With the exception of a smaller, tabletop air hockey table – air hockey tables in general are quite big. You can get a range of air hockey tables including tabletop, home use, arcade, and professional standard so sizes can vary but when looking at a full size air hockey table, they can take up quite a bit of space!
This means that when looking to buy one for home use (to keep in your games room), one of the most important factors before buying one is ensuring that you not only have the space to fit an air hockey table but also that you can fit it in a room and still play comfortably with plenty of space around the table!
In this article, we’ll cover general air hockey table sizes and dimensions so that you know how big a typical air hockey table is and then cover the question – how much space do you need for an air hockey table?
This will take into account optimal playing space, age, skill level, and other factors that will help you choose the right model for the space you have available.
Air Hockey Table Dimensions
Most air hockey tables – especially those that are regulation size – have the following dimensions:
- 6′ x 3′ table
- 7′ x 3.5′ table
- 8′ x 4′ table
If you have an air hockey table that does not fit these exact specifications then a good general rule to keep in mind is that you will need to add on 6 feet to the total length of your table and 4 feet to its width to provide you with the total space that you will need to play comfortably.
If you are adults playing on the air hockey table then you may have the table set up against a wall as you will not need to move around the sides to reach the puck. However, consider that this may not be as comfortable of an experience as a table placed in the center of the room.
If you are setting the game up for children then ensure that the air hockey table is placed away from the wall as depending on their size they may not be able to reach the puck from the end of the table and may need to walk around the sides to be able to hit it.
How Tall Are Air Hockey Tables?
Another thing to keep in mind when preparing your space for an air hockey table is the height. By checking that you have enough room available for the height of the table, for example, if you have any low-hanging lights or beams, you will make a much more comfortable experience for the players.
The average air hockey table stands between 32 and 33 inches. This is the standard height as any higher and most people would struggle to defend their entire territory. Obviously, if you are purchasing a smaller air hockey table for children then the height will be smaller to account for their arms’ reach.
How Much Space Do You Need for an Air Hockey Table
Although you may think that you have enough room for an air hockey table, either in your living room as a fun activity for the whole family, or hidden away in your game room for a great time with your friends, you will need to make sure that you measure the space correctly.
Just because your available space is roughly the same size as an air hockey table does not mean that it is a good choice. Sure, you will be able to fit the table in but this is only the minimum space and not an actual ideal.
When considering the space required for an air hockey table you will also need to take into account the players and moving space around the table.
There are several different sizes of table so if you can fit a larger table into your home, but you are leaving little to no room to move around the table then consider getting a smaller one so that you will be more comfortable when actually playing.
The minimum space required for an air hockey table is:
- 6′ x 3′ table – 10′ x 5′ space needed
- 7′ x 3.5′ table – 11′ x 5.5′ space needed
- 8′ x 4′ table – 12′ x 6′ space needed
Ideal Space Needed for an Air Hockey Table
When measuring the space available for your air hockey table you will want to take into account the room for the players to move at either end of the table as well as how you will be able to get into these positions. It is best not placing the table in the corner of the room as one of the players will not be able to assume their position.
The best space for an air hockey table is one that is large enough to house both the table, the two players as well as any room for spectators at the sides. So, take into account the people who will want to play. If you have only children wanting to play then they will need less space around the table than adults.
As a rough guide on the best space for an air hockey table, consult the following:
- 6′ x 3′ table – 12′ x 7′ space needed
- 7′ x 3.5′ table – 13′ x 7.5′ space needed
- 8′ x 4′ table – 14′ x 8′ space needed
How Much Does an Air Hockey Table Weigh?
Another thing to consider when setting up the space for your air hockey table is the flooring. The tables are typically very heavy with the standard 8-foot version weighing in at 350 pounds. So, you will want to make sure that you are preparing the space with flooring that can withstand this weight.
Softer flooring, such as vinyl will not be able to support this weight and will warp as a result. Of course, if you do not want to replace your flooring but you have the right amount of room for the table then consider a smaller table as this will help reduce the pressure on your flooring.
Final Thoughts
As you spend most of the game leaning over the actual table in air hockey, it’s an easy (and common) assumption to make that you don’t need much space around the air hockey table when playing. While this is true to an extent, you will still need space around the table to comfortably play and enjoy the game.
A comfortable amount of space that you’d need to accommodate most size air hockey tables is 12 foot (L) x 6 foot (W). This will give enough space to fit a professional standard air hockey table whilst leaving sufficient space to move around the table within your selected room or use.
If you don’t quite have the space available for this, you can always make use of a smaller size air hockey table where space requirements are less. To do this, just make sure you get your minimum measurement for available space first before committing to a purchase and finding you don’t actually have room for a table!