Tent Calculator

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Do you know the type of surface the tent will be set up on?


Houston Tents & Events Tip:
Tents are typically secured using stakes driven into the ground, which is easy on soft surfaces like grass or dirt. However, harder surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and gravel don't allow for staking, requiring tents to be anchored with weights instead.

How would you like your seating arrangements?

Will you have any of the following?

We recommend getting at least a ( sq ft.).

Choose from one of these tents and add to cart:

Got a question?

If you have any concerns or need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Number of Guests & Tables

Tent Size Square Feet # of Guests Guests per Round Table
10×10 100 15 10 people at 1 table
20×20 400 68 40 people at 4 tables
20×30 600 90 60 people at 6 tables
20×40 800 100 80 people at 8 tables
20×50 1000 150 100 people at 10 tables
30×60 1800 245 180 people at 18 tables
40×60 2400 342 240 people at 24 tables
40×100 4000 600 400 people at 40 tables

SQFT Needed for Rental Items

Rental Item SQFT per Rental
48″ Round Table (seats 6-8) 80
6′ Rectangle Banquet Table (seats 8) 80
60″ Round Table (seats 10) 100
72″ Round Table (seats 12) 120
8′ Rectangle Banquet Table (seats 10) 90
Bar 100
Buffet Table 100
Dance Floor 3 SQFT per Guest
DJ Area 100

Download Our Tent Size Guide

Tent FAQs

Information on tent sizing

If the guest seating chart is without tables or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 10×30 tent. If the guests will be seated, we recommend a 20 x 30 tent.  If you have other things that need to go inside the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage, you will need a bigger tent.

If the guest seating chart is without tables or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 20×40 tent. If the guests will be seated, we recommend a 20 x 50 tent.  If you have other things that need to go inside the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage, you will need a bigger tent.

If the guest seating chart is without tables or standing around cocktail tables, you will need a 20×50 tent. If the guests will be seated, we recommend a 30 x 60 tent.  If you have other things that need to go inside the tent, such as a bar, buffet line, or stage, you will need a bigger tent.

Yes, for events with more than 300 guests, you may need custom tent sizes or even multiple tents. It’s important to factor in additional elements like catering areas, stages, or entertainment sections to determine the overall tent space required.

  • Grass or dirt: You can use almost any tent, such as Qwik tents or frame tents, as they can be staked into the ground.
  • Asphalt, concrete, gravel, or sand: You’ll need a frame tent or structure tent. These tents don’t need stakes and can be held down by heavy weights, making them ideal for hard surfaces.
  • Dirt: This surface allows for more flexibility. You can use frame tents, high peak tents, or structure tents since they can be secured with stakes.

Round tables take up more room than straight rows of chairs, so you’ll need a larger tent to comfortably fit both the tables and chairs.

If you’re going for theater-style seating (just chairs in rows), like for a presentation or ceremony, you’ll need less space compared to tables and chairs. But if the event is more casual with  standing or cocktail tables, you need less space overall, as people can move around more freely.

Yes, different types of events will require different amounts of space. 

Formal events (like weddings or dinners) usually need more space because you’ll likely want more room between tables and chairs, and possibly areas for extras like buffet tables, bars, or dance floors.

If your event includes entertainment, plan for space for a stage, sound equipment, and audience seating or standing areas.

On the other hand, a simpler event without extra activities can make do with a smaller tent.

If you’re unsure about the exact details, such as the number of guests or the seating style, it’s better to estimate a bit higher in terms of tent size. This ensures everyone will be comfortable and you won’t run out of space. A frame tent is also your best bet. Frame tents are versatile and can be secured on any surface (grass, concrete, asphalt) with either stakes or weights. 

Estimate as best you can when using our calculators. These still give you a good starting point.

Once you submit your order, our team will contact you to confirm everything. That’s your chance to talk things over with us. Whether it’s about the seating layout, the type of event, or any extra space you might need, we’ll help you make sure you get the perfect tent size and rental items.

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