The Best Chessboard Size Guide

Wooden chessboards are a classic and traditional choice for playing the game of chess. They are typically made from hardwood such as maple, oak, or ebony, and can be finished with a variety of stains or paints to give them a different look.

Wooden chessboards come in a range of sizes, from small, portable sets to large, tournament-sized boards. Some wooden chessboards are even handcrafted and can be quite ornate and decorative.

In addition to being used for playing chess, wooden chessboards can also be used as a decorative item in a home or office. They are often considered a timeless and elegant choice for those who love the game of chess. 

When it comes to chess size matters. Whether you are playing amateur chess with your family, learning to play chess, or competing in a chess tournament, you should be using the right size chessboard to get the most out of your game. But do you know what size chessboard you should be using? Here is the ultimate chessboard size guide to help you to find out.

What Size Should A Chess Board Be?

Measuring a chessboard is all about proportions between your board and your chess pieces. So when you measure for the right-sized board you need to look at the squares on the board and the bases of your pieces. The pieces should not take up more than 75% of the square but also take up more than 60% of the square. 

To measure these proportions you to consider the size of the playing square on the chessboard where the pieces will be used and the size of your King chess piece. For example, a chessboard with a square size of 2 inches would require a King’s base diameter to be no greater than 75% and no less than 60%.

You should use this 60-75% ratio method to correctly size all chess sets. Whether it is a standard, full-size chessboard, or a tournament set.  

What Size Is A Standard Chess Board UK?

In the UK, a standard chessboard has a square size between 2 inches to 2.5 inches. So for a 2.5inch square board, you could have chess pieces with a 1.5 - 1.87inch base. Or for the smaller 2inch square board, your chess pieces need to have 1.2 - 1.75inch bases.

Quality 

When you start shopping for different chessboards, make sure you read reviews and check online for the opinions of people who have previously used the boards that you are looking at. Try to find reviews that feature several different types of chessboards. You can find reviews that explain how each board compares with the others so you can decide which type of chess board is best for you.

Find the perfect chessboard for you at Official Staunton. Or get more tips and advice on how to play chess on your board on our chess blog.