Table Runner for a Round Table: Size Chart and Lengths

Table runner size chart for round tables

A runner laid across the center of a round table hangs over two sides, so the overhang on each side is (runner length − table diameter) ÷ 2. Common runner lengths are 72, 90, 108 and 120 in.

Table	72 in runner	90 in runner	108 in runner	120 in runner	Runner to the floor
48 in round	12 in	21 in	30 in	36 in	108 in
60 in round	6 in	15 in	24 in	30 in	120 in
72 in round	ends at the edge	9 in	18 in	24 in	132 in

The last column is the length for a runner that falls to the floor on both sides of a 30 in high table.

Two runners in an X

On larger rounds, two runners crossed at the center frame the centerpiece and give every guest a strip of color. Each runner follows the same chart, so on a 60 in round use two 90 in runners for 15 in on all four sides. Lay the second runner over the first and press the crossing flat.

Table runner size chart for rectangular tables

On a rectangular table the runner runs lengthwise and hangs over the two ends.

Table	72 in	90 in	108 in	120 in	132 in
4 ft (48 in)	12 in	21 in	30 in	36 in	42 in
6 ft (72 in)	ends at the edge	9 in	18 in	24 in	30 in
8 ft (96 in)	too short	too short	6 in	12 in	18 in

A 6 to 12 in overhang at each end looks balanced on a dining table. For banquet and buffet tables, many planners let the runner hang to the same length as a half-drop tablecloth, about 15 in.

How wide should a table runner be?

Most runners are 12 to 14 in wide. A simple rule: about one third of the table width. On a 30 in banquet table, a 12 in runner leaves 9 in of tablecloth showing on each side for plates; on a 72 in round, a 14 in runner keeps its proportion.

How many runners for an event

Count one runner per guest table, or two per table for an X. For 100 guests at 60 in rounds of 8, that is 13 tables, so 13 runners, or 26 for crossed runners. At 72 in rounds of 10, it is 10 tables and 10 runners. Add one or two for the cake and gift tables.

Choosing the runner fabric

• Burlap and jute: rustic, but the loose weave frays quickly. Fringe the ends on purpose, or sew a line of small zigzag stitches about 1 in from each cut edge.
• Satin: shiny and slippery, and it shows every crease. Steam it rather than pressing with a hot iron, which can leave shiny marks.
• Sequin: heavy, so it hangs straight and stays put. Choose one with a lining, so the sequin threads do not snag the tablecloth underneath.
• Lace: see-through, so the color of the tablecloth under it becomes part of the look. Ivory lace over a darker cloth shows the pattern best.
• Cotton and linen: the easiest to sew and wash. Pre-wash the fabric before cutting so the runner keeps its length.

Sewing your own table runners

A runner is a long strip, so one length of fabric gives several. For a 14 in wide runner, cut strips 16 in wide (a 1 in hem on each edge) and 2 in longer than the finished length. From 60 in wide fabric, with about 58 in of usable width, each length gives 3 strips side by side.

Runner	Fabric per length	Runners per length	Fabric for 10 runners	Fabric for 13 runners
14 × 72 in	2 1/8 yd	3	8 1/4 yd	10 3/8 yd
14 × 90 in	2 5/8 yd	3	10 1/4 yd	12 7/8 yd
14 × 108 in	3 1/8 yd	3	12 1/4 yd	15 3/8 yd
14 × 120 in	3 1/2 yd	3	13 5/8 yd	17 yd

For a runner that hangs past a tablecloth's drop, sew it with a lining of the same size and turn it right side out: it lies flatter and the edges stay crisp.