Pool Table vs Billiard Table: Key Differences Explained

Why the Confusion Exists

Have you ever walked into a game room, pointed to a table, and called it a pool table, only for someone else to chime in, “Actually, that’s a billiard table”? If so, you’re not alone! The mix-up happens all the time, and honestly, I don’t blame anyone for being confused. The two terms get thrown around interchangeably, especially in casual conversation, but here’s the twist: they don’t mean the same thing.

Think of it like this—every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. That’s exactly how it works here: all pool tables are billiard tables, but not all billiard tables are pool tables. That one detail changes everything, and it’s the root of why the confusion sticks.

Why does it matter? Well, if you’re shopping for a table for your home, joining a local league, or even just bragging about your knowledge at the bar, knowing the difference helps you sound like a pro. It also ensures you’re not accidentally buying the wrong kind of table (imagine ordering a snooker table when you really wanted a pool table—yikes!).

In this guide, I’ll walk you through:

• The broad meaning of a billiard table.

• What makes a pool table unique compared to its cousins.

• The key design, gameplay, and size differences that set them apart.

By the end, you’ll have crystal-clear clarity. No more second-guessing, no more shrugging when someone says “billiards” versus “pool.” You’ll know exactly what they’re talking about—and maybe even surprise them with details they didn’t know!

Understanding the Term “Billiard Table”

Broad Definition

Here’s where a lot of the mix-up begins. A billiard table isn’t just one type of table—it’s the umbrella term for all cue-sport tables. That means whether you’re sinking stripes and solids in your buddy’s basement, or watching pros play a marathon snooker match on TV, it’s all happening on a billiard table.

So when someone says “billiards,” they might mean pool. Or they might mean carom. Or even snooker. That’s why the word can feel a little slippery! Think of it like saying “car.” A car could be a sedan, an SUV, or a sports car—they’re all cars, but each one drives a little differently.

Types of Billiard Tables

Now let’s break it down into the three main categories. This is where the differences start to matter:

• Carom Tables – These are the oddballs of the bunch. No pockets at all! Instead, the game is all about bouncing the cue ball off cushions and other balls to score points. Carom is hugely popular in Europe and Asia, and it’s played on big 10-foot tables covered in a fast cloth that makes the balls glide.

• Snooker Tables – If you’ve ever seen one, you probably thought: “Whoa, that’s huge!” And you’d be right. A standard snooker table is 12 feet long, making it the giant of the group. The pockets are smaller and rounded, which makes sinking balls way harder than in pool. Snooker is beloved in the UK and has a rich competitive scene worldwide.

• Pool Tables – The household favorite. Pool tables are the ones most people in the U.S. grow up with—usually 7, 8, or 9 feet long, and equipped with six pockets. They’re the go-to for 8-ball, 9-ball, and straight pool. Versatile, accessible, and fun, pool tables are often the first thing people picture when they hear “billiards.”

And here’s the kicker: even though all three fall under the “billiard” label, they each create totally different playing experiences. You could walk up to a carom table expecting to shoot pool, and you’d be in for a surprise—no pockets means no 8-ball break!

If you’d like to dive deeper into each type, check out our guide to the types of billiard tables.

A Quick Historical Note

The word billiards comes from 15th-century France, where the game was played outdoors on grass before moving indoors to tables. The name likely came from billart (a stick) or bille (a ball). Fast forward a few centuries, and in the 1800s, Americans started using the term pool because cue games were often played in betting halls where money “pools” were collected. Over time, pool became the popular name for pocket billiards, while billiards remained the broader, more formal term.

What Is a Pool Table?

A pool table is the superstar of the billiard family. When most people picture “billiards,” this is the table they’re imagining. Walk into a bar, a game room, or even your uncle’s basement, and chances are the table sitting there is a pool table. 

It’s the most common type, and for good reason—it’s fun, versatile, and fits into almost any space.

Design Features

So, what sets a pool table apart? It’s all in the design:

• Six pockets – Four in the corners and two in the middle of the long rails. These little cutouts are where the magic happens—you sink balls, celebrate the perfect shot, and sometimes curse when your cue ball drops in by mistake.

• Cloth type – Pool tables are typically covered in either woolen cloth (slower, more forgiving, and great for casual play) or “speed cloth” (slick, faster, and preferred in tournaments). Both feel different under your fingers, and trust me, once you play on both, you’ll notice the change instantly.

