Getting the cantilever umbrella size right is the difference between shade that covers everyone at the table and shade that leaves two guests squinting into the afternoon sun. Size is also one of the hardest things to judge from a product photo: a 3 x 3 m canopy and a 4 x 3 m canopy can look almost identical online. This guide explains how canopy sizes work, how to measure your space, which size suits which set-up, and the space you need for the base. For a full overview of features, anchoring and care, read our complete buyer's guide to cantilever umbrellas.
How cantilever umbrella sizes are measured
A listed size describes the canopy, not the shade on the ground. Here's how to read it.
- Round canopies are listed by diameter, for example 3.5 m across. The shaded area is a circle (or, more precisely, an octagon if the umbrella has eight ribs).
- Square and rectangle canopies are listed by length and width, for example 3 x 3 m or 4 x 3 m. They give a straight-edged patch of shade that lines up neatly with tables and lounges.
- Overall height is listed separately, around 2.6–2.75 m on many models. That's the height of the whole umbrella when open, not the clearance under the canopy edge.
Two things make the real shade smaller than the listed size. First, the canopy curves down at the edges. Second, the sun is rarely directly overhead: in the morning and late afternoon, the shadow falls to one side of the umbrella and can move well away from the base. Tilting the canopy helps, but it's still wise to size up rather than down.
Measuring your space step by step
You only need a tape measure, a notepad and ten minutes.
- Measure what you want to shade. Measure the table, lounge or loungers, then add the chairs. People push chairs back from a table, so add around 50–60 cm on every side where someone sits.
- Measure the base area. A cantilever umbrella stands beside the shaded area, not in it. Many models use a cross base of around 100 x 100 cm, and the weights sit on top of it. Mark out a square of that size where the base will go.
- Check overhead clearance. Measure up from the ground to eaves, gutters, beams, trees and lights. The umbrella's overall height needs to fit, with room to open, tilt and rotate the canopy.
- Check the space around the base. Make sure the base doesn't block a door, a path, a gate or a pool fence. Leave room to reach the crank comfortably.
- Note the sun direction. In Australia the hottest afternoon sun comes from the west. Note where the sun is at the time you'll actually sit outside.
Write the numbers down with a quick sketch. If you're unsure, send the sketch and a photo through our free Size Check and we'll reply by email with the size we'd suggest.
Which cantilever umbrella size for which set-up?
Use these as a starting point, then check your own measurements.
| Your set-up | Canopy size to look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Two loungers or a small bistro set | Round, around 3.5 m | Covers a compact area and is easy to tilt as the sun moves |
| Square or round table for four to six | 3 x 3 m square, or round around 3.5 m | Even shade over the table and chairs with a margin |
| Rectangle table for six to eight | 4 x 3 m rectangle | The longer side runs along the table, so the ends stay shaded |
| Outdoor lounge or L-shaped sofa | 4 x 3 m rectangle | Straight edges line up with the seating |
| Pool lounge area | Round around 3.5 m, or 4 x 3 m for several loungers | Rotate the canopy to follow the loungers through the day |
If your table is for eight or more, or you're shading a long run of seating, one canopy may not be enough. Two umbrellas, or a different kind of shade, may suit the space better. Our comparison shade sail, umbrella or pergola can help you decide.
You can compare the canopy dimensions and overall heights of each model in our cantilever umbrellas collection: the 3.5 m round cantilever umbrella, the double-top cantilever umbrella (3 x 3 m or 4 x 3 m) and the 4 x 3 m rectangle cantilever umbrella.
Round or rectangle: the shape matters too
Shape changes how well the shade matches your furniture.
Round canopies
- Suit round and square tables and pairs of loungers.
- Look softer and less formal.
- Are easy to angle towards the sun with the tilt function.
Square and rectangle canopies
- Line up with rectangle tables, outdoor sofas and the straight edges of decks and patios.
- Give more usable shade for their size, because there are no curved "missing corners".
- Can feel more architectural, especially in a modern backyard.
If you're choosing between a square 3 x 3 m and a rectangle 4 x 3 m canopy, the question is simply the length of what you're shading. If it's longer than about 2 m (a six-seat rectangle table, for example), the extra metre usually earns its place.
Bigger canopy, bigger base: plan the weight
A larger canopy sits further out from the pole, and that changes what the base has to do. Before you order, plan the base and weights as carefully as the canopy.
- Check what's in the box. Many cantilever umbrellas come with a cross base but not the weights that go on it.
- Use what the manufacturer specifies. Weigh the base down (for example with sand-fill base weight plates), or bolt it to the ground, exactly as the instructions for your model describe. Our umbrella bases and weights show which products are made for cross bases.
- Allow for the footprint. Weights add to the base area. Make sure the full base, with weights, fits where you plan to put it.
- Close it in wind. A larger canopy catches more wind. Whatever the size, close the umbrella when the wind picks up, before storms and whenever you leave it.
If you plan to bolt a base into a slab, a deck or pavers, ask a qualified tradesperson whether the surface and fixings are suitable.
Three common sizing mistakes
- Measuring only the tabletop. The chairs and the people in them need shade too. Always add the margin for chairs.
- Forgetting the base. The base sits beside the shaded area, so you need room for both. On a narrow deck, check that the base and the canopy both fit before you order.
- Ignoring the afternoon sun. A canopy that covers the table at noon can leave half of it in the sun by 4 pm. Measure for the time of day you'll actually use the space, and use tilt to follow the sun.
Conclusion
The right cantilever umbrella size starts with your furniture, not with the umbrella. Measure what you want to shade, add a margin for chairs and the moving afternoon sun, then check the base area and the overhead clearance. A round canopy of around 3.5 m suits loungers and smaller tables; a 3 x 3 m square suits a table for four to six; a 4 x 3 m rectangle suits longer tables and outdoor lounges. Plan the base and weights at the same time, and you'll have shade that works from the first weekend. For centre-pole alternatives, see our practical guide to centre-pole outdoor umbrellas.
FAQ
What size cantilever umbrella do I need for a six-seat table?
For a round or square table for six, a 3 x 3 m canopy or a round canopy of around 3.5 m is a good starting point. For a rectangle six-seat table, look at a 4 x 3 m canopy so the ends of the table stay shaded.
Is a 3.5 m round umbrella bigger than a 3 x 3 m square one?
The round canopy is wider across, but a square canopy has corners, so the shaded area is often similar. Compare how each shape lines up with your furniture rather than the number alone.
How much space does the base need?
Many cantilever models use a cross base of around 100 x 100 cm, with weights on top. Check the base dimensions in the specifications of your model and mark the area out before you buy.
How high is a cantilever umbrella?
Many models are around 2.6–2.75 m high overall when open. Check the listed overall height against eaves, beams and trees, and leave room to tilt and rotate the canopy.
Can you help me choose a size?
Yes. Send us a photo of your space and your measurements through our free Size Check, and we'll reply by email with the size we'd suggest and a total price including delivery.