How to Determine Table Cloth Size

When making or buying a table cloth, it is important to determine how you want the cloth to fit. A cloth that has a short drop is a table cloth that covers the top of the table but the sides of the cloth are shorter than a person's lap if they are sitting at the table. This size of drop is good for a functioning table where the objective is to protect the table surface. A long drop table cloth reaches just above the floor around the sides of the cloth. This cloth is more decorative and used for serving tables. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Measure the length of a rectangular or square table. Measure the length of the drop from the corner of the table down. Add the length of the table to twice the drop for the correct length of the table cloth. If the table is 40 inches long and you want the table cloth to hang down 20 inches on each side, add 40 + 20 + 20 = 80 inches for your correct length.

2

Measure the width of a rectangular or square table. Measure the length of the drop from the corner of the table down. Add the width of the table to twice the drop for the correct width of the table cloth. If the table is 30 inches wide and you want the table cloth to hang down 20 inches on each side, add 30 + 20 + 20 = 70 inches for your correct width.

3

Measure the diameter of a round table. The diameter is the widest part of the table along the center line of the table. Measure the length of the drop from the corner of the table down. Add twice the drop to the diameter for the correct size of the table cloth. If the table is 36 inches across and you want the table cloth to hang down 20 inches on each side, add 36 + 20 + 20 = 76 inches for your correct size.