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Do you know what table tennis room size dimensions you need to have?
It’s probably more than you think…

Compared to most other sports, the minimum size requirements for playing table tennis are relatively small. Therefore the game can be played almost anywhere.

But just because you can play table tennis in small spaces, it doesn’t mean that you should.

Ideally, table tennis should be played in a dedicated space with appropriate facilities permanently available. However, that’s not always possible.

The main factor in determining what table tennis room size you’ll need will be the standard / level of competition being played.

So let’s take a look at the various room sizes required for different standards / levels of table tennis competition.

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So what table tennis room size do you need? It’s probably more than you think…

Playing area

These are the minimum size dimensions you’ll need for the playing area (this means the area required for one table tennis table),
based on the standard of competition being played…

• International Events, World Championships & Olympic Games
  14m x7m (46 feet x 23 feet)
• National tournaments
  12m x 6m (40 feet x 20 feet)
• National league / Representative matches
  10m x 5m (33 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)
• Local league / Local tournaments
  9m x 5m (30 feet x 16 feet 6 inches)
• Recreational play / Coaching
  8.5m x 4m (28 feet x 13 feet)

Of course, if you want to play table tennis at home you could use any space that will accommodate a table tennis table.

However, any area smaller than the recommended size of 8.5m x 4m (28 feet x 13 feet) will mean that you’ll be restricted in either the type of strokes you can use and/or your style of play.

But remember, the idea is to HAVE FUN, so if you’ve only got a restricted space available but you still want to play, just adapt your style.

Need your questions about the Rules and Regulations answered SIMPLY and CLEARLY?
Take a look at this fully up-to-date downloadable book. You’ll find everything you need.
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Here’s a reminder of the table tennis table size dimensions…

9 feet (2.74m) long,
5 feet (1.525m) wide and
2 feet 6 inches (76cm) high

… and the net is

6 feet (1.83m) long and
6 inches (15.25 cm) high.

Click Here For Details

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Of course, the size dimensions of the playing area are very important, but something else that’s often overlooked is…

Lighting and Ceiling Height

Uniform lighting over the whole of the playing area is essential.

by courtesy of the ITTF

In my experience, lots of venues which are used for table tennis don’t have any specialist lighting.

Instead, they rely solely on general room lighting which is just not good enough. Consequently, many venues are too dark.

The minimum light intensity over the whole of the playing surface (measured at the table surface height) and the clear height from the
floor to the light should be as follows:

• World Championships & Olympic Games
  1,500 lux
  5m (16 feet 6 inches) above the floor
• Other International and National tournaments
  1,000 lux
  4m (13 feet) above the floor
• National league / Representative matches
  500 lux
  3m (10 feet) above the floor
• Local league / Local tournaments
  500 lux
  3m (10 feet) above the floor
• Recreational play / Coaching
  300 lux
  3m (10 feet) above the floor

The minimum ceiling height will therefore be determined by the lighting criteria, so the minimum ceiling height will be 3m (10 feet) above the floor.

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For some players though, something even more important than the table tennis room size and good lighting is the…

Type of floor and/or floor covering

A good floor and/or floor covering is of paramount importance and, as your standard of play increases, it’ll probably become your number one priority.

Whatever type of flooring you have, the most important criteria is that it’s non-slip, because players have to be able to move rapidly and re-position their feet without slipping.

The floor must also be smooth and level and able to support the weight of the table tennis table and the players.

Wooden semi-sprung floors provide the best surface whereas solid concrete and carpeted floors are totally unsuitable.

The flooring must also provide a good contrast between the table top surface and the surrounding areas, both for the benefit of the players and the spectators, so it should be non-reflective.

All the top international table tennis tournaments now use specialist sports flooring such as Taraflex® made by French company Gerflor.

The reddish colour of this flooring, together with blue tables, provides a fantastic setting for table tennis.

Table tennis flooring by Gerflor

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However, it’s also important that you have the right…

Room Temperature

The ideal room temperature is 15-20○C with a relative humidity of 40-50%.

It’s also important that there’s adequate ventilation because any condensation will make the floor slippery and will cause the ball to slide off your
racket if you’re using reverse rubber.

