Differences between Billiards Table and Pool Table
Billiards Table vs. Pool Table
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
| 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
- ↑ "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.
