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How Do You Measure The Size Of A Patio Umbrella

Measuring For A Patio Umbrella Based On Table Size

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If you are going to be placing your patio umbrella in a table, the size of the table is a direct indication of the size of umbrella that you need.

If you have a table that is 30 to 36 inches in diameter, a 6-8 foot umbrella is going to be large enough to shade the entire table without being too large for the table to hold it and to remain upright and sturdy.

  • < 38 Table = 6-8 foot Umbrella
  • 38-60 = 9-11 foot Umbrella
  • > 60 = 11 foot Umbrella

Buying based on the table you will be using the umbrella with is a great place to start and can help you better understand what your table can handle without being overbalanced.

Shopping for umbrella based on table size is also going to give you an idea of what amount of shade you are going to get from each size of umbrella.


How Heavy Does The Deck Umbrella Base Need To Be

The required weight of your mobile base is dependent on three factors: the size of your umbrella canopy the expected environmental conditions and the presence or absence of an umbrella table. There are many schools of thought as to how much weight is needed, but we tend to err on the side of safety. To account for average wind conditions, our rule of thumb for free-standing center pole umbrellas is 10 pounds per canopy foot. If the pole is running through an umbrella table, you can reduce it to 5 pounds per foot. The best cantilever patio umbrellas either include or identify the appropriate mobile base, or provide you with choices of fixed mount options, so theres usually less confusion.

How Large Should My Patio Be

Size A good rule of thumb for your patio is such: Plan on 25 square feet of space for each person you want to have on the patio. If you plan to host 50 people, that would mean you should plan for about 1250 square feet. 15 people would be 375 square feet. For comfortable entertaining, shoot for a minimum of 550 sq.

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How To Measure A Patio Umbrella By Shape

When figuring out how to measure a patio umbrella by size, its important also to note the shape of the canopy. Each umbrella shape measures differently. Take into consideration the length and width of your table to maximize the circumference of shade as well.

Measuring a Patio Umbrella Canopy

Whether its hovering above your outdoor dining table set or positioned between a couple of chaise lounges by the pool, your patio table umbrella needs to have the right shape, width and length to provide sun protection where you want to use it. To measure the three types of umbrella canopies, use the following guidelines:


  • Square: Square patio umbrellas come in a variety of sizes. Each has four sides with equal width and length. To find the right size, measure along the edge of one panel.
  • Rectangle: For patio umbrellas with rectangular canopies, measure the longest edge that runs parallel to your dining table. The shortest edge is the width and should be the same width as your table.
  • The octagon is a traditional shape for outdoor canopies. Measure this type of patio umbrella diagonally along the length of the ribs, going through the center, to find the diameter.

Types Of Patio Umbrellas And How To Choose One

What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Get

Shopping for patio furniture that works for your space is easier than you think. Looking for patio umbrella ideas and feeling unsure about how to select the right one? Along with getting the correct size, knowing how to choose the right type of patio umbrella for your space is also important. Three types of umbrellas that work well on all patios include:

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What Size Patio Umbrella Should I Buy

The size of your umbrella depends on several factors. How much space do you need? Whats your budget? How much space do you have available? These are all things that must be taken into consideration before purchasing an outdoor umbrella. Choosing an oversized umbrella will be overwhelming and throw off the balance of your outdoor arrangement.

Your umbrella should typically extend over your dining table by 2 feet on each side. If you have a 4-foot rounded table, this means you need an umbrella that measures 8 feet in diameter. Below youll find some simple solutions, courtesy of Lisa Hallet Taylor from PoolandPatio.About.com.

  • Table = 30-36 inches Umbrella = 6-8 feet
  • Table = 38-48 inches Umbrella = 9-11 feet
  • Table = 54-60 inches Umbrella 11 feet or larger

Patio Umbrella Measurements And Typical Sizes

Before you can measure for what size patio umbrella you need, you must first understand how umbrellas themselves are measured and categorized.


Patio umbrellas are measured in a few different ways.

The first is the diameter, or length across the umbrella when it is extended.

First you take the measurement of the length of one of the rib arms from the center to the tip.

This measurement is then doubled to give you the full diameter of the umbrella you are measuring.

A patio umbrella with a three foot long rib arm for example is considered a 6 foot umbrella, one with a four foot rib arm is an 8 foot umbrella and so on.


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How Frames Are Measured

Now that weve reviewed how the canopy of an outdoor umbrella is measured, well review how the frames are measured. The first thing to knowis that the size of the frame is not usually depicted in the name as it is with the canopy size.

For this reason, once you have found the canopy size you want for your patio or garden, you will have to then find out if the frame isavailable in a size that suits you.

