Having a too-large umbrella can ruin the appearance of your patio. A too-small one, on the other hand, might leave some chairs exposed to the sweltering sun.
So, how do you pick the right size patio umbrella?
In this post, I’ll guide you on choosing the umbrella size that perfectly suits your space and provides the optimal coverage.
How to Choose the Right Size Patio Umbrella
Choosing the size for your patio umbrella depends on your budget, available space, and your preferred backyard style.
However, the most important factor to consider when deciding on the size of a patio umbrella is the dimensions of your outdoor table.
Ideally, your umbrella should extend over each of the table’s sides by two feet. For example, if your table size is 4 feet, you’ll need an umbrella with an 8-foot diameter to cover it.
Given that, the following is a simple size chart to guide you in selecting the most suitable patio umbrella for your table:
| Table Size | Typical Number of Chairs | Recommended Umbrella Size |
| 30 inches or less | 2 | 6–6.5 feet |
| 48 inches or less | 4 | 7.5–8 feet |
| 54 inches or less | 4–6 | 9 feet |
| 62 inches or less | 6–8 | 10 feet |
| 84 inches or less | +8 | 11 feet |
How to Select the Right Size Freestanding Umbrella
For freestanding umbrellas, your calculations to determine the right size will be a little different from those of umbrellas used with outdoor tables.
Here’s how: Instead of measuring the table size, you’ll need to determine the total area you want to cover with the canopy.
Then, you’ll add an extra 3-4 square feet to the given area and divide by 2 to get the ideal canopy size in diameter.
What Size Umbrella Do I Need for Rain?
To determine the size of a patio umbrella for rain protection, you should follow the same rule you use to determine any patio umbrella.
This is to pick an umbrella that is two feet wider than your table on each side. You can refer to the “size chart” mentioned above to get the optimal size for your umbrella.
Still, you’ll need to pay close attention to fitting the shape of the table with that of the umbrella to get optimal protection.
For example, if your table is rectangular, you should look for a rectangular umbrella, and so on.
Further, you should prioritize getting an umbrella made of weather-resistant fabric to ensure it can withstand wind and rain.
For this reason, I recommend getting a heavy-duty polyester fabric.
How Do I Measure a Patio Umbrella?
To determine the size of your current umbrella to replace it or even get a larger one, here are the steps to follow:
- Open the umbrella partially to be able to measure the length of its ribs.
- Measure the length of one rib from its bottom, outside the edge, to the top.
- To get the diameter of the umbrella, multiply the rib length by 2.
Here’s an example to simplify: If the rib you measure is 62 inches, multiply this number by 2. This way, the result will be 124 inches, which means you have a 10-foot umbrella.
What to Consider When Selecting the Size of Your Umbrella?
Besides determining the ideal size, there are a few considerations to keep in mind when picking your patio umbrella. Here they are
- Ideally, you need to choose an umbrella shape that matches the shape of your table, as this provides you with better coverage. If your table is round, you should get a round umbrella and so on.
- You should choose a pole length of at least seven feet tall to give people enough space to sit and stand comfortably under the umbrella. This length will allow people to move without having to stoop.
- You should pay close attention to the umbrella’s base weight. Placing an umbrella in the table’s hole without the right base weight won’t provide it with enough stability.
- Ensure the table has a large enough hole to accommodate your umbrella pole. A suitable hole size will provide the pole with the required space to be perfectly stable.
- To choose the best umbrella for a bar set, you should choose one that suits the bar height. Alternatively, you might get a pole extender to elevate the umbrella to fit the bar height.
- If you have an 8-person table or larger, you might need to get a cantilever or two free-standing umbrellas, depending on the total size you want to cover.
Patio Umbrella Size FAQ:
The following are the most common questions I got asked about choosing the size of a patio umbrella:
What Size Is a Standard Patio Umbrella?
A standard patio umbrella’s size usually ranges between 6 and 11 feet in diameter.
Nonetheless, the most common canopy size ranges between 9 and 10 feet in width, as this size fits a wide variety of tables and spaces.
What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need for a 48-Inch Round Table?
The ideal umbrella size for your 48-inch round table is around 7.5 to 8 feet in diameter.
This canopy size will provide you with a shade of approximately 44 to 50 sq ft, which is enough for the tabletop and the surrounding chairs.
To provide the best stability for this umbrella, you’ll need a base with a weight that ranges between 40 lbs. and 60 lbs.
What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need for a 48-Inch Rectangular Table?
The size of the patio umbrella you’ll need for a 48-inch rectangular table won’t differ much from that of a round table of the same size.
You’ll typically need an umbrella with a canopy size ranging between 7.5 and 8 feet in diameter. This will provide enough coverage for the table and chairs.
What Size Patio Umbrella for a 42-inch Round Table?
The ideal patio umbrella for your 42-inch round table will be at least 7 feet in diameter. This matches the size of the table, plus around 2 extra feet on each side.
That said, if you prefer getting ample shade space, an 8-foot umbrella is your excellent option.
What Size Patio Umbrella for a 42-Inch Rectangular Table?
Similar to the 42-inch round table, the rectangular one will ideally need an umbrella with a diameter of at least 7 feet.
However, if you’re looking for the optimal shade coverage, you might even get an 8 or even 9-feet umbrella.
What Size Patio Umbrella for a 36-Inch Round Table?
A 7.5-foot umbrella will perfectly suit a 36-inch round table. This size will provide your table and surrounding chairs with enough shade.
Still, you can go for an 8-foot umbrella to provide you with extra protection from sunlight and rain.
What Size Patio Umbrella for a 36-Inch Rectangular Table?
I recommend you choose a 7.5-foot umbrella for your 36-inch rectangular table.
An umbrella of this size will provide you with enough coverage for the table and the surrounding 2-4 chairs.
What Size Patio Umbrella for a 6-Person Table?
The size of a six-person table usually ranges between 54 and 62 inches. In some cases, it can even be an 84-inch table.
Given that, if your table is 54 inches wide, you need a patio umbrella from 8.5 to 9 feet to provide optimal coverage.
If your table is 62 inches wide, give or take, you’ll need an umbrella that ranges between 8.5 and 10 feet to get the best coverage.
In addition, I recommend you go with an umbrella that measures between 10.5 and 11 feet in diameter if you have an 84-inch table.
What Is the Largest Patio Umbrella Size?
The largest umbrella size you can get for your patio is typically around 13 feet in diameter.
This is significantly smaller than the large umbrellas used in commercial settings that might cover up to 400 square feet.
What Is the Smallest Size Patio Umbrella?
The smallest size of a patio umbrella is 6 feet in diameter. They’re perfect for bistro tables and easier to carry with you for travel.
That said, you might find patio umbrellas smaller than 6 feet, but they’re uncommon and not as practical as large ones.
Final Thoughts
By now, you know how to pick the right size patio umbrella. As a rule of thumb, you should ensure it extends two feet beyond each of the table’s sides.
This way, you’ll need to accurately measure the table size before purchasing the umbrella.
To choose the perfect freestanding umbrella, you need to calculate the area you want to cover. Then, add 3-4 square feet to that area and divide by 2 to get the recommended umbrella size in diameter.
Always remember, whenever you need guidance selecting the right size umbrella, feel free to refer to this guide for help.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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