Differences between Billiards Table and Pool Table
Billiards Table vs. Pool Table[edit]
The terms "billiards" and "pool" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct cue sports played on different types of tables.[1][2] While all pool tables are a type of billiard table, the reverse is not true.[3] The primary differences between a traditional billiards table (specifically for carom billiards) and a pool table lie in their size, the presence or absence of pockets, and the materials used for the cloth and cushions.[4]
A significant distinction is the absence of pockets on a carom billiards table.[5][4] The objective in carom games is to strike the cue ball so that it caroms off both the opponent's cue ball and the object ball in a single shot.[5] In contrast, pool tables have six pockets—one at each corner and one in the center of each long rail.
Table[2] dimensions also vary. Carom billiards tables are typically larger, with standard sizes being 10 feet by 5 feet. Pool[5] tables come in a wider range of sizes, commonly 7-foot ("bar box"), 8-foot (a popular home size), and 9-foot (tournament regulation) models. For a table to be considered "regulation," its playing surface must be twice as long as it is wide.
The cloth and cushion construction also differs. Carom billiards tables use a very fast, nap-free worsted wool cloth to facilitate the continuous rolling and rebounding of the balls. Pool[3] tables can be covered in either worsted cloth, often called "speed cloth" in professional settings, or a more common napped woolen cloth, which is slower and more durable for casual play. The rubber cushions on a pool table are typically V-shaped (K-66 or K-55 profile), while snooker tables (another form of billiards) use an L-shaped cushion.
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Billiards Table (Carom) | Pool Table |
|---|---|---|
| Pockets | [5][2]| Six pockets (four corner, two side) | |
| Standard Size | [5]| 7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft lengths with a 2:1 length-to-width ratio | |
| Table Cloth | Typically 100% worsted wool, nap-free for a fast surface | Worsted wool (fast) or napped woolen cloth (slower, more common) |
| Cushion Profile | Varies, designed for consistent rebound | Generally a V-shaped profile (e.g., K-66, K-55) |
| Primary Games | Straight rail, three-cushion, balkline | Eight-ball, nine-ball, straight pool |
| Balls Used | [5]| A set of 16 balls, including a cue ball and 15 object balls |
References[edit]
- ↑ "quedos.com.au". Retrieved November 07, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "blattbilliards.com". Retrieved November 07, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "gameroomshop.com". Retrieved November 07, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "pooltableportfolio.com". Retrieved November 07, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 "britannica.com". Retrieved November 07, 2025.