If there are any air conditioning units, you’ll also need to ensure that they don’t cause any air currents which will deflect the flight of the ball.

Spectators’ comfort should also be considered, but obviously the playing conditions take priority.

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Need your questions about the Rules and Regulations answered SIMPLY and CLEARLY?
Take a look at this fully up-to-date downloadable book. You’ll find everything you need.
Get all the details here…

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And don’t forget about the…

Wall Colour

The wall colour is important

The colour of the walls is important because the players need a good contrast between the floor, table and wall colours.

They should be non-reflective and painted with a dark colour up to a height of at least 2.5m (8 feet).

Above 2.5m the walls should be painted a lighter colour so that you get maximum benefit from the lighting.

Also, if there are any windows or other external light sources, they’ll need to be covered up.

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And, what if your table tennis room size is capable of being a…

Multi-table venue

If you’re using a table tennis room size that can accommodate multiple tables, they should be arranged side by side rather than long ways.

For example, within a badminton court you can get four tables side by side. This provides enough room for recreational play or coaching…

Ideally, you should also have a gangway so that you can easily access each court without the need to disturb the other courts.

For more information about different table layouts, see my article here.

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If you’re using more than one table you’ll also need some…

Table Tennis Barriers

Barriers between your table tennis tables will be very useful to stop the ball from straying too far and minimise interruptions from other tables.

However, these table tennis barriers must be collapsable rather than solid, so that they won’t harm any player who runs into them.

Ideally they should be about 1.5m (5 feet) long and 75cm (2 feet 6 inches) high and should completely enclose the playing area.

Need your questions about the Rules and Regulations answered SIMPLY and CLEARLY?
Take a look at this fully up-to-date downloadable book. You’ll find everything you need.
Get all the details here…

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MORE PAGES ABOUT
THE RULES OF TABLE TENNIS

For more information about the rules of table tennis, take a look at my other articles which explain the Official
Laws of Table Tennis and the additional Regulations (for higher level play) in more detail…

The Laws of Table Tennis

• The basic rules of table tennis
  If you’re just starting to play and you need to know the basic rules of table tennis,
  you’ll find them here…
• The official rules of table tennis
  The official rules of table tennis are known as
  The Laws of Table Tennis …
  so if you need to check the official wording, you can read them here…
• Table tennis table dimensions
  What size is a table tennis table? Do you know what the official rules say about the
  size dimensions of a table tennis table?
• What do the rules say about your racket?
  Do you know what the rules say about your racket?
  What size can it be? Which colours are allowed? When can you change your racket? Find out here…
• What do the rules say about the serve?
  The table tennis serve is one of the most controversial aspects of the game. Make sure you know the
  service rules. Read them here…
• Frequently asked questions about the serve
  The service rules are very complex, so let’s answer some of the most
  frequently asked questions. Read them here…
• What is a good return?
  What do the rules say about a good return?
  Can you use your hand to play a shot? What happens if you touch or move the table? Find out here…
• When is the ball in or out?
  What do the table tennis rules say about the ball hitting the
  white lines, net or edges of the table?
  Is the ball in or out? Find out here…
• What do the rules say about playing doubles?
  Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, the rules of table tennis are essentially the same.
  However, for doubles play
  there are a few subtle variations. Read them here…
• What do the rules say about volleying the ball?
  Do the table tennis rules allow you to volley the ball?
  No and Yes… Let me explain
• Expedite system
  How long can a game of table tennis last?
  If both players keep the ball in play, can they continue playing forever? What do the rules say about this? Find out here…

Regulations (for higher level play)

• Table tennis room size
  What table tennis room size do you need?
  It’s probably more than you think! Find out here…
• Racket testing
  In 2008 the ITTF introduced new rules and regulations relating to racket (paddles/bats) testing, and
  VOC-free glue. You can read them here…
• Are players allowed to take breaks during matches?
  What time limits are specified in the regulations? What happens if a player is
  time-wasting? Find out here…
• Yellow Cards and Red Cards
  Yellow and red cards are a recent addition to table tennis.
  But what do they mean? Find out here…

General

• Table tennis terminology
  Do you know your table tennis terminology
  or are you confused by your chops, pimples and twiddles? Here’s a table tennis glossary for you…

Frequently Asked Questions

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