Pendant Light Spacing Calculator
Space pendant lights over a kitchen island evenly: how many pendants, distance between centers and from the ends, gap between shades and how high to hang them above the counter — cm or inches.
How it works
spacing = island length ÷ number of pendants · end distance = spacing ÷ 2 · gap between shades = spacing − shade width (≥ 15 cm / 6″) · bottom of pendants 76–91 cm (30–36″) above the counter
The usual way to space pendants is to divide the island into equal sections and hang one pendant in the middle of each. That puts the outer pendants half a spacing from the ends and keeps the whole row centered. Designers aim for roughly 61–81 cm (24–32″) between centers, at least 15 cm (6″) of air between shades and at least 15 cm in from the countertop edges. Hang the bottoms 76–91 cm (30–36 inches) above the counter so they light the work surface without blocking the view; the American Lighting Association suggests adding about 7.5 cm (3″) per 30 cm of ceiling above 2.4 m (8 ft).
Worked example
A 240 cm island with 30 cm wide pendants: 240 ÷ 76 ≈ 3 pendants, so the spacing is 240 ÷ 3 = 80.0 cm between centers, the end pendants sit 40.0 cm from each end and the shades are 50.0 cm apart. On a 91 cm counter under a 260 cm ceiling the bottom of each shade is 167–182 cm above the floor, a drop of 78–93 cm from the ceiling.
Sources: American Lighting Association — Kitchen lighting guide · NKBA Kitchen Planning Guidelines
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should pendant lights be over an island?
Divide the island length by the number of pendants: that is the center-to-center distance, and the end pendants sit half that distance from each end. Typical spacing is 24–32 inches (61–81 cm), with at least 6 inches (15 cm) between shades.
How many pendants over a kitchen island?
Islands up to about 6 ft (1.8 m) usually take 2 pendants, 6–9 ft (1.8–2.7 m) take 3, and longer islands 4 or a linear fixture. Large pendants (40 cm / 16″ or more) may look better as a pair.
How high should pendant lights hang over an island?
With the bottom 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) above the countertop. For ceilings higher than 8 ft, raise them about 3 inches per extra foot of ceiling so they do not look low in the room.
What size pendant for my island?
A common guide is that the pendant widths together should be about one-third to one-half of the island length, and no single pendant wider than the island depth minus 30 cm (12″).
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.