2023: What Size Tent? Tent Size Calculator

by Candace Leak

We’ve created this tent size calculator because trying to figure out the size tent rentals you need is akin to sitting in high school algebra class – it’s definitely not the most fun part of planning your event. Use the calculator to get an estimate on the total square feet you need. I’ve also put together a chart and some general guidelines to get you started with your planning.

What size tent rentals do I need and how much will it cost?

Event Tent Sizes	Square Feet	# of Guests Ceremony/Theatre Style	# of Guests at Round Tables	Approximate Cost to Rent
10×10	100	15	10 people at 1 tables	$50 – $150
20×20	400	68	40 people at 4 tables	$280 – $350
20×30	600	90	60 people at 6 tables	$400 – $550
20×40	800	100	80 people at 8 tables	$520 – $650
20×50	1000	150	100 people at 10 tables	$600 – $700
30×60	1800	245	180 people at 18 tables	$900 – $1400
40×60	2400	342	240 people at 24 tables	$1600 – $1850
40×100	4000	600	400 people at 40 tables	$3000 – $3500

Frame tent doesn’t have poles on the inside

Sq. Ft. Needed for Rented Items

Item	Square Feet Needed Each
48″ Round Table (seats 6-8)	80
60″ Round Table (seats 10)	100
72″ Round Table (seats 12)	120
6′ Rectangle Banquet Table (seats 8)	80
8′ Rectangle Banquet Table (seats 10)	90
Buffet Table	100
Bar	100
Dance Floor	2-4 per guest
DJ Area	100

Marquee Tent – has the peaks but no poles on the inside

And if figuring out the size wasn’t enough, you also need to figure out the style of tent rental you want…

Types of Tents for Parties and Events

Type	Description
Pole	Secured with stakes – can’t be used on concrete or asphalt. Poles create peaks and dips which makes it look very elegant
Frame	Free standing so can be set up on any surface. There are no poles inside so you don’t have to worry about planning or decorating around those
Marquee	Hybrid of the pole and frame tent. They give you the elegant peaks of the pole tent but are free standing like the frame tent
Frame Structure	Has wider openings and taller ceilings than the standard frame tent. Can support more weight than other types of tents, and has tighter fitting sections and walls, making it the best option for heating and air-conditioning

Frame Structure Tent – this is the best option for heating and air conditioning.

Check out this blog for inspiration. It shows pictures of several different types of tents – all gorgeous!

Frequently Asked Questions

What size tent do I need for 50 guests?

If the guests will be seated ceremony style (not at tables), or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 10×30 tent. If the guests will be seated at tables, you will need a 20 x 30 tent. Add more square feet if you have other things need to go under the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage.

What size tent do I need for 100 guests?

If the guests will be seated ceremony style (not at tables), or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 20×40 tent. If the guests will be seated at tables, you will need a 20×50 tent. Add more square feet if you have other things need to go under the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage.

What size tent to I need for 150 guests?

If the guests will be seated ceremony style (not at tables), or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 20×50 tent. If the guests will be seated at tables, you will need a 30×60 tent. Add more square feet if you have other things need to go under the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage.

What size tent do I need for 250 guests?

If the guests will be seated ceremony style (not at tables), or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 30×60 tent. If the guests will be seated at tables, you will need a 40×60 tent. Add more square feet if you have other things need to go under the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage.

I recently helped plan a 150 person wedding.

We had to make room for guests tables, buffet table, bar and dance floor. To stay within budget, we selected to go with the pole tent (usually the most economical). Here’s how the math worked out: