Chess board size: official dimensions and size guide

A standard chess board measures between 40 and 52 cm along each side, with squares of 5 to 6.5 cm according to FIDE standards. For competition, the recommended square size ranges from 5 to 6.35 cm, corresponding to commercial size 5, the standard for clubs and tournaments. The right choice depends mainly on the size of your pieces: the king’s base should occupy roughly three-quarters of the square’s side. This guide details the commercial sizes (size 3 to 7) and the number of squares on a chess board, so you can choose without error.

Updated on 26 October 2026 · By Delphine D., Le Palais des Échecs editorial team

Update of the 9 November 2026: Refinement of the title and meta description to better target searches for chess board size.

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What are the official dimensions of a chess board according to FIDE?

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) sets the dimensions for competition chess boards: squares of 5 to 6.5 cm per side (tolerance ±0.5 cm), a total board of 40 to 52 cm per side depending on the size chosen, and pieces whose king measures 9.5 to 10.5 cm tall, corresponding to Staunton sizes 5 to 6. In France, the French Chess Federation (FFE) applies these same benchmarks in its tournament rules.

How many squares are there on a chess board?

A chess board always has 64 squares, 32 light and 32 dark, arranged in 8 columns and 8 rows, whatever the size of the board.

How should you position the chess board on the table?

Each player must have a light square on the right-hand corner nearest to them. Our guide how to set up the pieces on a chess board details the full setup, piece by piece.

How do commercial chess board sizes (size 3 to 7) work?

In shops, chess boards and chess sets are often classified by a size number, from 3 to 7, linked to the king’s height and the matching square size. This system refers to the Staunton style, designed by Nathaniel Cooke and marketed by Jaques of London in 1849, which has remained the reference design ever since. The higher the number, the larger the pieces and the board.

These figures are theoretical benchmarks: in shops, a size 3 chess board typically measures between 30 and 35 cm per side, a size 4 between 35 and 40 cm, a size 5 between 45 and 50 cm, and a size 6 between 50 and 55 cm. Manufacturers round these figures to suit their boxes and finishes. Find these benchmarks in our collections sorted by size: 30 to 33 cm chess boards, 35 x 35 cm, 40 x 40 cm, 42 x 42 cm, 45 to 48 cm, 50 x 50 cm, 51 x 51 cm and 55 cm and above.

The size number also directly reflects the height of the pieces: for a size 5, look for a king of 9 to 9.9 cm; for a size 3 or 4, a king of 7.5 to 8.9 cm; for a size 6, a king of 10 to 10.9 cm; for a size 7, a king of 11 cm and above. For an already matched set, our best Staunton chess sets follow these correspondences.

This size 5 folding chess board illustrates the theoretical correspondence: an open board of 49 x 49 cm for a 9 cm king, in the spirit of the club standard.

See the folding chess board and wooden chess set size 5

What square size should you choose according to your pieces?

The ideal square size is calculated from the king’s base, the widest piece in the set. Two methods, close to one another, give the same order of magnitude.

A benchmark often cited by manufacturers places this base between 40 and 50% of the square’s side for comfortable play, including handling the pieces. Aim for the top of the range for a display chess board, and the bottom for a compact format.

This search for proportion can be found in the burr walnut and oak chess set, with a 43 x 43 cm board: its 5 cm squares are calibrated for an 8.9 cm king, in the spirit of a size 5.

A 43 x 43 cm board in burr walnut and oak, 5 cm squares, Staunton pieces in rosewood and boxwood, with built-in storage: a concrete example of well-judged proportions.

See this chess set

Competition chess board: what requirements should you follow?

For an officially sanctioned tournament, FIDE and the FFE recommend squares of 5 to 6.35 cm. This size corresponds to commercial size 5, the standard for clubs and official competitions.

Beyond square size, two criteria regularly appear in tournament regulations: contrasting but not harsh colours (cream and brown, for example, rather than pure white and black) and a matte finish, which limits glare under playing-hall lighting. A training chess board faithful to these standards avoids unpleasant surprises on the day of an official competition.

To equip yourself in this spirit, take a look at our 45 to 48 cm chess boards, the commercial range closest to the FIDE standard for regular use.

What chess board size should you choose according to your use?

Beyond the standards, the right chess board is above all the one that suits your actual use: decoration, learning, club or travel.

This folding chess board with storage opens out to 53 x 53 cm, for pieces whose king stands at 9.5 cm: a generous format that folds down to 53 x 26 cm for transport.

See this size 6 folding chess board

An open board of 48 x 48 cm for a 10 cm king, with built-in storage for the pieces: one of our best-selling folding models, designed for both home and travel.

See this large folding chess set

For the full range, browse our chess boards sorted by size, our chess boards with built-in storage, or our complete chess sets (pieces + board) already matched. The choice of wood also influences the final result: our guide to fine woods for chess boards details the most successful pairings. To try out a size before investing, you can also download our printable chess board at the scale you need.

Frequently asked questions

How many squares are there on a chess board?

A chess board always has 64 squares, 32 light and 32 dark, arranged in 8 columns and 8 rows. Only the size of the squares changes from one model to another, never their number.

What is the ideal size for a size 5 chess board?

A size 5 chess board corresponds to a 9.5 cm king, squares of around 5 cm and a theoretical board of 40 cm per side, often sold between 45 and 50 cm depending on the manufacturer. This is the club reference and the standard recommended by FIDE.

What square size is needed for a competition chess board?

FIDE and the FFE recommend squares of 5 to 6.35 cm for competition chess boards, both in clubs and official tournaments.

How do you choose the size of your chess board?

Measure the king’s base, then add roughly 25% to obtain the ideal square size. Then refer to the table of commercial sizes (size 3 to 7) to find the chess board matched to your pieces.

How should you set up the pieces on the chess board?

Each player must have a light square on the right-hand corner nearest to them, with the queen on her own colour. Our full guide details the placement of each piece: how to set up a chess board correctly.

Where can you find a chess board with the right dimensions?

Our shop sorts its chess boards by size, from travel format to prestige format, and offers folding chess sets for compact storage.