Guest capacity calculator
Work out how many guests a room, marquee or hall can hold, based on floor area and how the space is laid out.
How this is worked out
We take 85% of the total floor area to account for walkways, doors and pinch points, then divide by a per-guest area that depends on layout: standing reception guests need the least space, seated round-table banquets need the most because of table and chair clearance.
Worked example
A 12m by 8m room is 96m². At 85% usable, that's 82m². For a seated banquet at 1.5m² per guest, that comfortably seats 54 guests with tables, chairs and walking space accounted for.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include the dance floor or stage?
No — subtract that area from your room dimensions first if you're including a dance floor, DJ booth or stage.
What about fire safety limits?
This is a planning estimate, not a legal capacity. Licensed venues have their own certified maximum occupancy — always check with the venue directly.
Related tools