Difference Between Pool and Billiards Explained

By Sarah Miller · July 26, 2036

Pool and billiards are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different cue sports: pool is a subset of billiards played on a table with six pockets, using 15 object balls and a cue ball, while billiards broadly includes all cue sports, including pocketless table games like carom billiards.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Pool and Billiards

The confusion between pool and billiards stems from casual usage, but in competitive and technical contexts, the distinction is clear. "Billiards" is an umbrella term for all cue sports, including games played on tables with or without pockets. "Pool," specifically, refers to pocket billiards—games like eight-ball, nine-ball, and straight pool played on a six-pocket table with numbered object balls.

Origins and Terminology

The word "billiards" originates from the French "billiard," meaning "stick or cue," and historically referred to games played on pocketless tables. Over time, as pocketed tables became popular, especially in the U.S., the term "pool" emerged to describe these games, named after "poolrooms" where people gathered to play.

Billiards: General term covering all cue sports, including carom, snooker, and pool.
Pool: Refers specifically to pocket billiards, most commonly eight-ball and nine-ball.
Carom billiards: Played on a table without pockets; players score by striking both object balls with the cue ball.
Snooker: A form of billiards played with 21 balls (15 red, 6 colored), popular in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

Gameplay and Equipment Comparison

Differences in rules, equipment, and table design clearly separate pool from other forms of billiards.

Table Design and Dimensions

Pocket billiards (pool) tables have six pockets—one at each corner and one at the middle of each long side. Carom billiards tables have no pockets. Snooker tables are larger than standard pool tables and use smaller balls with tighter pockets.

Balls Used

Pool: Uses 16 balls—1 cue ball and 15 object balls (7 solids, 7 stripes, 1 black 8-ball in eight-ball).
Carom billiards: Uses only 3 balls—white, yellow, and red; the two white/cue balls distinguish opponents.

Snooker:

Detailed Comparison: Pool vs. Other Billiards Games

Feature	Pool (Eight-Ball)	Carom Billiards	Snooker
Table Size	7 ft, 8 ft, or 9 ft (standard: 4.5 x 9 ft)	10 x 5 ft (regulation)	12 x 6 ft (regulation)
Number of Balls	16	3	22
Pockets	6	0	6
Ball Diameter	2.25 inches (57 mm)	2.24 inches (56.8 mm)	2.06 inches (52.5 mm)
Objective	Call your pocket and pot all assigned balls before 8-ball	Score points by caroming cue ball off both object balls	Alternate between red and colored balls, highest score wins
Popular Regions	North America, Europe	France, Japan, Belgium	UK, India, Pakistan, Australia

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that while pool is the most accessible and widely played cue sport globally, carom billiards emphasizes precision on pocketless tables, and snooker requires greater tactical depth due to its scoring system and table size. The variation in ball size and table dimensions directly impacts gameplay strategy and skill development.

Rules and Scoring Systems

Each game has distinct rulesets governed by international federations:

Pool: Governed by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). In eight-ball, players must legally pocket all their group (solids or stripes) before sinking the 8-ball.
Carom billiards: Three-cushion billiards is the most popular variant; players must contact three rails before hitting the second object ball to score.
Snooker: Players alternate between potting a red and a color; colors are respotted until all reds are cleared.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pool and Billiards

Is pool the same as billiards?

No, pool is a type of billiards. Billiards refers to all cue sports, while pool specifically means pocket billiards games like eight-ball and nine-ball.

Why is it called pool if it's billiards?

The term "pool" comes from "poolrooms," where people would gather to bet (or pool money) on games, eventually associating the space with pocket billiards.

What's the difference between billiards, pool, and snooker?

Billiards is the overarching category. Pool is played on a six-pocket table with 15 object balls. Snooker uses 21 balls on a larger table with smaller pockets and more complex scoring.

Do billiards tables always have pockets?

No. Traditional carom billiards tables do not have pockets. Only pool and snooker tables include pockets.

Which is harder: pool or carom billiards?

Carom billiards is generally considered more technically challenging due to the lack of pockets and the precision required for multi-rail shots.