Commercial seating · Guides · Seating calculator
Seating capacity calculator,
seats per linear foot
At the common reference of 24 inches per guest, a banquette seats one guest every 2 feet, or 0.5 guests per linear foot: a 12-foot banquette seats 6. The method is simple: convert the usable length to inches, subtract about 24 inches for each inside corner, divide by the inches you allow per guest (20 to 22 for tight casual, 24 for standard table service, about 30 for fine dining) and round down. Use the calculator below to run your own layout.
Updated September 2026 · by the Sheep & Sleep commercial team, Kissimmee, Florida
How the calculation works
- Convert to inches: length in feet × 12.
- Subtract inside corners: 24 inches for each inside corner, where the corner seat is too cramped to count.
- Divide by the space per guest: 20 to 22 inches for tight casual seating, 24 inches for standard table service, about 30 inches for fine dining.
- Round down to whole guests.
Worked examples
| Layout | Math | Guests |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ft straight, standard | 96" ÷ 24" | 4 |
| 12 ft straight, casual 22" | 144" ÷ 22" = 6.5 | 6 |
| L-shape 10 ft + 6 ft, standard | (192" − 24") ÷ 24" | 7 |
| U-shape 6 + 10 + 6 ft, fine dining | (264" − 48") ÷ 30" = 7.2 | 7 |
These are planning estimates for comfortable guest seating. Occupant load for permits is a separate calculation done by your architect under the applicable codes. For seat heights, depths and aisle widths see the booth dimensions guide.
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How many seats per linear foot of banquette?
At the common planning reference of 24 inches per guest, a banquette seats 0.5 guests per linear foot, or one guest every 2 feet. At 20 inches per guest (tight casual) it is 0.6 per foot, and at 30 inches (fine dining) it is 0.4 per foot.
How do I calculate banquette seating capacity?
Convert the usable length to inches, subtract about 24 inches for each inside corner where guests cannot sit comfortably, divide by the inches you allow per guest and round down. For example, a 12-foot straight banquette is 144 inches; at 24 inches per guest that is 6 guests.
Why subtract space at inside corners?
Where two banquette runs meet in an inside corner, the corner seat is cramped because knees and tables collide. Planners commonly treat roughly one seat width at each inside corner as lost. It is a planning assumption, not a rule, and a well-designed corner can recover part of it.
Is this the same as fire code occupant load?
No. This calculator estimates comfortable guest seating. Occupant load for code purposes is calculated by your architect under the applicable building and fire codes, which include their own methods for fixed and bench seating.