Venue Space Per Person Guide
A venue that feels spacious for a drinks reception can feel cramped as soon as you add tables and chairs for dinner. Understanding how much space each layout requires per person lets you choose the right venue size and plan your floor layout with confidence.
Space Per Person by Layout
| Layout Style | m² per Person | ft² per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing reception (tight) | 0.5–0.7 | 5.5–7.5 | Cocktail party, packed dance floor |
| Standing reception (comfortable) | 0.8–1.0 | 8.5–10.5 | Drinks reception, mingling space |
| Seated dinner (round tables) | 1.2–1.5 | 13–16 | Including chair space and circulation |
| Seated dinner (rectangular tables) | 1.0–1.3 | 11–14 | Long tables are more space-efficient |
| Buffet dining | 1.3–1.7 | 14–18 | Includes buffet table space and queuing area |
| Theatre / ceremony (rows of chairs) | 0.6–0.8 | 6.5–8.5 | Rows of chairs with centre aisle |
| Dance floor only | 0.4–0.6 | 4.5–6.5 | Per person expected to dance at any one time |
| Classroom (tables + chairs, facing front) | 1.5–2.0 | 16–21.5 | Conference or workshop style |
Figures include circulation space between tables/areas. Subtract space for stages, bars, DJ booths, buffet tables, and other fixed features before calculating capacity.
Table Sizes & Seating
| Table Type | Dimensions | Comfortable Seats | Maximum Seats | Floor Space Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round 4 ft (122 cm) | 122 cm diameter | 6 | 8 | 3.0 × 3.0 m |
| Round 5 ft (152 cm) | 152 cm diameter | 8 | 10 | 3.4 × 3.4 m |
| Round 5.5 ft (168 cm) | 168 cm diameter | 10 | 12 | 3.6 × 3.6 m |
| Round 6 ft (183 cm) | 183 cm diameter | 10–12 | 14 | 3.8 × 3.8 m |
| Rectangular 6 ft (183 × 76 cm) | 183 × 76 cm | 6 | 8 | 3.0 × 2.0 m |
| Rectangular 8 ft (244 × 76 cm) | 244 × 76 cm | 8 | 10 | 3.6 × 2.0 m |
Floor space includes 90 cm behind each chair for guest circulation. Main aisles between tables should be at least 120 cm wide. Service aisles need a minimum of 90 cm.
Plan Your Venue Layout
Use our venue and space calculators to work out the best layout for your event:
- Venue & Space Calculators — calculate venue capacity, table layouts, and space requirements for any event format
Space requirements are industry guidelines used by UK event planners and venue hire companies. Fire regulations may impose lower maximum occupancies — always check with your venue and local authority. Wheelchair access may require additional space (minimum 90 cm aisle width, ideally 120 cm).