Venue Capacity Calculator
Determine how many guests your venue can accommodate based on room dimensions and seating layout.
Room Dimensions
Alternative Configurations
Planning Notes
- • Always verify local fire code maximum occupancy limits
- • Consider ADA accessibility requirements
- • Account for additional space for AV equipment, bars, registration
- • Buffer margin helps with comfortable circulation and safety
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your venue's length and width in feet to calculate the total square footage.
Adjust for stage/platform area and aisle/walkway percentage to get usable space. These deductions reflect real-world event setups.
Select your preferred seating layout to see capacity, or compare all layouts at once to find the best fit for your event type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which layout holds the most people?
Theater style holds the most at about 6 sq ft per person. Cocktail/reception is second at 8 sq ft per person since guests stand and mingle.
How much space should I reserve for aisles?
Generally 10-20% of floor space goes to aisles and walkways. Fire codes require clear egress paths, so check local requirements for your venue.
What if my venue isn't rectangular?
For irregular shapes, calculate the approximate rectangular area or divide the space into sections and add them together for total usable square footage.
How do fire codes affect venue capacity?
Fire codes typically mandate maximum occupancy based on square footage and available exits. The calculated capacity should never exceed the venue's legal occupancy limit. Always verify with the venue and local fire marshal for official capacity numbers.
How much space should I reserve for the stage or presentation area?
For presentations, reserve 100-150 sq ft for a small stage or podium area, plus 10-15 feet of clearance from the front row. For performances or panels, plan for 200-400 sq ft of stage space. Subtract this from your usable area before calculating seating capacity.
Why Use This Calculator
- Calculate capacity for 6 layout types
- Account for stage and aisle space
- Compare layouts side-by-side
- Plan seating with confidence
Related Calculators
Explore more tools
Event Budget Calculator
Plan your event budget with our interactive calculator. Allocate funds across venue, catering, entertainment, and more.
Guest & Catering Calculator
Plan your event catering with estimates for food, beverages, staffing, and total cost per guest.
Conference Budget Calculator
Plan multi-day conference budgets including venue, speakers, catering, AV, and attendee experience.
Embed This Calculator
Add this calculator to your website for free.
"The venue capacity calculator saved us from booking a space that would have been too small. Crisis averted."
Event Coordinator, Corporate Events