Additionally, the way the frame is measured depends on the type of outdoor umbrella you are buying.

There are many types of umbrellas availablesuch as centre-post and cantileverso, depending on which one you choose, you will have to doyour frame measurement differently.


Typical frame measurements include the overall height, the clearance of closed arms, the pole width, and the weight.

Certain manufacturers, such as UltraShade or Flexshade,provide made-to-order products. This means that you may be able to adjust these sizes as needed during the manufacturing process.

The Diameter Of The Canopy

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If you want to measure the canopy diameter, you need to measure the seating arrangement that you want to be covered. You should also take into consideration the possibility of adding extra chairs and tables if you have a larger gathering. The canopy size is determined by opening the umbrella and then measuring it from one tip of one side, over the top and to the tip of the other side. Another element to consider is the possibility of buying more than one umbrella, especially if you need pool umbrellas. Pool umbrellas are a great addition to family pool days, but you will need more than one umbrella to provide shade for guests who are chatting and for those who are relaxing on your lounge chairs.

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What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need

by Rick Gleesson | 06/10/20 | General Information


A patio umbrella is the perfect addition to any outdoor area. It not only provides protection from the weather, it also makes a stylish feature for your property.

Choosing the right size patio umbrella for your pool deck or outdoor table is crucial. If its too big it will overwhelm the area and look out of proportion. If its too small it simply wont get the job done. So before you make a purchase, take another look at the area where your patio umbrella will be going and the furniture youre using it with. Do some quick measurements and ask yourself what size patio umbrella do I need?

Do You Need More Information

Now that youve learned about how outdoor umbrellas are measured and made, you might need more information. Maybe youre interested inAustralian-made outdoor umbrellas, but you arent sure which brand is best for you. Or, perhaps, you need help deciding which type of canopyis best for your home.

Whatever information you need, were here to help. At Project Shade, were experts when it comes to outdoor umbrellas. We also provide shadesolutions, if you need them. To learn more about how we can help you, contact us here.

Please note the contents of this post is information only and general in nature.If you require advice it is best to contact one of our shade specialists who can review your particular circumstances and then providetailored advice according to your needs.


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How Canopies Are Measured

Outdoor umbrella models are usually referred to by both their size and shape. So, for example, one model could be a 4-metre square umbrella,whilst another could be a 3-metre octagonal umbrella.

When it comes to the measure in metres given, it is equal to the diameter of the umbrella canopy when it is open.

Keep in mind that, though the octagonal and square are the most common shapes outdoor umbrellas come in, other shapes are available. Theseadditional shapes include hexagonal, round, and even rectangular.

Square canopies can be measured from any side, as all lengths are the same. However, when the shape has sides that are not equal to eachother, then it is measured along the longer side.

You would do this, for example, with the canopy of an octagon outdoor umbrella. This is shown in the diagram below.

On rare occasions, some suppliers or manufacturers of outdoor umbrellas will refer to the circumference of the umbrella as well as thediameter. Be aware of this so you dont accidentally buy the wrong size of your favourite umbrella!

Umbrella Sizes Detail/ Umbrella Dimensions

What Size Patio Umbrella Do I Need for My Patio Table ...

What is the average size of an umbrella?

PS: Due to the different workmanship of each umbrella manufacturer, the diameter of the umbrella is slightly different.

If you have more questions about the umbrella sizes or want to share your opinion, pls contact us: We will help you quickly choose the right size umbrella

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Consider The Whole Patio Area

When youre looking at outdoor umbrella sizes, there are a few important things to consider.

The overall space youre putting the umbrella in is the first thing to think about. How much area do you have and how much of it do you want covered by an outdoor umbrella?

If you have a reasonably small area you might decide to cover as much of it as possible with an umbrella, but if you have a larger size zone, you may want only a smaller section undercover. Perhaps you just want a cover over the eating area or maybe youd like some shade where the kids like to play. Maybe two smaller umbrellas would work better functionally than one larger one, eg. for pool deck umbrellas to shade sun lounges. Think about the style of umbrella you would like, cantilever umbrellas can be a great option with the offset base, giving you uninterrupted shade below the canopy, just be sure you have room to sit the base.

Make a decision on these things before you start shopping!

How Do You Measure For A Patio Table Umbrella

The width of a patio umbrella is determined by the length rather than the height. To get the correct measurements, measure the distance between the top of each rib arm and the bottom of each rib arm. Then double it to get your size.

To measure for an umbrella consider the following areas:

1) The overall height of your umbrella should be considered which includes both your tabletop and the canopy height.

