When you pick out a ceiling fan for any personal or professional space, its size plays a significant role in ensuring maximum performance.
Whether you seek to replace an old ceiling fan or install a new one, knowing how to measure the appliance helps pick one that can keep you cool and save money for the long run.
This guide talks about measuring a ceiling fan for proper air circulation for any room’s size and dimensions. Furthermore, we discuss various other factors that affect choosing the right fan size and style for you.
How Do You Measure Ceiling Fans: Everything to Know
If it is your first time buying a ceiling fan, you will notice that the fan’s box already mentions its size. Now, you may wonder, if the size is already mentioned, what is the need to measure the ceiling fan?
While you may have the size of the fan, knowing if that size works for your space requires you to measure the fan blades and downrod. The diameter of the blades matters because if it’s too big, it can circulate too much air, and if it’s too small, it underperforms for your room size. Your room’s square footage thus plays a vital role in determining whether the fan measurements work for your space – but more on that later.
What You Should Know About Ceiling Fan Blades’ Diameter The blades’ diameter is measured in inches, also known as the sweep or the fan blade span. The number of the blades determines how to measure the fan.
If your selected fan has an even number of blades, you can determine the blade span by measuring it from the top of one blade to the other on the opposite side. When sizing ceiling fans with an odd number of blades (say three), the size can be determined by measuring the distance between one of the blade tips to the fan body’s center and then multiplying the answer by 2.
Successful determination of the blade spans is all there is to finding ceiling fan sizes, but it is not the only factor that makes the fan work in your space.
Keep in mind that a right size ceiling fan should be at least 30 inches away from the wall from all sides to work efficiently.
Measuring Downrod Length: Why It Matters
After finding out what size ceiling fan you have, you also need to consider how to mount it – not only for optimal performance but safety. Make sure there is at least 7 feet of space between the floor and the ceiling fan.
Your fan can have a flush mount or a downrod to connect from the mountain bracket. The flush mount works well for a small room where the ceiling height is less than 8 feet. For over 9 feet ceiling height, you should opt for a downrod ceiling fan, for which you need to calculate the optimal downrod length to mount the ceiling fan.
First, you need to measure the ceiling fan’s motor housing, along with light fixtures if present. On average, the measurement is usually up to 12 inches. Subtract the fan height from the ceiling height—for example, 12 inches minus 10 feet = 9 feet.
Then, determine your choice of hanging height; let’s say 8 feet, and subtract it from the 9 feet between the fan and the floor after removing the housing height. Thus, 9 feet – 8 feet = 1 foot, your downrod length. For tall ceilings, downrod size will increase.
Room Dimensions’ Significance When Measuring A Ceiling Fan
Naturally, when looking for a ceiling fan for a particular room, the room dimensions play a vital role in how well the fan can perform. For example, a fan with a small blade span and low CFM (amount of air moved in cubic feet per minute) rating will not work for bigger spaces like living rooms.
To calculate the square footage of a simple rectangular room, multiply the length with the width. If the room is L-shaped, divide it into two disjoint rectangles, take their measurements, and add the two results together.
Now that you know how to calculate the ceiling fan, downrod, and room size, you can use that information to install the right-sized fan or replace an old one that wasn’t doing the job too well.
Room Measurements Vs. Ceiling Fan Size
Depending on whether you have a small or a large room or prefer a higher CFM rating, you can choose the one that suits your needs. You can see the general measures and CFM ratings below for reference.
- For small spaces like utility rooms under 144 sq. feet, go for ceiling fans with an approximate blade span of fewer than 42 inches and a CFM rating between 1,000 and 3,000.
- For medium-size spaces like dining rooms between 144 to 225 sq. feet, go for ceiling fans with an approximate sweep of 44 to 50 inches and CFM rating between 1,600 to 4,500.
- For larger rooms like a family room between 225-400 sq. feet, go for ceiling fans with an approximate blade span of over 50 inches and CFM rating between 2,300 and 6,500.
- For great rooms over 400 sq. feet, consider multiple ceiling fan installations of over 62-inch sweep and a CFM rating between 5,500 and 13,500.
We have a more in-depth article for more information on CFM ratings and how to measure it.
Other Factors to Consider
A few additional factors also affect your pick for the correct fan size once you are done with the measurement.
Fans with Light Kits
If you have fans with lights kits attached to the body, remember that they add to the height when calculating the hanging height and downrod length.
Possible Obstructions
Walls and doors are not the only things to look for during ceiling fan installations. Cabinets and other furniture pieces (especially in small bedrooms and family rooms) should also be considered while maintaining a 30-inch distance from the blade directly.
Ceiling Support and Style
When mounting a ceiling fan, ensure that the ceiling can take the appliance weight. Moreover, for sloped ceilings, you may not be able to use the regular bracket. In such a case, you have to go for an angled mount adapter from the downrod to connect to the fan’s body.
There can be various reasons you want to measure a ceiling fan. You may be unhappy with the appliance’s performance and looking to make changes, or you may be satisfied with how the fan works in a particular space and get another similar model. Whatever the reason, with this guide, you can easily select the right ceiling fan size for any area – big or small.