• Cushions – The rails around the table aren’t just decoration. They’re designed to bounce balls predictably, so you can plan those fancy bank shots. A good cushion makes a huge difference in how the game feels.

• Size options – Pool tables usually come in three main sizes: 7-foot (bar-size), 8-foot (home-size), and 9-foot (tournament-size). Smaller tables are easier to fit in a room and more forgiving for beginners, while larger tables demand sharper skills.

Common Uses

Pool tables are loved because they’re flexible. You can use one table for countless types of games, from relaxed family play to high-pressure competition. Some of the most popular games include:

• 8-ball – The classic “stripes vs. solids” game most of us grew up playing.

• 9-ball – A faster, high-energy game where balls must be pocketed in order.

• Straight pool – A more strategic game where any ball can be pocketed, but you have to reach a target score.

And here’s the best part: a pool table isn’t limited to professionals or league players. It’s just as perfect for casual Friday nights with friends, teaching kids their first shots, or practicing solo when you want to unwind. It’s approachable for beginners but still deep enough for those who love the challenge of mastering trick shots.

Key Differences Between Pool Tables and Other Billiard Tables

At first glance, a billiard table is a billiard table, right? Flat surface, green cloth, a few cues, and some balls—that’s the gist. But once you lean in closer, the differences jump out. Each type of table creates a completely different experience, and knowing what sets them apart makes you appreciate the games even more.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Table Size & Dimensions

Size really does matter when it comes to cue sports!

• Pool tables usually run between 7 and 9 feet. A 7-foot table is what you’ll find in most bars, compact and great for casual play. The 8-foot “home size” is the sweet spot for many families—it’s not too big, not too small. And the 9-foot table? That’s the beast you’ll see at tournaments, where precision and skill really shine.

• Carom tables are a little bigger, stretching to 10 feet. The extra surface area makes the game more challenging since there are no pockets and it’s all about rebounding off cushions with pinpoint accuracy.

• Snooker tables take the crown. At 12 feet long, they’re massive. Standing next to one for the first time can be a little intimidating—you almost feel like you need binoculars just to line up a shot!

Pockets vs No Pockets

This is the most obvious difference, but it changes the entire flow of the game.

• Pool tables: Six pockets. Corner shots, side shots, bank shots—everything revolves around pocketing balls. It’s straightforward, fun, and satisfying.

• Carom tables: No pockets at all. That’s right, you can’t “sink” anything. Instead, the goal is to hit both object balls with your cue ball, often using multiple cushion bounces. It’s like chess on felt—strategy heavy and surprisingly addictive.

• Snooker tables: Six pockets, but they’re sneaky. They’re narrower and rounded compared to pool pockets, which means shots that would easily drop on a pool table often rattle out in snooker. It demands precision, and when you nail a long-distance shot? It feels incredible!

Cloth & Cushion Characteristics

The table’s surface plays a bigger role than most people realize.

• Pool tables often use woolen cloth for casual games—it’s a bit slower and easier for beginners. On the flip side, “speed cloth” is thinner and slicker, making balls glide faster and straighter. That’s why it’s the pro choice.

• Carom tables are covered with a super-fast cloth. Since the game relies on rebounds and angles instead of pockets, you need a surface that keeps balls moving consistently.

• Snooker tables are wrapped in thick wool cloth. It’s slower, and that’s intentional—it allows for delicate, controlled shots that are central to snooker’s style of play.

Gameplay Rules & Equipment

It’s not just the tables that differ. The balls and cues do too!

• Pool: Uses 15 object balls (2.25 inches each) and one cue ball. The cues are sturdy, designed for powerful breaks and controlled pocketing.

• Carom: Uses just three balls—two white and one red. Simple setup, but don’t be fooled; the gameplay is intricate. Cues are a bit shorter and lighter to handle those fine carom shots.

• Snooker: Uses a whopping 22 balls! Fifteen reds, six colors, and the cue ball. The balls themselves are smaller (2.06 inches), and the cues are slimmer, which helps players finesse those tricky, long-distance shots across a huge table.

Here’s the takeaway: pool, carom, and snooker may all fall under the “billiards” umbrella, but they couldn’t feel more different once you start playing. One is about sinking balls, one is about strategy and angles, and the other is about endurance and precision on a massive stage.

Which One Should You Choose?

This is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? With all these tables out there, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer really depends on where you’ll be playing, who you’ll be playing with, and what kind of experience you’re after. Let’s break it down.

For Casual Home Use

If you’re like most people, you want a table that’s fun, versatile, and easy to learn on. That’s where the pool table shines!

