Event Space Calculator

The backwards calculation: you know how many guests are coming — how much space do you need? Build it zone by zone (dining, dance floor, bar, stage, buffet) and see the answer as one room, separate spaces, a marquee size or linked giant tipis — then find venues that fit. Free, no sign-up.

    Find venues that fit

    Enter your town in the "Where is the event?" box, then search with your guest bracket built in. Search results match what venues say about themselves — and Maps can't filter by size at all — so always confirm the room's real capacity with the venue (or check it in the capacity calculator from their room dimensions).

    Planning estimates. Zone standards match our capacity calculator; real rooms have pillars, doors and odd shapes, and fire regulations set legal limits — draw the space in Metis Room Planner to prove the layout works.

    Quick space guide by guest count

    Banquet dining + dance floor + DJ + bar, with 15% circulation

    GuestsTotal spaceOne roomMarqueeGiant tipis
    60~150 m² (1,630 sq ft)15 × 10.5 m9 × 18 m3
    100~240 m² (2,600 sq ft)18.5 × 13.5 m12 × 21 m4
    150~355 m² (3,810 sq ft)22.5 × 16 m12 × 30 m6
    200~465 m² (5,010 sq ft)26 × 18.5 m15 × 33 m7
    300~690 m² (7,430 sq ft)31.5 × 22.5 m15 × 48 m10

    Marquees are quoted by clearspan width (9, 12 or 15 m) and grow in 3 m bays; giant hat tipis are ~10.3 m across and link together, at roughly 65 seated or 100 standing each. Separate spaces need a little more in total than one big room — each space carries its own circulation — but they give you a proper flow: drinks in the bar, dinner in the dining room, party next door.

    Space planning FAQs

    How much space do I need per guest?

    For a seated dinner on rounds of 10, allow about 1.4 m² per guest for the dining zone, then add the dance floor (0.5 m² per dancer, ~40% dancing), bar (~0.35 m² per guest plus the counter), stage and 15% circulation. For 100 guests with dinner, dancing, DJ and a bar that lands around 240 m².

    What size marquee do I need for 100 guests?

    With dining, a dance floor, DJ and bar: about a 12 × 21 m clearspan marquee (seven 3 m bays), or 9 × 27 m if the site is narrow. Dining only, without the party zones, fits 9 × 18 m.

    How many tipis do I need?

    Giant hat tipis run roughly 65 seated or 100 standing each, and link into one flowing space. Dinner, dancing and a bar for 100 guests is typically 4 linked tipis; 150 guests wants 6.

    Can the bar and dancing be in separate rooms?

    They can — but ask any DJ and they'll tell you not to: a bar in a different room drains the dance floor all night, because every drinks run takes people (and their friends) away from the party. Keep the bar in the party room, in sight of the floor. What does work as a separate space is dining, or a quieter reception/chill-out room for guests who want a break from the music — the calculator's "Separate spaces" option budgets it that way, with standing room around the floor included.

    Do I need to allow extra space for catering?

    Yes, beyond guest space: caterers typically want a service tent or back-of-house area of 20–40 m² for 100+ covers, plus a clear service route to the dining zone. Marquee and tipi suppliers can add a catering annex bay.

    How do I check the space actually works?

    Area numbers get you shortlisting; layouts prove it. Put your dimensions into the venue capacity calculator to see the room laid out with real tables, clearances and the dance floor — in 2D and 3D — or draw the exact space in Metis Room Planner.

    Run a venue? Get found and prove the fit

    Venues use Metis Room Planner to lay out real rooms with real furniture — and show clients their event in 2D & 3D before they book. Free for 14 days, no credit card.

    Start Your Free Trial