Besides the table size difference, there are other key differences between pool and snooker tables, such as:
Ball Size
First, you'll notice that snooker balls are slightly smaller than billiard balls. Snooker balls are typically 2 1/16 inches (52.5 mm) in diameter. Billiard balls are 2 1/4 inches (57 mm) in diameter.
Pocket Size
The standard corner pockets on a snooker table measure 3 3/8 inches to 3 5/8 inches. The standard side pockets on a snooker table measure 4 1/16 inches to 4 5/16 inches.
The standard corner pockets on a pool table measure 4 7/8 inches to 5 1/8 inches. The standard side pockets on a pool table measure 5 3/8 inches to 5 5/8 inches wide.
Snooker tables have smaller pockets, which makes the sport more challenging than billiards. In addition, the pocket sizes of both snooker and pool tables can be customized.
Billiard Mats
Snooker tables use K-66 "L-shaped" billiard mats. Pool tables can use K-55 or K-66 billiard mats, and the billiard mats are at a certain angle. Snooker tables also have slightly lower billiard mats than pool tables due to the different ball sizes.
Billiard Table Markings
Since snooker uses more balls than billiard balls, snooker tables will have more billiard mats than pool tables. Snooker tables will also have a "D" mark on the billiard ball head.
Table Tops
Traditional snooker table tops use a blend of 90% worsted wool and 10% nylon. Pool tables can use worsted wool or a blend of 75% wool and 25% nylon.
Cues
Snooker and billiards cues are similar in length, between 57 and 58 inches. However, the difference lies in the tip of the cue. The tip of a snooker cue is about 9.5 mm, while the tip of a billiard cue is about 13 mm.
Number of balls
Snooker uses a total of 22 balls to play the game, including:
- One white cue ball or striker ball
- Six balls that may or may not be numbered and must be blue, brown, green, yellow, black, and pink
- Fifteen red balls
Traditional 8-ball pool uses a total of 16 balls, including:
- One white or yellow cue ball or striker ball
- Fifteen balls numbered from 1 to 15
- The odd-numbered balls will be striped, usually white with another color
- The even-numbered balls will be a solid color