How Big Should a Conference Room Be? [How to Plan Ahead]

Conference rooms are versatile, and if you’re building an office or looking to book a space for a meeting, interview or presentation, you might be asking, how big should a conference room be? 

How big should a conference room be?

Well, it depends on what you're using it for.

There are a few factors to consider when deciding what size conference room you need, such as how many people will be using it and what you plan to do in the room. Too little space and people will feel cramped and uncomfortable. Too much space and the room can feel cold, empty and impersonal. 

Private office

Occupants: 1 to 2 people 

Size: 20-50 square feet 

Private, one-on-one rooms or offices can be used for many different purposes such as having a private phone call, taking a virtual meeting or getting some quiet, focused work done away from distractions.  

Since these rooms are small and often used by one person at a time, they do not require much in terms of furnishings. As long as there is enough space for a desk and comfortable chair, and a high-speed Internet connection of course, a small room should be adequate for your usage. 

Informal small group area 

Occupants: 2 to 6 people 

Size: 100-150 square feet 

Often called huddle areas, having a place for small groups to get together and collaborate is an essential part of in-person teamwork. Informal brainstorming sessions work best in relaxed, comfortable environments.

Depending on your needs, you could create a fun, lively, versatile collaborative area, or set it up with a whiteboard and lounge chairs. Perhaps an interactive monitor with a whiteboard table and bar stools will inspire ideas. In these situations, leaving lots of space to move around can set your team up for success. 

Small conference room 

Occupants: 6 to 8 people

Size: 150-200 square feet 

Small conference rooms are one of the most versatile office spaces. They can be used for many purposes including panel interviews, presentations and formal or informal meetings. 

This is most often a traditional sit-down space with a mid-sized conference table surrounded by chairs. When choosing a conference room to book, or if you are setting up your own space, a good rule of thumb is to have about a 10-foot difference between the size of the table and the size of the room. This ensures there is a comfortable amount of room to move around without feeling cramped. 

Large conference room

Occupants: 10 to 20 people

Size: 500+ square feet 

At first, a large conference room fitted with a massive boardroom table surrounded by chairs can seem intimidating, but this all-important space can facilitate serious meetings, presentations and even training workshops. 

Similar to a small conference room, a large conference room should have about a 10-foot difference between the size of the table and the size of the room. You should also consider the shape of your conference table. Oval and rectangular tables use space differently, so look at photos before booking a meeting space. Another option is to order furniture for your space so you get the exact look and feel you want. 

When should you rent a meeting or office space? 

You might be thinking, I run my business from home, why would I need to rent a meeting space? 

You can absolutely operate a successful business from home, but there are many reasons for a remote business to temporarily rent an office or meeting space. 

Here are a few possible scenarios and the recommended type of space:

● Need focused work time—Private office

● In-person interview—Small conference room 

● Traveling and need high-speed Internet—Private office

● Meeting with your remote team—Informal small group area or small conference room

● Important presentation—Small or large conference room

How big a conference room should be depends on what you need from the space and how many people will be using it. 

First, decide how many people will be using it. Then consider how the space will be used (meeting, presentation, conference call, etc.). Finally, think about how much space you need for everyone to be comfortable and to move around freely. Choosing the right space for your needs will make all the difference.