2023: What Size Tent? Tent Size Calculator
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:
- 1000 square feet for the guest tables
- 100 square feet for the buffet table
- 100 square feet for the bar
- 300 square feet for the dance floor
- 100 square feet for the DJ
We needed a total of 1600 square feet so we went with a 30 x 60 tent. The cost for the tent was $750. A frame tent would have cost about $1,100.
Here are some other, related blogs that you might find helpful:
Table Sizes and Seating: How Many People Will Fit?!?
What Size Linen Fits My Table?
How much does it cost to rent table place settings?
Calculating Dance Floor Size + Average prices in Austin
Hopefully this gives you a good starting point. If you have questions, email us at info@reventals.com.


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