Tent Size Calculator
Enter how many people will sleep in the tent, how much gear you carry, how many dogs come along and whether you want a snug or roomy fit. The calculator gives the floor area and the tent rating to look for.
- People, gear and dogs
- Snug or roomy
- Rating to buy
Children under about ten can count as half a person for space, but they move around a lot at night.
A tent's person rating is a tight squeeze. Makers rate tents for people lying shoulder to shoulder on narrow pads, about 20 square feet each. For room to sit up, change and store bags, allow about 30 square feet a person and buy a size up.
Tent size chart
Roomy fit, normal gear. Search for a group.
| People | Floor (sq ft) | Floor (m²) | Tent to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 | 2.8 | 2 person |
| 2 | 60 | 5.6 | 3 person |
| 3 | 90 | 8.4 | 5 person |
| 4 | 120 | 11.1 | 6 person |
| 6 | 180 | 16.7 | 9 person |
| 8 | 240 | 22.3 | 12 person |
Floor area in square feet.
People and floor area
Roomy fit. Slide the people.
Each coloured shape is a sleeping pad about 20 × 72 inches, laid out in the tent.
How to choose a tent size
People, then extras. Step through it.
Count people
Who sleeps inside.
For backpacking, weight matters more than space, so many people choose the rating that matches the group.
Dome, tunnel or cabin
Tent shapes. Compare them.
Crossed poles.
Hoops in a row.
Upright walls.
Cabin tents have near-vertical walls, so you can stand up and fit camp beds.
Before buying
Tent checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Pitch a new tent in the garden first, so you know how it goes up before you reach the campsite.
What you get
Tent sizing. Each tile explains one result.
To buy.
sq ft and m².
Rough shape.
Peak height.
For gear.
Two doors stop people climbing over each other at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size tent do I need for four people?
For comfort, a 6 person tent with about 120 square feet of floor.
What does a tent's person rating mean?
How many people fit lying shoulder to shoulder on narrow pads, with little room for anything else.
How much floor space does one person need?
About 20 square feet snug, or 30 for room to move.
How much space does a dog need in a tent?
About 10 square feet for a medium dog.
Should I buy a bigger tent?
For car camping, yes, usually one size up. For backpacking, weigh the extra space against the extra weight.
What peak height do I need?
About 4 feet to sit up, and 6 feet or more to stand.
Do I need a porch?
It helps a lot for wet boots, bags and cooking out of the rain.
Room for everyone
Count people, gear and dogs, choose how much space you like and buy a tent one size up from the rating. Then pitch it at home before your trip.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.