After playing a couple of rounds of table tennis, I was sure I was ready to invest in the sport. I was ready to go splurge on all the equipment with just one problem – I didn’t have the space for a standard table for table tennis.
A standard table tennis table is 108 inches long by 60 inches wide by 30 inches tall. If standard table tennis won’t fit, there are non-standard table tennis options of all sizes, although they won’t qualify for any official or league games.
- 108 in. x 60 in. x 30 in.
- 9 ft. x 5 ft. x 2.5 ft.
- 274 cm x 152.5 cm x 76 cm (note to Kim: make this a column)
If you want to know more about the tables in table tennis, be sure to continue reading as we will discuss what your standard table tennis should look like, and what other options you have in case the standard table isn’t your cup of tea.
What a Standard Table Tennis Table Should Look Like
The dimensions of a standard table tennis table are regulated by the International Table Tennis Federation or the ITTF, and it is what is followed in international and official events. For more casual or non-league games, the non-standard table tennis table is accepted.
Size of the Table
The table can usually be found in a dark blue or green color. They are usually at least 25 mm thick for official matches. This is because the thickness of the table affects the bounce of the ball. When dropped from a height of 30 cm, the ball is guaranteed to bounce 26 cm high.
The dimensions (length x width x height) of a standard table tennis table are:
- 108 in. x 60 in. x 30 in.
- 9 ft. x 5 ft. x 2.5 ft.
- 274 cm x 152.5 cm x 76 cm
- Table thickness: at least 25 mm thick
While the table makes up most of the play area, it is also important to take note of markings and net length to make sure you are able to play your games fair and square. Here are the standard dimensions that you will find in many standard table tennis tables.
Size of the Net
The net is meant to divide the table into two halves for two to four opponents to play in. It is usually black in color, but can also be found in dark blue or dark green topped with a white stripe that is no thicker than 15 mm. The dimensions (height x length) of the net in a standard table tennis table are:
- 6 in. x 72 in.
- 0.5 ft. x 6 ft.
- 15.25 cm x183 cm
When setting up your net, make sure it is as close to your table as possible.
Standard Size of the Table Markings
In a standard table tennis table, these lines are white and go around and across the table, separating the table into equal parts. The dimensions for the markings on your table should be:
- Sideline – 20 mm
- End line – 20 mm
- Centerline – 3 mm
Are There Non-Standard Table Tennis Table Sizes?
Non-standard sizes of tables used in table tennis exist and are common in households with ping-pong tables. Standard equipment isn’t 100% required unless the table will be used in an official match. As such, players can opt for a non-standard table tennis table that will suit their needs.
If you’re worried about space or cost, table tennis can be played in a variety of table sizes. From small to medium up to the standard table tennis table, you can still share the full experience with family and friends.
If you don’t have the funds for a table, you can even turn a regular dining room table into a temporary ping-pong setup by adding a net in the middle of it. Just be sure that you’ve got permission first from whoever oversees that dining room set!
Translation: don’t be playing table tennis on your mom or grandma’s dining room set without permission!
Got a small table and need to know Do You Have to Serve Diagonally in Singles Table Tennis? Get the answer in this article we wrote!
What Are Common Sizes of Non-Standard Table Tennis Tables?
Note to Kim: Make a column or table here of the sizes
- Small 125-136 cm x 75 cm
- Medium 181 cm x 102 cm
- (for comparison) Standard (full-sized) option 274 cm x 152.5 cm x 76 cm
When Should You Use a Non-Standard Sized Table for Table Tennis?
Get and use a non-standard table for table tennis if it fits your playing needs better than a standard table.
- A small playing area would work better with a smaller table.
- If playing outdoors, perhaps get a table that is equipped to withstand all types of weather or is easily moveable.
When it comes to small spaces, the small table tennis table has got you covered. These tables can be placed on a standard desk or can stand on their own. Measuring up to approximately 125-136 cm x 75 cm, the small table tennis is compact and even portable in some cases. For reference, it measures up to be as big as some regular home office desks. This means setting up and keeping the table away is convenient as it gets.
If the small table tennis table isn’t enough, then maybe the mid-sized table will suit your taste. The mid-sized table measures approximately 181 cm x 102 cm. Having the same size as your regular dining table, the mid-sized table, like its smaller counterpart, can be free-standing or can serve as a countertop. Setting up and keeping the table away is also just as easy.
While the smaller options are fun, the ITTF-approved standard table tennis table size does mean more space for your ball to land on. The full-size table tennis tables are usually placed in recreational areas or just rooms with a lot of space to spare. Measuring 274 cm x 152.5 cm x 76 cm, the standard table is usually free-standing and can come with or without wheels attached.
Note: I’ve seen some cool-looking folding table tennis tables that come in various sizes (from small to standard). The hinge is usually set so that it would hide underneath the net, so it shouldn’t impact play. I’ve seen them at Costco, Sam’s Club, and several other places like that. Folding tables are a great option if storage space is an issue, but you’ve got an area where you can play after setting up the table.
Folding tables may not be the best option if you’re going to go pro, but they’ll work great for at-home games.
It is important to consider that there are tables specifically designed for indoor and outdoor use. Don’t forget to check whether your table is able to withstand the scorching summer or the snowy winter as you’ll want to get the most bang for your buck with the table. While you can use outdoor table tennis tables indoors, it’s best to keep your indoor table tennis tables inside.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
Investing in an active lifestyle requires a lot of time and effort into looking into what fits your needs best. That is why hopefully this article has been able to help you decide on what table you should look into to play your table tennis ventures on.
After all, you don’t really need the big fancy standard-sized table to get the full experience of playing table tennis with friends and family.
So instead, get out there and enjoy some table tennis together as a family. Or if you’d like more options, make sure you go read this article next! Let’s Compare: Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, and Pickleball. That way, you’ll be able to know which sport to have your family try next!
Resources
Learning from your own experiences is important, but learning from others is also smart. These are the sources used in this article and our research to be more informed as a family of sports nuts wannabes.
- “Choosing the Right Size Table Tennis Table for You.” STIGA Sports, 2021, www.stigasports.com/eu/choosing-the-right-size-table-tennis-table-for-you.
- Johansson, Brixton. “Ping Pong Table Dimensions: Standard Size and Space Needed.” Ping Pong Start, 5 Dec. 2021, pingpongstart.com/tips-guides/ping-pong-table-dimensions.html.
- Sandoval, Eugene. “Table Tennis Grips.” Ping Pong Ruler, 4 Nov. 2021, pingpongruler.com/table-tennis-table-dimensions.