Table Tennis Room Size

Do you know what table tennis room size you need to have?
It's probably more than you think...

Table tennis room size

Compared to most other sports, the size requirements for table tennis are relatively small. Therefore you can play the game almost anywhere.

But ideally, table tennis should be played in a dedicated space with appropriate facilities permanently available. However, that's not always possible.

The main factor in determining what table tennis room size you'll need is the standard / level of competition being played.

So let's take a look at the various room sizes required for different standards/levels of table tennis competition.

Playing area

These are the minimum size dimensions you'll need for the playing area (this means the area required for one table tennis table), based on the standard of table tennis competition being played...

  • International Events, World Championships & Olympic Games
    14m x 7m (46 feet x 23 feet)

  • National tournaments
    12m x 6m (40 feet x 20 feet)

  • National league / Representative matches
    10m x 5m (33 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)

  • Local league / Local tournaments
    9m x 5m (30 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)

  • Recreational play and coaching
    8.5m x 4.12m (28 feet x 13 feet 6 inches)

Of course, if you want to play table tennis at home, you could use any space that will accommodate a table tennis table (9 feet long and 5 feet wide - 2.74m x 1.525m).

However, any area smaller than the recommended size of 8.5m x 4.12m will mean that you'll be restricted in either the type of strokes you can use and/or your style of play.

But remember, the idea is to HAVE FUN.

 

Size of a table tennis table...

9 feet (2.74m) long,
5 feet (1.525m) wide and
2 feet 6 inches (76cm) high

... and the net is

6 feet (1.83m) long and
6 inches (15.25 cm) high
.

Size dimensions of a table tennis table

Look here
RECOMMENDED TABLE TENNIS BOOK

The Table Tennis Rules Explained

Rules of table tennis

This new book explains SIMPLY and CLEARLY everything you need to know about the rules of table tennis.

Click here for more details


^ Top of page ^


Buy Your Table Tennis Equipment Here

You can buy your table tennis equipment from my USA and UK partners. They ship worldwide so you can get this top quality equipment wherever you live in the world.  Links opens into new window
  USA Partner
Table tennis store - USA Partner
Worldwide Delivery
UK Partner
Table tennis store - UK Partner
Worldwide Delivery

Table Tennis Tables

Buy table tennis tables Buy table tennis tables

Table Tennis Balls

Buy table tennis balls Buy table tennis balls

Table Tennis Rackets

Buy table tennis rackets Buy table tennis rackets

Table Tennis Robots

Buy table tennis robots Buy table tennis robots

Table Tennis Clothing

Buy table tennis clothing Buy table tennis clothing

Table Tennis Shoes

Buy table tennis shoes Buy table tennis shoes

^ Top of page ^


Lighting

Uniform lighting over the whole of the playing area is essential.

In my experience, lots of places which are used for table tennis don't have any specialist lighting.

Instead, they rely solely on general room lighting which is just not good enough. Consequently, many venues are too dark.

The minimum light intensity over the whole of the playing surface (measured at the table surface height) and the clear height from the floor to the light should be as follows:

  • World Championships & Olympic Games
    1,000 lux
    5m (16 feet 6 inches) above the floor

  • Other International and National tournaments
    750 - 1,000 lux
    4m (13 feet) above the floor

  • National league / Representative matches
    500 lux
    3m (10 feet) above the floor

  • Local league / Local tournaments
    500 lux
    3m (10 feet) above the floor

  • Recreational play and coaching
    300 lux
    3m (10 feet) above the floor

^ Top of page ^


Type of floor and/or floor covering

A good floor and/or floor covering is of paramount importance and, as your standard of play increases, it'll probably become your number one priority.

Whatever type of flooring you have, the most important criteria is that it's non-slip, because players must be able to move rapidly and re-position their feet without slipping.

The floor must also be smooth and level and able to support the weight of the table tennis table and the players.

Wooden semi-sprung floors provide the best surface whilst solid concrete and carpeted floors are totally unsuitable.

The flooring must also provide a good contrast between the table top surface and the surrounding areas, both for the benefit of the players and the spectators, so it should be non-reflective.

Table tennis flooring

All the top international table tennis tournaments now use specialist sports flooring such as Taraflex® made by French company Gerflor.

The reddish colour of this flooring, together with blue tables, provides a fantastic setting for table tennis.


^ Top of page ^


Room Temperature

The ideal room temperature is 15-20°C with a relative humidity of 40-50%.

It's also important that there's adequate ventilation because any condensation will make the floor slippery and will cause the ball to slide off the racket if you're using reverse rubber.

If there are any air conditioning units, you'll also need to ensure that they don't cause any air currents which will deflect the flight of the ball.

