WoodCalcs.uk
Table Leg Calculator — Leg Dimensions & Taper Angles
Calculate table leg length, taper angles, and apron dimensions for stable tables.
Taper from apron to foot
How We Calculate This
This calculator determines table leg dimensions based on the desired table height, top thickness, and leg style.
Key formulas
Leg length = Target table height - Top thickness
Apron height = Leg width at top x 1.5 (rule of thumb for proportional design)
Taper angle = arctan((Width top - Width bottom) / taper length)
This is the angle of a single tapered face for an inside-only taper (outer faces left vertical, inner faces tapered), which is the angle you set on a tapering jig. The taper length is the leg length minus the apron height (taper starts below the apron). The diagonal check uses the Pythagorean theorem for squaring the frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard UK dining table height is 720-750mm (typically 735mm). This suits chairs with a seat height of 430-460mm, providing about 280-300mm of clearance between the seat and underside of the table top for comfortable seating.
For a dining table, legs should be at least 55-70mm square at the top where the apron joins. Tapered legs can reduce to 30-40mm at the foot. Thinner legs look more elegant but provide less racking resistance. For heavy tables over 1500mm long, consider 75mm legs.
A typical taper angle for table legs is between 1 and 5 degrees. A gentle taper of 2-3 degrees looks elegant without compromising stability. The taper usually starts below the apron and runs to the foot. Both inner faces are typically tapered, leaving the outer faces straight.
Measure both diagonals of the table frame. If they are equal, the frame is square. Use the diagonal measurement from this calculator as your target. When gluing up, clamp lightly, check diagonals, adjust by shifting clamp angles, then tighten fully.
The apron (or rail) is the horizontal frame member that runs between the legs beneath the table top. It provides rigidity, prevents racking, and supports the top. Standard apron height is about 1.5 times the leg width, typically 75-100mm for a dining table.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.