<P> Pool tables come in different sizes, typically referred to as 9 - foot (2.7 m), 8.5 ft (2.6 m), 8 ft (2.4 m), or 7 ft (2.1 m) tables . In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2: 1 ratio (e.g. 9 × 4.5 ft). </P> <P> There are only two sizes approved for tournament play by the International Olympic Committee - recognized sport governing body of pool, the World Pool - Billiard Association (WPA), and its various regional and national affiliates; under the world standardised rules of pool, these are the 9 × 4.5 ft and 8 × 4 ft models . For a 9 - ft table, the playing surface (the dimensions between the noses of the cushions) measures 100 inches (254 cm) by 50 inches (127 cm) with a ​ ⁄ - inch (3.2 mm) margin of error for either dimension . For an 8 - ft table, the playing surface measures 92 inches (234 cm) by 46 inches (117 cm), with the same ​ ⁄ inch variance allowed . </P> <P> In the UK as well as a number of other British Commonwealth and European countries, the typical pool table is a 7 × 3.5 ft (2.13 × 0.91 m), although 6 - foot (1.83 m) tables for the pub and home market are also common . These are the sizes used by internationally standardised blackball and the amateur World Eightball Pool Federation, as well as informal pub pool . The 7 - foot size is also frequently used in North American amateur leagues, and are common coin - operated fixtures in bars and other venues . The playing surface for a 7 - foot table is 76 inches (193 cm) by 38 inches (96.5 cm). </P> <P> Pockets, usually rimmed at the back with leather or plastic, may have leather mesh, cloth bags, plastic cups, or elongated wire racks, to catch the balls, common in home billiard rooms and pool halls, or in the coin - operated tables found in bars / pubs may instead lead to ball - return troughs inside the table, which channel the balls into a collection chamber on one side of the table (or, in non-coin - op models, on the racking end of the table). A disadvantage to pockets with bags or cups is that if too many balls go into the same pocket, it will fill up the receptacle and prevent any more balls from going in that pocket, requiring that some be moved out of the pocket manually before shooting again . </P>

What size is a standard american pool table