Audience Size Calculator
Enter the length and width of the room, the seating layout and whether part of it is taken by a stage. The calculator gives the audience it holds, and the numbers for every other layout too.
- Any room size
- Six layouts
- Stage space allowed
Measure the usable floor only. Leave out bars, kitchens and fixed furniture.
Audience size is floor area divided by space per person. Each layout needs a different amount of space, including aisles. Theatre rows need about 0.75 m² a person, a seated dinner 1.2 m², and a standing crowd only 0.5 m².
Room capacity chart
No stage. Search for an area.
| Area (m²) | Standing | Theatre | Banquet | Classroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 100 | 66 | 41 | 31 |
| 100 | 200 | 133 | 83 | 62 |
| 200 | 400 | 266 | 166 | 125 |
| 300 | 600 | 400 | 250 | 187 |
| 500 | 1000 | 666 | 416 | 312 |
Figures include aisles. The fire safety limit for the venue always comes first.
Area and audience
Theatre rows. Slide the area.
Each dot is a seat. In big rooms each dot stands for a few people so the plan stays readable.
How to work out room capacity
Area ÷ space per person. Step through it.
Measure the room
Length × width.
For a hall in square feet, multiply by 0.0929 to get square metres.
Theatre, banquet or standing
Layouts. Compare them.
Rows of chairs facing the front.
Round tables of 8 to 10.
No seats, room to move.
Cabaret uses round tables with one side left open toward the stage.
Before booking
Venue checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Allow wheelchair spaces near exits and leave aisles at least 1.1 m wide.
What you get
Capacity for every layout. Each tile explains one result.
People that fit.
m² and ft².
For comparison.
Space taken off.
Check it too.
A small reserve, around 5%, helps with late changes to the room plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
How many people fit in a room?
Divide the floor area by about 0.75 m² a person for theatre seating.
How much space per person for a seated dinner?
About 1.2 m² for round tables.
How many people fit in 100 square metres?
About 133 seated in rows, 83 at dinner or 200 standing.
How much space for a standing crowd?
About 0.5 m² a person for a comfortable reception.
How do I work out capacity in square feet?
Divide by about 8 ft² a person for theatre rows.
What is cabaret seating?
Round tables with seats on one side only, facing the stage.
Who sets the legal capacity?
The venue's fire risk assessment or certificate.
The right room for your crowd
Measure the floor, choose a layout and see how many people fit. Then check the venue's fire limit and plan the event with confidence.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.