Banquet Style Seating. To determine the number of people your room will accommodate…When using oblong tables, divide the room area (square feet) by eight (8). When using round tables, divide the room area (square feet) by ten (10). These figures are for maximum seating. If space is available for more comfortable seating, allow an additional 2 sq. ft. per person.
Classroom Style Seating. Divide the "student" seating area (square feet) by eight (8).
Theater Style Seating. Divide "spectator" seating area (square feet) by six (6).
These rules of thumb will allow for chair and aisle passage. It does not take into consideration problems created by wide traffic aisles, center pole locations, service doors or unique room shapes. It proves to be useful for a quick general approximation. Center pole rule of thumb is to allow approximately 10 sq. ft. for each center pole.