Table Runner Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Length and Width
Match the runner length to the table, or add 6 to 12 inches at each end if you want it to hang over. Then pick a width that leaves some table visible on both sides. On a standard 6ft table that means a 72-inch runner sitting flush, or 84 to 96 inches with overhang. On an 8ft table it means 96 inches flush, or 108 to 120 inches with overhang.
Table Runner Size Chart for Common Trade Show Tables
A table runner is a long, narrow strip laid along the top of a table. Unlike a table cover, it leaves the edges and front of the table visible. These numbers are simple arithmetic: the table length, plus any overhang on both ends.
| Table length | Flush runner | With 6 to 12 in overhang at each end |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 48 in (122 cm) | 60 to 72 in (152 to 183 cm) |
| 6 ft | 72 in (183 cm) | 84 to 96 in (213 to 244 cm) |
| 8 ft | 96 in (244 cm) | 108 to 120 in (274 to 305 cm) |
One inch is 2.54 cm, so you can convert any custom size yourself. Give your printer the final size in one unit and say which one.
What Size Table Runner for a 6ft Table?
A 6ft table is 72 inches (183 cm) long, so a 72-inch runner sits flush. For overhang, choose 84 to 96 inches (213 to 244 cm). Our custom table runner comes in a 72-inch length made for 6ft tables, or a custom length if you want overhang.
What Size Table Runner for an 8ft Table?
An 8ft table is 96 inches (244 cm) long, so a 96-inch runner sits flush. For overhang, use 108 to 120 inches (274 to 305 cm). The longer table gives a repeated logo more room, but it also shows an off-centre runner more clearly, so centre it before you set products out.
How Long Should a Table Runner Be?
There are two good answers, and they suit different jobs.
- Flush, the same length as the table. Clean, and nothing hangs into the aisle where carts and bags can catch it. A practical default at trade shows.
- Overhang of 6 to 12 inches at each end. The classic event look. It reads as deliberate and gives a logo room to sit on the end of the table.
If you are unsure, go flush. A runner that stops at the table edge looks intentional; one that drags on the floor does not.
How Wide Should a Table Runner Be?
Length is set by the table; width is a design choice. Our runners come in 14, 18, 24 and 30 inch widths, or a custom width. How each one tends to work on a table:
- 14 in (36 cm): a slim accent, best when products cover most of the table.
- 18 in (46 cm): a balanced band with room for a brochure holder or a laptop beside it.
- 24 in (61 cm): a strong brand band that leaves a narrower strip of table on each side.
- 30 in (76 cm): close to the full depth of many folding tables. At this width, compare it with a full cover.
Folding tables are usually around 30 inches deep, but depth varies by venue, so measure the one you will actually use.
How to Measure Your Table for a Table Runner
- Measure the table top length and depth, not the legs and not the booth.
- Decide flush or overhang, and add the overhang to both ends of the length.
- Choose a width, keeping in mind what will sit on the table.
- Ask the show's exhibitor services which table you are getting. A rented table is not always the size on the listing.
- Send the final length and width, in one unit, with your artwork.
Table Runner vs. Table Cover: What's the Difference?
A runner is a strip along the top. A cover goes over the whole table and hangs down the sides. Choose a runner to add a branded accent and keep the table visible. Choose a cover to hide storage under the table and put your logo on the front. A tablecloth is a cover for sizing purposes: it is built to the table's length and drop.
If you choose a cover, sizing is stricter. A stretch table cover is fitted to a 6ft or 8ft table and will not fit another size, while a draped pleated table cover is more forgiving. Our guides on 6 ft vs 8 ft table covers and pleated vs stretch table covers go deeper.
Using a Runner and a Cover Together
The cover sets the base colour and the front-of-table logo; the runner adds a second band on top. Order both to the same table so the lengths line up, and keep the runner the same length as the cover top or shorter. If the cover already carries a big logo on the front, put the runner logo once at the aisle end, or repeat it small, so the two do not compete.
Before Your Artwork Prints
- Confirm the exact table. Get the length and depth from the venue or measure it.
- Decide where the logo lands. You can print it once at the front, repeat it along the length, or run a full design edge to edge. The free proof shows where it will sit.
- Plan for what goes on top. A laptop or brochure holder hides part of the band, so keep key artwork clear of where products will sit.
- Send print-ready files. A vector file (AI, EPS or PDF) with fonts converted to outlines, or a high-resolution CMYK image for a photographic design. We check every file at no charge and send a proof before printing.
Frequently asked questions
What size table runner do I need for a 6ft table? A 72-inch (183 cm) runner sits flush on a 6ft table. For a 6 to 12 inch overhang at each end, use 84 to 96 inches (213 to 244 cm).
How long should a table runner be for an 8ft table? A 96-inch (244 cm) runner sits flush on an 8ft table. For overhang, use 108 to 120 inches (274 to 305 cm).
What width table runner should I choose? Pick the width by how much table you want branded and what will sit on it. Apex runners come in 14, 18, 24 and 30 inch widths, or a custom width.
Should a table runner hang over the edge of the table? At the ends, a 6 to 12 inch overhang looks deliberate. At trade shows, flush is common because nothing hangs into the aisle.
What is the difference between a table runner and a tablecloth? A runner is a strip along the top that leaves the edges visible. A tablecloth or table cover goes over the whole table and can close off the front and sides.
Next step
Know your table size? See the custom table runner options, or compare full table covers.
Frequently asked questions
What size table runner do I need for a 6ft table?
A 72-inch (183 cm) runner sits flush on a 6ft table. For a 6 to 12 inch overhang at each end, use 84 to 96 inches (213 to 244 cm).
How long should a table runner be for an 8ft table?
A 96-inch (244 cm) runner sits flush on an 8ft table. For overhang, use 108 to 120 inches (274 to 305 cm).
What width table runner should I choose?
Pick the width by how much table you want branded and what will sit on it. Apex runners come in 14, 18, 24 and 30 inch widths, or a custom width.
Should a table runner hang over the edge of the table?
At the ends, a 6 to 12 inch overhang looks deliberate. At trade shows, flush is common because nothing hangs into the aisle.
What is the difference between a table runner and a tablecloth?
A runner is a strip along the top that leaves the edges visible. A tablecloth or table cover goes over the whole table and can close off the front and sides.