• It fits nicely in a living room, basement, or garage (especially the 7- or 8-foot versions).

• It’s the table everyone recognizes, so friends and family won’t need an explanation before jumping in.

• You can switch between multiple games—8-ball on Friday night, 9-ball on Saturday, straight pool when you feel strategic.

Honestly, I always recommend a pool table for casual play. It’s the best bang for your buck. And if you’ve got kids? Even better. They’ll pick it up quickly, and it’s an awesome way to bring people together without phones or screens stealing the spotlight.

For Competitive or Specialized Play

Now, if you’re a purist or someone chasing the thrill of a challenge, you might lean toward a carom or snooker table instead.

• Carom tables are for players who want to focus on skill shots, angles, and strategies instead of pocketing balls. It’s mentally stimulating, almost like puzzle-solving on felt.

• Snooker tables? Well, they’re for those who love a test of endurance and precision. Playing on a 12-foot table with tight pockets is no joke! You’ll need patience, a steady hand, and room to spare.

These tables aren’t for everyone, though. They require more space, more practice, and often more commitment. But if you’re serious about competing in those specific sports, or you love the idea of mastering something most people never touch, they’re absolutely worth it.

A Few Quick Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

To make things simple, here’s a mini checklist you can run through:

• Space: Do you have enough room for a 12-foot snooker table, or is a 7- or 8-foot pool table more realistic?

• Players: Will this be mainly for family and friends, or are you joining a league where table type matters?

• Budget: Pool tables tend to be more affordable and widely available, while snooker and carom tables can cost more due to their specialized design.

• Game style: Do you want fast-paced, crowd-pleasing fun (pool), or the slow, strategic satisfaction of carom or snooker?

At the end of the day, it’s about balance. If you’re just getting started or want something versatile, pool is the winner. If you’re chasing precision and prestige, snooker might call your name. And if you love strategy without the distraction of pockets, carom could be your game.

FAQs About Pool vs. Billiard Table

Game Room Shop’s Final Thoughts:

Knowing the Difference Helps You Buy Smarter

Now that you’ve made it this far, you can probably see why the terms pool table and billiard table get tossed around so loosely. On the surface, they look similar—green cloth, wooden rails, a cue in hand—but once you know the differences, you’ll never unsee them.

Here’s the quick recap:

• Every pool table is a billiard table.

• Carom and snooker tables also fall under the billiards family, but they bring their own unique size, design, and style of play.

• The real differences show up in the pockets (or lack of them), the cloth, the cushions, the balls, and the way the games are played.

Why does this matter for you? Because choosing the right table isn’t just about looks—it’s about how you’ll actually use it.

If you’re planning a family game room, a pool table is almost always the smarter pick. It’s versatile, fun, and approachable for players of all ages. You can learn 8-ball in ten minutes, or get serious with 9-ball once you’re hooked.

But if you’ve got the space, the patience, and the desire for something truly challenging, then a snooker table or carom table might be your perfect match. They’re not just games; they’re experiences. Snooker will test your precision and endurance. Carom will push your creativity and strategy. Both are harder to find in homes, but they bring a prestige that’s undeniable.

Final Buying Tips

Before you click “buy now” or place an order, ask yourself:

• How much space do I really have? (Measure twice. Tables are bigger than they look!)

• Who will be playing the most? (Kids, family, or league-level players?)

• What’s my budget? (Pool tables are more accessible, while snooker and carom tables can stretch the wallet.)

• Do I want versatility or specialization? (Pool = all-round fun. Snooker and carom = niche mastery.)

At the end of the day, the “best” table is the one that fits your lifestyle, your room, and the kind of joy you want to get out of the game. And trust me—you’ll thank yourself later for taking the time to make an informed choice instead of rushing into it!

👉 Ready to take the next step? Explore our Pillar Guide to Buying a Billiard Table to make sure you get the right size, style, and setup for your space. Or, if you’re still curious, check out the Types of Billiard Tables guide for a deeper dive into each kind.

Meryam Shakoor

Meryam is the Sales & Service Manager of Game Room Shop. She isn't just passionate about happy customers & game rooms – she's an expert at transforming visions into reality. Her deep knowledge of game tables & arcade machines allows her to recommend the best selections for our residential and commercial customers. Meryam helps craft unique and engaging experiences tailored to each client’s vision.

Want to discuss your dream game room? For a limited time, Meryam is offering Free 30-Minute Game Room Consultations. Book yours today!