Pendant Light Spacing Calculator

The short answer

Space pendants evenly: take the island’s length, subtract the width of the shades, and share what’s left equally between the gaps from shade to shade and the two ends. Aim for 24 to 30 in apart, center to center, with at least 6 in between each end shade and the end of the island. Hang them with the bottom of the shades 30 to 36 in above the counter under an 8 ft ceiling, a little higher under a taller one.

Three 12 in pendants over an 8 ft island come out 27 in apart, with the end ones 21 in from each end.

How to measure

1. Measure the island end to end along the countertop, and front to back for its depth. Over a dining table, use the table’s length.
2. Check the shade width on the product page: the widest point of each pendant.
3. Measure the ceiling height above the island, and the counter height if it isn’t a standard 36 in.
4. Mark the ceiling from one end of the island, using the numbers the calculator gives you, before the electrician sets the boxes.

How to use the calculator

1. Enter the island’s length and depth.
2. Enter the number of pendants and their width. The result updates as you type.
3. Read the result: the spacing center to center, where the end ones go, how high to hang them, and how two to five of the same pendants would work out.
4. Save or share it. Copy link keeps your numbers in the address, handy for the electrician.

How we calculate

The calculator spaces the pendants evenly, then rates the layout by how far apart they hang and how much room the ends keep.

• Even spacing: the island’s length minus the shades’ combined width, divided equally between the gaps between shades and the two gaps at the ends. Every gap is the same, so the row looks centered and even.
• Spacing: the layout Fits at 24 to 30 in center to center. It’s Tight from 18 in up to that range, or farther apart than it; closer than 18 in Doesn’t fit.
• Ends: at least 6 in between each end shade and the end of the island, or the layout Doesn’t fit.
• Height: the bottom of the shades 30 to 36 in above the counter with an 8 ft ceiling, 3 in higher for each foot of ceiling above that.
• Shade size: about a third of the island’s depth across, a starting point for choosing the pendants.
• Another method: divide the island into equal parts, one more than the number of pendants, and hang one at each mark. Over an 8 ft island that puts three pendants 24 in apart. It gives the same result for small shades and a slightly tighter row for big ones.

Worked examples

Worked example

Three 12 in pendants over an 8 ft island, 9 ft ceiling

What we know

• Island: 8 ft (96 in) long
• Pendants: 3, each 12 in wide
• Ceiling: 9 ft

How it works out

1. Shades: 3 × 12 in = 36 in.
2. Gaps: (96 in − 36 in) ÷ 4 = 15 in each, between the shades and at both ends.
3. Centers: 15 in + 12 in = 27 in apart; the end ones 21 in from the island's ends.
4. Height: 33 to 39 in above the counter, 69 to 75 in above the floor.

Hang 3 pendants 27 in apart, center to center, with the end ones 21 in from each end of the island. The bottom of each shade goes 33 to 39 in above the counter.

Worked example

Two 14 in pendants over a 6 ft island, 8 ft ceiling

What we know

• Island: 6 ft (72 in) long
• Pendants: 2, each 14 in wide
• Ceiling: 8 ft

How it works out

1. Shades: 2 × 14 in = 28 in.
2. Gaps: (72 in − 28 in) ÷ 3 = 14.7 in each, between the shades and at both ends.
3. Centers: 14.7 in + 14 in = 28.7 in apart; the end ones 21.7 in from the island's ends.
4. Height: 30 to 36 in above the counter, 66 to 72 in above the floor.

Hang 2 pendants 28.7 in apart, center to center, with the end ones 21.7 in from each end of the island. The bottom of each shade goes 30 to 36 in above the counter.

Worked example

Four 10 in pendants over a 10 ft island, 10 ft ceiling

What we know

• Island: 10 ft (120 in) long
• Pendants: 4, each 10 in wide
• Ceiling: 10 ft

How it works out

1. Shades: 4 × 10 in = 40 in.
2. Gaps: (120 in − 40 in) ÷ 5 = 16 in each, between the shades and at both ends.
3. Centers: 16 in + 10 in = 26 in apart; the end ones 21 in from the island's ends.
4. Height: 36 to 42 in above the counter, 72 to 78 in above the floor.

Hang 4 pendants 26 in apart, center to center, with the end ones 21 in from each end of the island. The bottom of each shade goes 36 to 42 in above the counter.

How many pendants for your island

The count of 12 in pendants whose spacing sits closest to the middle of 24 to 30 in, by island length.

No island yet? The kitchen island size calculator finds the largest one your kitchen takes and brings its size back here.

How high to hang them

From the counter to the bottom of the shades, and from the floor over a standard 36 in counter, by ceiling height.

Before you buy

Clear glass shades look lighter than solid ones of the same size. Solid shades send the light down onto the counter, which suits a prep area.

If your island has a cooktop or a sink, check the manufacturer’s instructions for that appliance before you hang anything over it.