Spectators' comfort should also be considered, but obviously the playing conditions take priority.


^ Top of page ^


Wall Colour

The colour of the walls is important because the players need a good contrast between the floor, table and wall colours.

They should be non-reflective and painted with a dark colour up to a height of at least 2.5m (8 feet).

Above 2.5m the walls should be painted a lighter colour so that you get maximum benefit from the lighting.

Also, if there are any windows or other external light sources, they'll need to be covered up.


^ Top of page ^


Multi-table venue

If you're using a table tennis room size that can accommodate multiple tables, they should be arranged side by side rather than long ways.

For example, in a badminton court you can get four tables side by side. This provides enough room for recreational play or coaching ...

table tennis court inside badminton court

Ideally, you should also leave a gangway between the playing areas. This will give you access to each court without the need to disturb the other courts.


^ Top of page ^


Table Tennis Barriers

Barriers between your table tennis tables will be very useful to stop the ball from straying too far and minimise interruptions from other tables.

However, these table tennis barriers must be collapsable rather than solid, so that they won't harm any player who runs into them.

Ideally they should be about 1.5m (5 feet) long and 75cm (2 feet 6 inches) high and should completely enclose the playing area.

Table tennis barrier

Look here
RECOMMENDED TABLE TENNIS BOOK

The Table Tennis Rules Explained

Rules of table tennis

This new book explains SIMPLY and CLEARLY everything you need to know about the rules of table tennis.

Click here for more details


^ Top of page ^


 

 
RELATED PAGES ABOUT THE RULES OF TABLE TENNIS
For more information about the rules of table tennis, take a look at my other articles which explain the Official Laws of Table Tennis and the additional Regulations (for higher level play) in more detail...

Official Laws of Table Tennis

  • The basic rules of table tennis

    If you're just starting to play and you need to know the basic rules of table tennis, you'll find them here...

  • The official laws of table tennis

    The official rules of table tennis are known as The Official Laws of Table Tennis ... so if you need to check the official wording, you can read them here...

  • Table tennis table dimensions

    What size is a table tennis table? Do you know what the official rules say about the size dimensions of a table tennis table?

  • What do the rules say about your racket?

    Do you know what the rules say about your racket? What size can it be? Which colours are allowed? When can you change your racket? Find out here...

  • What do the rules say about the serve?

    The table tennis serve is one of the most controversial aspects of the game. Make sure you know the service rules. Read them here...

  • Frequently asked questions about the serve

    The service rules are very complex, so let's answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Read them here...

  • What is a good return?

    What do the rules say about a good return? Can you use your hand to play a shot? What happens if you touch or move the table? Find out here...

  • Expedite system

    How long can a game of table tennis last? If both players keep the ball in play, can they continue playing forever? What do the rules of table tennis say about this? Find out here...

  • When is the ball in or out?

    What do the table tennis rules say about the ball hitting the white lines, net or edges of the table? Is the ball in or out? Find out here...

  • What do the rules say about playing doubles?

    Whether you're playing singles or doubles, the rules of table tennis are essentially the same. However, for doubles play there are a few subtle variations to the rules of table tennis. Read them here...

  • What do the rules say about volleying the ball?

    Do the table tennis rules allow you to volley the ball? Yes and No... Let me explain

Regulations (for higher level play)

  • Yellow Cards and Red Cards

    Yellow and red cards are a recent addition to the rules of table tennis. But what do they mean? Find out here...

  • Are players allowed to take breaks during matches?

    What time limits are specified in the official table tennis rules?
    What happens if a player is time-wasting? Find out here...

  • New rules on VOC-free glue

    During 2008 the ITTF introduced new rules relating to table tennis rackets (paddles / bats), rubbers and VOC-free glue. Make sure you know the rules. Read them here...

  • Table tennis room size

    What table tennis room size do you need? It's probably more than you think! Find out here...

General

  • Table tennis terminology

    Do you know your table tennis terminology or are you confused by your chops, pimples and twiddles? Here's my table tennis glossary...

Frequently Asked Questions


^ Top of page ^


Look here
RECOMMENDED
TABLE TENNIS BOOK
Rules of table tennis
This new book explains SIMPLY and CLEARLY everything you need to know about the rules of table tennis

More info about Rules of Table Tennis book

RECOMMENDED
TABLE TENNIS EQUIPMENT
Recommended table tennis equipment
What's the best table tennis equipment?

Here are my recommendations

More info about my Recommended Table Tennis Equipment

INSIDER
INFORMATION
Join me at the
TOP TABLE
Enter your details and get exclusive expert information
ALL ABOUT
TABLE TENNIS

 
Know the Rules
Top Tips
Top Techniques
Top Tactics
 
First (Given) Name
Email

We respect your privacy