What is the standard height for a dining table?

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.

How thick should table legs be?

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.

What angle should tapered table legs be?

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.

How do I check if my table frame is square?

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.

What is an apron on a table?

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.

WoodCalcs

Table Leg Calculator — Leg Dimensions & Taper Angles

Calculate table leg length, taper angles, and apron dimensions for stable tables.

Table TypeSelect the table type for your calculation

Top Thickness

Material thickness

Leg Width at Top

Cross section at apron joint

Tapered legs

Taper from apron to foot

Table Length

For squaring diagonal check

Table Width

Table top width — used with length for the squaring diagonal check

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

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.