Having the right size tent for your camping or hiking expedition is key to having a safe, comfortable outdoor experience. When determining the optimize tent size for you or your group there are several things to consider, such as the number of people you'll need to sleep, the average space required for each person, whether or not you require standing room, as well as additional storage and living space. The following tent charts are designed to provide a visual and informational guide to determining the optimal tent size, layout and dimensions.
1-Person Tents
The average 1-person tent has a rated capacity for 1 person—with gear stored outside. Average floor space is 20-30 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 20 sq.ft.
2-Person Tents
The average 2-person tent has a rated capacity for 2 people with an ideal capacity of 1 person. This tent is considered spacious for 1 person, but a bit small to fit 2 people comfortably. It will fit 2 regular size sleeping bags with gear stored outside. Average floor space is 20-35 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 20 sq.ft.
3-Person Tents
The average 3-person tent has a rated capacity for 3 people and an ideal capacity of 2 people. A 3-person tent is spacious for 2 people and a bit crowded for 3 people. It will comfortably fit 2 adults and 1 child or a dog. Average floor space is 40-50 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 20 sq.ft.
4-Person Tents
The average 4-person tent has a rated capacity for 4 people and an ideal capacity of 2 people. A 4-person tent is considered spacious for 2-3 people and a very tight fit for 4 people. With just 2-3 people a 4-person tent provides ample space to store gear inside. Average floor space is 60-70 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 30 sq.ft.
6-Person Tents
The average 6-person tent has a rated capacity for 6 people with an ideal capacity of 4 people. This tent is a tight fit for 6 people and will sleep 4 with gear comfortably. Average floor space is 90-100 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 25 sq.ft.
8-Person Tents
The average 8-person tent has a rated capacity for 8 people with an ideal capacity of 6 people. Will fit 6 plus gear comfortably and is considered spacious for 4 plus gear. Is a tight squeeze for 8 people. Average floor space is 120-140 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 25 sq.ft.
10-Person Tents
The average 10-person tent has a rated capacity for 10 people with an ideal capacity of 6 people. A 10-person tent is a tight fit for 8 or more people. It will sleep 4-6 people with gear comfortably. Average floor space is 150-180 sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 25 sq.ft.
12-Person Tents
The average 12-person tent has a rated capacity for 12 people with an ideal capacity of 8 people. A 12-person tent is a tight fit for 10 or more people. It will sleep 8 people with gear comforably. Average floor space is 180-200+ sq.ft. with an average per person floor capacity of 25 sq.ft.
Tent Rated Capacity vs Ideal Capacity
Rated Capacity
Ideal Capacity
Description
Average Floor Capacity
Average Floor Capacity Per Person
1P
1P
Usually comfortable for 1 person with gear stored outside.
20-30 Sq. Ft.
20 Sq. Ft.
2P
1P
Spacious for 1 person, too small for 2 people. Will only fit 2 regular sized sleeping pads.
30-35 Sq. Ft.
30 Sq. Ft.
3P
2P
Spacious for 2 people with interior gear storage space. Fits two wide sleeping pads. Comfortable for 2 people plus a small child or dog. A very tight fit for 3 average adults.
40-50 Sq. Ft.
20 Sq.
4P
2P
Spacious for 2-3 people with interior gear storage space. Tight but possible to fit 3 people and a child or dog. A very tight fit for 4 average adults.
60-70Sq. Ft.
30 Sq. Ft.
6P
4P
Fits a family of 4 comfortably. Can store gear of 4 people. Very tight for 5 or 6 people
90-100 Sq. Ft.
25 Sq. Ft.
8P
6P
Luxurious for 4 plus gear. Comfortable for 6 if some are children or dogs.
120-140 Sq. Ft.
25 Sq. Ft.
10P
6P
Spacious for 4 plus gear. Comfortable for 6 plus gear. Tight for 8+ people
150-180 Sq. Ft.
25 Sq. Ft.
12P
8P
Comfortable for a family of 8. Can store gear of 8 people inside.
180-200+ Sq. Ft.
20+ Sq. Ft.
Types of Tents & Capacities
The following table provides the average square feet based on rated capacity for the most popular tent types.
Bivy Tents
Capacity (Persons)
1
2
Avgerage ft²
20
39
Backpacking Tents
Capacity (Persons)
1
2
3
4
Avgerage ft²
30
32
41
55
Ridge/A-frame Tents
Capacity (Persons)
1
2
3
4
6
8
10
12
Avgerage ft²
30
32
50
56
90
120
130
160
Inflatable Tents
Capacity (Persons)
1
2
3
4
6
8
10
Avgerage ft²
30
35
50
68
70
120
170
Dome Tents
Capacity (Persons)
1
2
3
4
6
8
10
Avgerage ft²
20
35
44
55
80
120
150
Tunnel Tents
Capacity (Persons)
2
3
4
6
8
10
12
Avgerage ft²
42
135
140
150
155
158
220
Geodesic Tents
Capacity (Persons)
2
3
4
6
8
10
Avgerage ft²
39
39
62
96
125
168
Bell Tents
Capacity (Persons)
2-4
4-6
6-8
10-12
12-14
Avgerage ft²
3M: 78
4M: 133
5M: 212
6M: 289
7M: 400
Tipi Tents
Capacity (Persons)
2
3
4
6
8
10
12
Avgerage ft²
15
56
85
125
195
240
260
Multi-Room Tents
Capacity (Persons)
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Avgerage ft²
135
150
170
180
205
208
230
Cabin Tents
Capacity (Persons)
2
3
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Avgerage ft²
52
64
90
90
108
140
170
208
230
Please Note: Square footage is based on an average for type/capacity of tent
