What is the right ceiling fan for my room size?

The two important things you need to look at when picking a ceiling fan for your room is:

• Blade Span (the distance from one blade tip to the opposite blade tip or the overall diameter of a fan's blades while in motion)
  
  
• CFM (the airflow circulated by the ceiling fan measured by cubic feet per minute)

A ceiling fan should be proportional to the rest of your room. Small ceiling fans for small rooms and large ceiling fans for large rooms.

Here is an estimated size chart to help guide you in finding the right size fan for your room.

*Note To calculate the square feet of your room, multiply the length of your room by the width.
e.g. 12' x 12' = 144 square feet

Room Size Blade Span Under 110 sq. ft. small ceiling fan 110 sq. ft. - 150 sq. ft. 44" ceiling fans 150 sq. ft. - 300 sq. ft. 52 ceiling fans Over 300 sq. ft.* large fans

*Note: If you have a large room that is over 300 sq. ft. and is more long than square, then think about two smaller (under 54") fans instead of one big fan to distribute the air circulation more evenly in the room.

What is the Recommended Mounting Height for your Ceiling Fan?

• To determine your ceiling's height, measure the distance from the exact spot in the ceiling where the fan is to be installed to the floor underneath.
  
  
• If your ceiling is below 8', then narrow your search to a hugger ceiling fan. With low ceilings, it is always a good idea to use a hugger ceiling fan.
  
  
• For low ceilings (under 8'), consider a flush ceiling fan without lights, as they tend to be our lowest profile fans.

Fans are best when suspended 8 - 9' from the ground. Ceiling Fan blades can be 7' away from the ground. High cathedral ceilings may benefit from more space. Ceiling Fans may visually look better if mounted between 10 - 14'. Ceiling Fan blades are best at least 8 1/2" from the ceiling. If there is less space, there may be a reduction in airflow. It is best to lower the ceiling fan with high ceilings. This will improve cool air circulation or heat reclamation. Use the below guide to decide what size downrod is right for you.

What kind of fan should I pick for my room?

Even if you don't know the exact measurements of your room, we still can suggest a certain size of fans to help you decide. When selecting a ceiling fan for your room determine if the room is small and for those rooms use small ceiling fans. Or determine if the room type is larger then choose large ceiling fans for those rooms.

Room Fan Size Bathroom 42" outdoor ceiling fans Bedroom 44 inch fans Great Room large ceiling fan Hallway / Closet 42" ceiling fans Kitchen Small ceiling fans Office 52 inch ceiling fans Outdoor Patio 52 outdoor ceiling fans

Above: A tiny ceiling fan for a closet

How much air should my ceiling fan move?

The chart below shows what CFM the ceiling fan should have to receive optimal airflow for the size of a typical room.

Room Size CFM From 250 to 650 sq. ft. 10000+ From 250 to 600 sq. ft. 9000-9999 From 225 to 500 sq. ft. 8000-8999 From 200 to 400 sq. ft. 7000-7999 From 150 to 300 sq. ft. 6000-6999 From 125 to 250 sq. ft. 5000-5999 From 100 to 200 sq. ft. 4000-4999 From 75 to 120 sq. ft. 3000-3999 From 75 to 100 sq. ft. 2000-2999 From 50 to 60 sq. ft. Less than 2000

Above: Sometimes, 2 fans are better than 1

This chart may vary with ceiling height, ceiling angle, room layout, and your specific needs. For vaulted ceiling use our ceiling angle formula tool to determine your degree of slope on your ceiling.

If you need a ceiling fan with a higher or lower CFM, this will help guide you in the right direction for the size of your room.

The best CFM for your room may vary. For example:

• In a small baby's room, that is 10 x 10, you might want a ceiling fan with a lower CFM.
  We suggest a ceiling fan with a blade span of 42" or small ceiling fans that produces an airflow less than 2000 CFM.
  
  
• In a small workout room, that is 10 x 10, you would probably want a slightly higher CFM to help cool you.
  We suggest a ceiling fan with a blade span of 42" or smaller that produces airflow around 2500 to 3500 CFM.

Having the right size ceiling fan that produces the proper amount of airflow needed for a room will help lower use of A/C units in the Summer and Heating Units in the Winter which will help save energy and money, if they are spinning in the right direction.

Check out our How to Buy a Ceiling Fan Guide for other important things to consider when buying a ceiling fan.

Article Written by +Colby Harris