The table is the large, flat facet at the very top of a diamond or gemstone — the one you look directly through when examining the stone face-up. Table percentage expresses that facet's width as a proportion of the stone's total width (diameter) at the girdle. A stone with a 57% table has a table facet that spans 57% of its total width from edge to edge.
Table percentage is one of the two most important crown measurements — the other being crown angle. Together, they determine the stone's balance between brilliance (white light return) and fire (colored dispersion). A larger table lets in more light and increases brilliance. A smaller table forces more light through crown facets at steeper angles, producing more spectral separation and fire.
| Cut | Ideal range | Too small | Too large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round Brilliant (GIA Excellent) | 54–60% | Under 52%: excessive fire, reduced brilliance | Over 66%: reduced fire, milky appearance possible |
| Princess | 67–75% | Under 60%: reduced brilliance | Over 80%: crown height insufficient |
| Oval / Pear / Marquise | 53–63% | Under 50%: fire-heavy, less bright | Over 67%: overly flat crown |
| Cushion | 61–67% | Under 58%: deep, small face-up | Over 72%: shallow crown |
| Emerald | 61–69% | Under 56%: deep, heavy appearance | Over 72%: very shallow step walls |
| Asscher | 55–65% | Under 52%: optical X diminished | Over 67%: X effect flattens |
| Radiant | 61–69% | Under 58% | Over 74% |
Table percentage alone does not determine cut quality — it works in concert with crown angle. A 58% table with a 34.5° crown angle is ideal for a round brilliant. The same 58% table with a 25° crown angle produces a very different stone. Always evaluate table percentage and crown angle together, never in isolation.
Your cert lists the table percentage. Drop it into the Cert Checker to see how it compares to ideal ranges for your cut.
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