Seating Capacity Planning

Seating Capacity may vary depending on style of event, type of table service, or chair width.

Formal sit-down meals require more serving space than buffet banquets. Chairs should never be set directly under table. Set chairs approximately 2″ away from table to allow maximum seating. Always allow minimum of 24″ aisle between chairs when setting several tables in area. Setting tables approximately 54″ – 60″ from each other will allow aisle space.

To estimate seating capacity per square foot, use the following rules:

For Banquet Style Seating
– When using oblong tables, divide room area by 8.
– When using round tables, divide room area by 10.
These figures are for maximum seating. If space is available, allow an additional 2 square feet per person for comfortable seating.

For Classroom Style Seating
Divide “student” seating area by 8.

For Theater Style Seating
Divide “spectator” seating area by 6.
This allows for chair and passage aisle. It does not factor traffic or emergency lanes.

Aisle Distance Per Style Seating

Banquet Style Seating
Classroom Style Seating
	While this may vary with degree of aisle comfort required, 36″ distance between rows of chairs will suffice.
Theater Style
	While this may vary with degree of aisle comfort required, 36″ distance between rows of chairs will suffice. Where food service is not required and seating is at one side of the table, allow 36″ between tables.
Placement Differential
In the same area – round tables arranged in diamond pattern usually permit one more row of tables in place of nine than when set in rectangular pattern.	In the same area – square tables placed in diamond pattern usually permit up to 25% more seating than when set in rectangular pattern.