Gallery Wall Spacing Calculator
Lay out a row of frames evenly: get the total group width, the even gap between frames and the side margins so the arrangement sits centered on the wall.
How it works
Group width = frames × frame width + (frames − 1) × gap · Side margin = (wall width − group width) ÷ 2
A row of frames reads as one composition when the gaps between them are equal and the whole group is centered on the wall. The group width adds up all the frame widths plus one gap for every space between them (one fewer gap than the number of frames). Subtracting that from the wall width and halving the leftover gives the identical margin to leave at each end so the arrangement is centered.
Worked example
Three 16-inch frames with 3-inch gaps span 3 × 16 + 2 × 3 = 54 inches. On a 96-inch wall that leaves 96 − 54 = 42 inches, so you center the group with 21 inches of wall on each side.
Frequently asked questions
How much space should be between frames?
Two to three inches is the usual sweet spot — close enough to read as a group, far enough that each piece breathes. Use a smaller, consistent gap for a tight grid and a slightly larger one for oversized frames.
How do I keep the gaps even?
Cut a spacer (a strip of cardboard or a block) to your chosen gap and use it between every frame as you hang. That guarantees identical spacing without measuring each time.
What height should the row hang at?
Center the row at about 57 to 60 inches — the same gallery eye-level rule used for a single picture. Use the picture hanging height calculator to place the hooks.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.