Chandelier Size Calculator

How it works

diameter (in) = room length (ft) + room width (ft) · height (in) = 2.5–3 × ceiling height (ft) · over a table: ½–⅔ of the table width (and ≥ 6″ narrower each side) · hang 30–36″ above the table, ≥ 7 ft above a walkway

Lighting designers and the American Lighting Association use simple rules of thumb: add the room’s length and width in feet and use that number in inches as the chandelier diameter (in metric, (L + W in m) × 8.3 cm). For the height of the fixture, allow 2.5–3 inches per foot of ceiling height (about 21–25 cm per metre). Over a dining table the diameter should be one-half to two-thirds of the table width so diners do not bump it, with the bottom 76–91 cm (30–36″) above the tabletop. In entries and walkways keep at least 2.1 m (7 ft) under the fixture.

Worked example

A 4 × 3 m dining room with a 2.7 m ceiling and a 100 cm wide table: (4 + 3) m = 23 ft, so the chandelier should be about 58 cm across, and 56–68 cm tall (2.5–3 in per foot of the 8.9 ft ceiling). Over the table, choose 50–67 cm, hung with its bottom 76–91 cm above the tabletop.

Sources: American Lighting Association — Lighting tips: sizing a chandelier · Lumens — How to choose the right chandelier size

Frequently asked questions