How Big of a Tent Do I Need?
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Here’s a chart that will give you an idea of tent capacities, and enough space required to keep everyone safe and comfortable. And of course, we're just a call away and will be glad to provide you our expertise!
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Tent Capacity
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The most common error made in calculating event seating capacity is not allowing for “move room” around the tables effectively. Aside from main traffic aisles (local Fire Marshall regulations vary from city to city), you also need to allow 4.5' between round tables for chair and service space and 5’ between rectangular tables where seating is back to back. Don’t forget to add the additional space needed for bars, buffets, dance floors, staging, props, special room shapes, etc. to your overall event seating calculation.
Here are some good calculations when considering your event capacity requirements:
Cocktail parties (standing) 5-6 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 8 per table), using 8’ rectangular table8 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 6-8 per table), using round table 10 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 8-12 per table) using round table 12 sq ft/person.
Auditorium seating 6 sq ft/person.
Buffet arrangement (75 guests/table) 100 sq ft/table.
Bar arrangement 100 sq ft/table.
Dance Floor Area 4 sq ft/person.
Cocktail parties (standing) 5-6 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 8 per table), using 8’ rectangular table8 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 6-8 per table), using round table 10 sq ft/person.
Dinner (sitting 8-12 per table) using round table 12 sq ft/person.
Auditorium seating 6 sq ft/person.
Buffet arrangement (75 guests/table) 100 sq ft/table.
Bar arrangement 100 sq ft/table.
Dance Floor Area 4 sq ft/person.
Here are some guidelines for making sure you have enough “move room” around your tables and chairs. This allows for a 24” service space behind 18” chair depth:
- Round table guidelines:
- Allow 54” between tables for chair space and food service.
- Divide the room area in square feet by 10 for maximum seating.
- Add an additional 2sq ft per person for increased comfort and formal dining.
- Rectangular table guidelines:
- Allow 60” between tables for back-to-back seating.
- Divide the room area in square feet by 8 for maximum seating.
- Add an additional 2sq ft per person for increased comfort and formal dining.
- Classroom style seating guidelines:
- Allow 36” between tables for seating on one side of table only.
- Increase allowance for two-sided seating or food service.
- Divide the student seating area in square feet by 8.
- Theater Style seating guidelines:
- Allow 36” between rows of chairs.
- Increase allowance for maximum comfort.
- Divide audience seating area in square feet by 8.
