In short
A 10×10 booth is the standard US inline space: 100 square feet with one open side. Keep it simple with an 8-foot back wall, one message readable from the aisle, one demo or counter at the side and an open front. Most shows limit height near the aisle, so plan to keep the tallest parts toward the back.
Key points
- 10×10 ft is 100 sq ft, or 3.05 × 3.05 m (9.3 m²).
- Usual type: linear (inline).
- Pipe and drape, carpet and electrical may all be extra.
- A table across the front blocks the booth.
A 10×10 booth in numbers
| 10×10 | |
|---|---|
| Area | 100 sq ft (9.3 m²) |
| In metres | 3.05 × 3.05 m |
| Usual type | Linear (inline) |
| Back wall | 10 ft wide, usually 8 ft high |
| Counter | One, about 3–4 ft wide |
| Screen | One, wall-mounted |
| Staff | 1–2 people |
| Visitors at once | 3–4 |
Who a 10×10 booth suits
A 10×10 suits first-time exhibitors, regional shows and companies with one product to explain. It rewards simple, light booths that a small team can run. If your plan needs a demo, a meeting and a display at once, you probably need a 10×20.
What the rules usually say
As an inline booth, it usually has an 8 ft back wall and a limit of about 4 ft within 5 ft of the aisle under IAEE-based rules.
Rules differ by show, so read the US booth rules guide, then check your show's exhibitor rulebook.
Layouts that work
- Open front: a back wall graphic with a counter pushed to one side, so the aisle can step in.
- Demo side: a screen on the back wall, with a tablet stand on one side and storage in the counter.
- Product shelf: a lit wall of shelves, with a clear floor in front.
What to watch for
- Pipe and drape, carpet and electrical may all be extra.
- A table across the front blocks the booth.
- Bring a booth that ships in cases, as handling is charged by weight.
Show services are often a large part of a US budget. See trade show booth cost.
A brief you can adapt
Try writing your brief like this: "Design a 3.05 × 3.05 m linear booth. Include back wall: 10 ft wide, usually 8 ft high; counter: one, about 3–4 ft wide; screen: one, wall-mounted. Keep the tallest elements within the show's height limit." Add your brand website, your products and the show's rules.
Lay it out at real size
Frequently asked questions
01Is a 10×10 booth big enough?
For one message and one or two conversations at a time, yes. It's the normal starting size at US shows.
02What is the size of a 10×10 booth?
100 square feet, or 3.05 × 3.05 m (9.3 m²).
03How many staff suit a 10×10 booth?
Usually 1–2 people. Use the [staff calculator](/tools/booth-staff-calculator) to check.
04Can I use a European stand design on a 10×10 booth?
Only after checking dimensions and rules: 10 ft is 3.05 m, not a round metric size, and US height rules are different.
Put it into practice
Design your trade show booth in 3D before you brief the builder
Design a trade show booth in 3D at your exact booth size, from a 10x10 inline to a 20x20 island, with renders and drawings for your builder.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
