How Long Should a Table Runner Be?
How Long Should a Table Runner Be?
Measure your table and add 12 to 18 inches. That is the whole rule. Our paper runners come 120 inches long, so for most tables you simply trim the ends to fit.
The short answer
A table runner should be 12 to 18 inches longer than your table, so it hangs 6 to 9 inches past each end (that overhang is called the drop). A 6-foot table takes an 84 to 90 inch runner, and an 8-foot table takes 108 to 114 inches. Most of our paper runners measure 16 by 120 inches, so one runner covers any table up to 8 feet, or 9 feet with a shorter drop. Lay it down the center and trim the ends to the length you want.
Find your runner length
Choose your table length and see exactly how much to trim from each end of a 120-inch runner.
One 120-inch runner covers your table. Trim the ends and it hangs 6 to 9 inches past each side.
How to trim a paper runner
It takes about two minutes and a pair of scissors.
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Center the runner
Unroll it down the middle of the table so the same amount hangs past each end.
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Mark the length
Use the chart or calculator to find your trim, then mark a straight line on the back of the runner at each end.
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Cut straight across
Cut along the line with sharp scissors. Prefer not to cut? Fold the extra under at each end for a clean, finished edge. On a smaller table, save the trimmed ends for a side table, a tray or a bar cart.
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Set the centerpiece
Place the centerpiece on the runner first. Its weight keeps everything flat and square while you set the plates. Outdoors, or with kids at the table? Put a small piece of painter's tape on the underside of each end so the runner stays put without marking the table.
Run it across the table instead
A runner doesn't have to go down the center. Strips laid across the table, under each pair of facing place settings, work like shared placemats. They put the print right under every plate, protect the table where spills happen, and leave the center open for serving dishes at a family-style meal. They also cover a long banquet row where one runner can't reach end to end.
Cut each strip to the table's width plus 12 to 18 inches, so it hangs 6 to 9 inches over each side. A 30-inch-wide table takes 42 to 48 inch strips. One 120-inch runner makes two strips, which covers four seats.
Runners for every season
Designed in the My Mind's Eye studio to coordinate with our plates and napkins, so the runner and the rest of the table already match.
Table runner sizing chart
Find your table in the first column and read across. The last column shows how much to cut from each end of a 120-inch runner. Between sizes? Use the next size up. You can always trim a little more, but you can't add length back.
| Table | Table length | Runner length | Trim from each end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-foot table | 48 | 60 to 66 | 27 to 30 |
| 5-foot table | 60 | 72 to 78 | 21 to 24 |
| 6-foot table | 72 | 84 to 90 | 15 to 18 |
| 7-foot table | 84 | 96 to 102 | 9 to 12 |
| 8-foot table | 96 | 108 to 114 | 3 to 6 |
| 9-foot table | 108 | 120 | No trim, hangs 6 inches each end |
| 48-inch round | 48 across | 60 to 66 | 27 to 30 |
| 60-inch round | 60 across | 72 to 78 | 21 to 24 |
| 36-inch square | 36 per side | 48 to 54 | 33 to 36 |
| 42-inch square | 42 per side | 54 to 60 | 30 to 33 |
| 48-inch square | 48 per side | 60 to 66 | 27 to 30 |
Table Runner Size FAQs
What is the standard table runner size?
Most table runners are 12 to 16 inches wide and 72 to 120 inches long. Our paper runners are 16 by 120 inches, long enough for an 8-foot table with a full drop.
How long should a table runner be for a 6-foot table?
84 to 90 inches, so it hangs 6 to 9 inches past each end. With a 120-inch paper runner, trim 15 to 18 inches from each end.
How long should a table runner be for an 8-foot table?
108 to 114 inches. A 120-inch runner fits an 8-foot table with just 3 to 6 inches trimmed from each end.
How long should a table runner be for a 10- or 12-foot table?
A 10-foot table takes a 132 to 138 inch runner, and a 12-foot table takes 156 to 162 inches. Overlap two 120-inch runners by about 6 inches and hide the seam under the centerpiece.
What size runner do I need for a banquet table?
Most banquet tables are 6 or 8 feet long and 30 inches wide. A 6-foot banquet table takes an 84 to 90 inch runner, and an 8-foot takes 108 to 114 inches, so a single 16 x 120 inch runner covers either one. For two or more tables pushed together in a row, use two or more runners and overlap the ends by about 6 inches, hiding each seam under a centerpiece.
Should a table runner hang over the edge?
A drop of 6 to 9 inches at each end is the classic look. For a cleaner line, trim it to stop about 6 inches short of each end instead.
How wide should a table runner be?
Roughly one third to one half of the table's width, leaving several inches of tabletop showing on each side. A 16-inch runner suits standard dining and folding tables, which are usually 30 to 42 inches wide.
What size table runner do I need for a round table?
Measure across the table and add 12 to 18 inches, then lay the runner straight across the center. A 60-inch round table takes a runner of about 72 to 78 inches, so it hangs 6 to 9 inches past each edge.
What size runner do I need for a square table?
Measure one side and add 12 to 18 inches, so a 36-inch square table takes a 48 to 54 inch runner. For a fuller look, cross two runners at the center.
Can you cut a paper table runner to size?
Yes. Mark a straight line on the back and cut with sharp scissors, or fold the extra under at each end.
How do I keep a paper table runner from moving?
Fold the ends under the table edge and hold them with small pieces of painter's tape, which comes off without marking the table. On the tabletop, the weight of the centerpiece keeps the runner flat. Tape helps most outdoors in the wind or at a table with kids.
One runner, any table
Every paper runner comes long enough for a 9-foot table. Pick the print you love, trim the ends, and the table is set. All that's left is gathering everyone around it.
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