Recessed Lighting Calculator
Calculate the ideal grid layout, fixture spacing, and wall margins to ensure balanced coverage and eliminate dark spots.
Layout Visualization
How is this calculated?
Target Spacing ≈ Ceiling Height / 2
We aim for even illumination by spacing fixtures approximately half the ceiling height apart. The calculator determines the optimal grid (rows × columns) to fit this spacing within your room dimensions, ensuring balanced margins from the walls.
Layout Principles
A professional lighting layout aims for uniformity. The goal is to avoid "hot spots" (too much light) or shadows between fixtures.
1. Ceiling Height & Spacing Ratio
The most critical factor in determining spacing is ceiling height. A widely accepted architectural standard for general ambient lighting is to space fixtures at approximately half the ceiling height.
*Expert Tip: For higher ceilings (>10ft) or wider beam angles (>60°), you can slightly increase this spacing. For task lighting, decrease spacing.
2. Grid Calculation
We determine the number of rows and columns by dividing the room dimensions by the target spacing, rounding to the nearest whole number to create a symmetrical grid.
3. Wall Margins (The "Half-Spacing" Rule)
To ensure the perimeter of the room is well-lit without creating harsh scallops on the walls, the distance from the wall to the first fixture should be approximately half the distance between fixtures.