2) Next thing to look for is how far do you want the canopy to cover? Your measurements should be according to that distance.

3) What is the pole diameter that goes into the base plate? Some umbrellas have 7/8 pole while some have 1 diameter.

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How Do You Measure For A Patio Umbrella Replacement

4.7/5How to Measure a Patio Umbrella

  • Open the patio umbrella so that its shade canopy is fully extended.
  • Using a tape measure, measure along one of the rib arms on the top of the patio umbrella from the center to the outside edge.
  • Multiply that number by two and this will give you the correct size of the patio umbrella.
  • Thereof, what size umbrella do I need for my patio table?

    Determining SizeThe general rule is to choose an umbrella five feet larger than the area you want to shade. Here are some guidelines to sizing your shade area for tables: 6 foot shade diameter will cover up to a 30-inch bistro or cafétables and usually only two chairs.

    Also Know, what is the average size of an umbrella? Time was that the regular-size umbrella, 40 inches to 48 inches in diameter, ruled the market.

    Furthermore, how do you measure for a replacement canopy?

  • Place the end of a measuring tape on the outer edge of one canopy leg and measure to the adjacent leg, noting the length.
  • Measure the second leg to the third.
  • Many square replacement canopies come in basic stock sizes of 8-by-8 feet, 10-by-10 feet and 12-by-12 feet.
  • How heavy should a base be for a 9 foot umbrella?

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    Learn how to measure for a patio umbrella the right way to find the perfect one for your space!

    We consider size, style, and function as well as the size of your patio and the size of your table to help you measure and find just the right sized patio umbrella.

    Lets go!

    We all love being outside, spending time in the sun, enjoying the fresh air, but often times we do need some shelter from the sun and a patio umbrella is the perfect solution.

    Measuring for, and then finding the right patio umbrella can make a huge difference in how happy you are with your patio and how much time you actually end up using it.

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    Types Of Outdoor Umbrellas

    When you go shopping for an umbrella, don’t get confused and buy a beach umbrellait just won’t do the job. The types of umbrella that you’ll most likely find online or at stores include:

    Umbrella frames are traditionally constructed from wood, aluminum or fiberglass. The most common material is aluminum, which is also the material you will see most often on umbrella poles. If made correctly with the right finish, it resists all kinds of weather conditions. Wood frames, especially an outdoor-tolerant wood like teak, ipe or eucalyptus, is also a popular material for umbrellas but is more costly. As an alternative to aluminum, fiberglass is lightweight, flexible, non-corrosive and holds up in various weather conditions.

    What Is The Difference Between A Market Umbrella And Patio Umbrella

    As we have mentioned several times, the market umbrella is used to protect the merchants and their customers from the elements of the weather. On the other hand, a patio umbrella is used for relaxation purposes. So, while market umbrellas have commercial uses, patio umbrellas are usually used for leisure.

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    What Canopy Fabric Should I Use

    Choosing your canopy material is one of the most important decisions you have when buying a patio umbrella. Not only is the color or pattern the most visible aspect of the umbrella, but ultimately it is what protects you from the heat and glare of the sun. Canopies are made from many different materials with their own physical characteristics, benefits, drawbacks and cost considerations. Some fabrics are coated with PVC or styrene-acrylic to increase weather resistance, but the process has the drawback of decreasing the textiles tensile tearing strength . Here are a few of the more common canopy material options and brands.

    Measuring Patio Umbrella Size:

    How to Measure Patio Umbrella

    When we talk about the size of a patio umbrella, we are essentially referring to its width and not its height. This is how you can measure a patio umbrella:

    Step 1: Open the patio umbrella, and make sure that it is extended to its limit.

    Step 2: The next step is measuring the umbrella from its peak along one of the arms or ribs extending from the central hub.

    Step 3: Measure the distance from the hub to the end of the arm or rib.

    Step 4: Take the number you came up with in step 3 and double it the resulting number is the patio umbrellas size.

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    Why You Need To Measure For A Patio Umbrella

    Patio umbrellas are a great way to make those super scorching days a bit more bearable.

    The sun is a great thing, we need it for vitamin D and to help our food grow, if we are deprived of sunlight we can become ill, we can suffer mentally, and we can become unhealthy.

    UV rays can damage the skin and cause skin cancer, a patio umbrella makes it possible to get out and enjoy the sun, without the harmful effects and does provide some relief from the heat when you are outside.

    A patio umbrella is a fantastic addition to any patio or outdoor space and can make it more useful to those that might not want to be directly under sunlight or that just want some shade to relax in.

    Patio umbrellas are varied in size, shape and overall materials, making selecting the right umbrella harder than you might imagine.


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