diff --git a/lib/prawn/table.rb b/lib/prawn/table.rb
index 264bf7a8..a18e65a6 100644
--- a/lib/prawn/table.rb
+++ b/lib/prawn/table.rb
@@ -471,7 +471,7 @@ def initial_row_on_initial_page
       # we're at the top of our bounds
       return 0 if fits_on_page?(@pdf.bounds.height)
 
-      needed_height = row(0..number_of_header_rows).height
+      needed_height = row(0..number_of_header_rows).height_with_span
 
       # have we got enough room to fit the first row (including header row(s))
       use_reference_bounds = true