What Is an Ideal Cut Diamond? Table & Depth Explained

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An 'ideal cut' diamond is one whose proportions — chiefly its table and depth percentages — are tuned so light enters, bounces internally, and returns to your eye as brilliance. Get the proportions right and the diamond is alive; get them wrong and it looks flat, whatever its size or colour. Here is what table and depth mean, and the ideal ranges.

Key takeaways

• Table % is the width of the flat top facet relative to the stone's width.
• Depth % is how deep the stone is relative to its width.
• Both must sit in a narrow ideal range for maximum light return.
• Outside that range, light leaks and the diamond looks dull or dark.
• Ideal ranges differ by shape — there is no single number.

What is the table of a diamond?

The table of a diamond is the large flat facet on top of the stone — the window light enters through. Table percentage is that facet's width as a share of the stone's total width. Too large and the diamond can look glassy with less fire; too small and it loses brightness. The sweet spot lets in plenty of light while preserving sparkle.

What is depth percentage?

The depth is the height from the table down to the point (culet), as a percentage of the width. Too shallow and light escapes through the bottom (a glassy, lifeless look); too deep and light leaks out the sides while weight hides underneath, so the stone looks smaller than its carat. The ideal depth keeps light bouncing back up to your eye.

Ideal table and depth by shape

There is no single ideal — each shape has its own window. These are the ranges Montare holds to:

Shape	Table %	Depth %
Round	54–57	59–62.5
Oval	54–58	58–62
Cushion	60–62	61–67
Emerald	62–66	61–67
Radiant	62–66	61–67
Pear	54–58	58–62
Marquise	54–58	58–62

How this relates to the cut grade

Table and depth are the heart of the cut grade. When they sit in the ideal range — along with excellent polish and symmetry — you get a Triple Excellent diamond. This is why cut, not carat, is the factor that most determines beauty; read why Triple Excellent matters and the overview in the 4Cs explained.

The Montare standard

Every Montare diamond is cut to ideal table and depth for its shape, Triple Excellent, D–E colour, VVS1–VVS2 clarity, three carats minimum, IGI certified — so the proportions that decide brilliance are never left to chance. Build one in the ring builder or book a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the table of a diamond?

The table of a diamond is the large, flat facet on the very top of the stone. It acts as the main window for light to enter and return, and its size relative to the diamond's width is the table percentage.

What is an ideal cut diamond?

One whose proportions — especially table and depth — fall in the narrow range that returns the most light to the eye, giving maximum brilliance.

What is a good table and depth percentage?

It depends on shape. For a round brilliant, roughly 54–57% table and 59–62.5% depth; other shapes have their own ideal ranges.

Does table and depth affect sparkle?

Hugely. They are the core of the cut, and cut is what determines how much light a diamond returns — more than colour, clarity or carat.

What happens if depth is too deep or too shallow?

Too deep and light leaks out the sides while weight hides below (the stone looks small); too shallow and light escapes the bottom, leaving it glassy and dull.

Cut to ideal, every time. Build a ring in the ring builder or book a consultation.