Free tool
Room capacity calculator
Enter the size of a room and see roughly how many people it holds in each layout. Handy before you call a venue, or to check a quote.
How the numbers are worked out
The calculator divides the usable floor area by a typical amount of space per person for each layout. These are rules of thumb used across the events industry, given here as a range from comfortable to snug. Real capacity also depends on the room's shape, pillars, doors, fire exits and furniture.
| Layout | Space per person | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre | 0.8 to 1.0 m² | Talks, launches, briefings |
| Classroom | 1.6 to 2.0 m² | Training with note-taking or laptops |
| Cabaret | 1.6 to 2.0 m² | Workshops and awards with group tables |
| Banquet | 1.1 to 1.4 m² | Dinners and lunches at round tables |
| Boardroom | 2.3 to 3.0 m² (up to about 30 people) | Board and team meetings |
| U-shape | 2.5 to 3.2 m² (up to about 40 people) | Discussion-led training |
| Standing reception | 0.6 to 0.9 m² | Networking, drinks receptions |
| Exhibition (3m × 2m stands) | about half the floor for stands, the rest for aisles | Trade shows and fairs |
The legal maximum for any room is set by its fire risk assessment, which the venue holds. Always check the venue's own figure, and keep to whichever number is lower.
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