Free Tool

Venue Capacity Planner

Calculate how many attendees your venue can accommodate with different seating layouts, or find out how much space you need for your event.

100% Free
No Signup
Instant Results
Data Stays Private

How It Works

1

Your Space

Enter venue dimensions or expected attendees

2

Layout Options

See capacity for different seating layouts

3

Find Your Venue

Get venue recommendations for your event size

1

Enter Your Venue Size

ft
ft
Total Area: 0 sq ft
2

Deductions (Optional)

Seating Layout Guide

🎭

Theater Style

Rows of chairs facing a stage or screen. Best for presentations, keynotes, and performances.

~6 sq ft per person

📚

Classroom Style

Tables with chairs on one side, all facing front. Best for training, workshops, and seminars.

~18 sq ft per person

🍽️

Banquet Style

Round tables with chairs around each. Best for galas, dinners, and networking events.

~12 sq ft per person

🥂

Reception / Cocktail

Standing with high-top tables scattered throughout. Best for cocktail hours and mixers.

~8 sq ft per person

💼

Boardroom Style

One large table with chairs around it. Best for meetings and small group discussions.

~25 sq ft per person

🏪

Trade Show / Expo

Booths and aisles with space for browsing. Best for expos, job fairs, and vendor events.

~40 sq ft per person

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate venue capacity?

Divide your usable square footage by the square feet per person for your layout type. For example, a 1,000 sq ft room in theater style (6 sq ft/person) can hold about 166 people.

What is "usable space"?

Usable space is your total venue area minus space needed for stages, AV equipment, registration areas, catering stations, and other non-seating uses.

Should I book a larger venue than calculated?

Yes! We recommend adding 10-15% buffer space for comfort, circulation, and unexpected needs. A slightly larger venue creates a better attendee experience.

How do fire codes affect capacity?

Fire codes set maximum occupancy limits that may be lower than layout-based calculations. Always check with your venue about their legal capacity limits.