All Tools

Marquee & Tent Size Calculator

Tell us your guest count and setup — we'll size the tent for you.

Your Event

Guest count120

Layout style

Add-ons

Recommended Tent

15 × 20 m

263 m² required

Seating / floor area180 m²
Dance floor24 m²
Bar12 m²
Buffet / catering12 m²
Total (incl. 15% circulation)263 m²

A stretch tent can be pitched to almost any footprint — these standard sizes are a starting point. We'll confirm the exact rig on a site visit.

Estimates are for planning purposes only. Contact B&W Productions for a professional assessment.

What Size Marquee Do I Need?

Choosing the right marquee size is the single biggest planning decision for any outdoor event in South Africa. Too small and guests feel cramped; too big and the space feels empty (and you overpay). This calculator uses the same m²-per-guest ratios our production team applies on real site assessments, then adds floor area for the dance floor, stage, bar and catering before recommending a standard stretch-tent size.

Standard Stretch Tent Sizes & Capacities

Tent SizeFloor AreaBanquetMixedCocktail
7 × 10 m70 m²4060120
10 × 15 m150 m²90130260
15 × 20 m300 m²180260520
15 × 30 m450 m²270390780

Capacities assume 15% circulation and no in-tent dance floor or stage. Add those with the calculator above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size marquee do I need for 100 guests?

For 100 guests seated banquet-style at round tables, allow roughly 150–170 m² of tent — a 10×15 m or 12×15 m stretch tent. Add 15–20% if you want a dance floor, stage or bar inside the same structure. For a 100-guest standing cocktail event, a 10×10 m (100 m²) tent is usually enough.

How many square metres per person for a marquee?

Banquet seating needs about 1.5 m² per guest, mixed seating/standing about 1.0 m², theatre/ceremony seating 0.7 m², and standing cocktail 0.5 m². Always add space for dance floors, stages, bars and buffet stations, plus 15% for walkways.

What size tent do I need for 200 guests?

A 200-guest seated dinner needs roughly 300–350 m² — a 15×20 m or 12×30 m stretch tent. With a dance floor, stage and bar, size up to 15×30 m (450 m²).

Can a stretch tent be any size?

Stretch tents are far more flexible than framed marquees — they can be pitched to wrap around trees, over pools, or in irregular footprints. Standard sizes are a planning guide; our team confirms the exact rig on a site visit.

Does this include space for a dance floor and bar?

Yes. When you tick the dance floor, stage, bar or buffet add-ons, the calculator adds the standard floor area each one needs before recommending a tent size.