ tall.  It’s slightly wider than the Hathaway above but still very portable and convenient.  

The Butterfly Junior Ping Pong Table (above) ​is​​ 3/4 the size of standard table and is the perfect choice for a game room or mancave where you need to save some space. If you’ve got a tight fit, this might be the mid-size table for you, plus it comes in two table top color choices – green or blue.

This 54-inch midsize, folding ping pong table from Ruboll is extremely compact and even comes with two paddles and three balls!

Average Ping Pong Table Length

If you’re planning on getting a ping pong table for your rec room or man cave, knowing the length of the ping pong table is a key question your going to want to answer.

But it’s an easy question to answer.

The average length to any full-size ping pong table is almost always going to be 9 feet or 274.5 centimeters or 108 inches.

​​Thanks to the regulations enforced on all table tennis manufacturers, all official tables must meet this 9ft long standard.  

If the table your considering is advertised as “full-size” but isn’t 9ft long by 5ft wide, then it’s not an official ping pong table and I’d look elsewhere.​​

Remember, the average mid-size ping pong table is going to run anywhere between 58 inches long to three free long.

How Many Square Feet Is A Ping Pong Table?

When taking the standard length (9ft), and width (5ft) of an official ping pong table and then converting it to square feet, you get 45 square feet.

A full-size ping pong table is approximately 45 square feet or 4.18 square meters.

How Big Is A Folded Ping Pong Table?

A ping pong table folded up in half for single-player practice is going to measure 4.5 ft long (1.52 meters), and 2.5 ft off the ground.  

Since the other side of the table is folded up towards the ceiling, that side of the table is now 4.5ft to 5ft high looking upwards.

Depending on how the table folds up, it could be lower.  Just make sure your ceilings are a good four to five feet higher than the top of the folded-up side of your ping pong table.

How big is a ping pong table completely folded up?

When both sides are folded up for storage purposes, the table now becomes approximately 3 feet long (to account for the base with roller wheels) and approximately 5 feet high (each 4.5-foot side folded up). 

These dimensions are going to vary depending on how the ping pong table folds up.  Each manufacturer does it a little differently but for the most part, the dimensions of a folded-up ping pong table are going to be around:

One Side Folded Up – 5 feet long by 5 feet wide and a total height of approximately 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall.

Both Sides Folded Up – 3 feet long by 5 feet wide and a total height of approximately 5 1/2 to 6 feet tall.

What Size Is A Table Tennis Table Top?

Table tennis top dimensions are going to be the same size and dimensions as a full-size table – 9ft long by 5ft wide.  

Ping pong table tops are exactly the same size as a regular ping pong table except without the height..remember it has no legs so it’s meant to be placed onto another surface.

Ping pong table tops are a convenient way to turn a dining room table or pool table into a ping pong table at a fraction of the price.

You can get a ping pong table top with an 18mm thick top, perfect for recreational play.  So in theory, the table top is going to offer the exact same experience as a traditional standalone table for beginners.

If you’ve already got a pool table in the basement…you’ve actually got a perfect setup for ping pong too!

How Much Does A Ping Pong Table Weigh?

Surprisingly, this question isn’t as easy to answer as you’d think.  But, I did some research and tallied up some stats on the weight of some of the most popular tables from the big-name manufacturers.

Full-size ping pong tables weigh anywhere between 180 to 230 pounds with the average at just over 200 lbs. Mid-size ping pong tables average anywhere between 50 to 70 pounds.  And ping pong table tops average around 80 lbs each.

Most full-size tables are going to vary in weight a little.  But, the tricky part is that most companies don’t list the weight of their table.  The only big-name brand that I found that actually listed their table’s weight in pounds was Killerspin.  Kudos to Killerspin for being transparent.

Helpful Ping Pong Table Weight Chart

Editor’s Note: Did you know that Outdoor tables run a little lighter than indoor tables?  The average outdoor table is around 180-190 pounds while an indoor table is closer to 200 pounds. 

What Is The Length Of A Table Tennis Net?

You may not have noticed this but, the net on a ping pong table is actually wider than the table itself.  Yes, it’s true!

A table tennis net is 6 feet wide and is meant to hang over the edge of the table.

Remember, a table tennis table is 5 feet wide, the net is 6 feet wide so the net hangs over the table by exactly 6 inches on each side.  

See how the net extends over the table?

Ping Pong Table Room Size – How Much Room Do You Need?

Before buying a ping pong table, you’re going to want to know how much room you need for it.  In addition, you’ll want to know if the table will fit in its packaged/shipping form, to where it needs to go.

In order to measure how much room you’ll need, you’re going to want to measure the room size itself. 

Both the length of the room and the width of the room are critical.  In my opinion, the length of the room is slightly more important.

Why?

Because ping pong, as a game, gets extended vertically.  Here’s what I mean by that.  

If you have two novice players who don’t play ping pong, they’re going to play close to the table.  They’re just worried about keeping the ball on the table, so they’re going to play close to it.

But, put two experienced players (even recreational but experienced) and you’ll see them gradually play further away from the table.  They’re not hugging their end of the table, they’re a few steps behind it digging for good forehand and backhand opportunities. 

So, having enough space in the room behind each player on either side of the table is key.  You could have a super wide room but if each player’s heels are essentially hitting the wall behind them, you’re going to have a hard time.

With that in mind, if you’re a brand new player, I’d recommend at least 5 feet behind the table but 10 feet is the most ideal.  On the sides, I’d recommend at least a four-foot cushion.  

So, the ideal room dimensions for a ping pong table, with a little room to spare would be 12 feet wide by 24 feet long.

The minimum room size I’d consider is 8 feet wide by 15 feet long.

​​The shipping dimensions of a full-size table are going to be roughly 60 inches by 60 inches by 5 inches.  So, even if you’ve purchased a table from Amazon and want to know how big the box is, it’s going to be a big one.

60 inches tall by 60 inches long can be cumbersome so make sure you’ve got enough room to carry that sized box to where it needs to go.  For example, if it’s going in a basement, make sure you’ve got enough clearance to fit that box down a set of basement stairs.

My Final Thoughts 

There you have it.  I’ve done my best to cover every question you might have as it pertains to ping pong table dimensions!

Remember, all “full-size”, “official” size, and “standard” size tables, even for recreational use, are going to ALL be the same size:  9ft by 5ft by 2.5ft.

If this article was helpful for you as you search for the best ping pong table for your home, leave a comment in the comments sections below.

Other Helpful Links:
https://www.99sportz.com/size-of-table-tennis-table/  

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/much-room-needed-ping-pong-table-91400.html