Shop Safe with Del Mar Designs
800-724-5501
Mon-Fri: 9 to 6, Sat: 10 to 4 EST
Craftmade Fans

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.

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 SizeBlade Span
Under 110 sq. ft.42" & Smaller
110 sq. ft. - 150 sq. ft.44" - 50"
150 sq. ft. - 300 sq. ft.52" - 60"
300 sq. ft. - 450 sq. ft.*62" - 72" or two smaller fans
Over 450 sq. ft.*74" & Larger or two smaller fans
Ceiling Fan Size

*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 Installation Height for your Ceiling Fan?

  • To determine your ceiling height, measure the distance from the exact spot in the ceiling where the fan is to be installed to the floor directly underneath.

  • If your ceiling is below 8', then narrow your search to a hugger ceiling fan.

  • For especially shorter ceilings (under 8'), consider hugger ceiling fans without lights, as they tend to be our lowest profile fans.
  • Fans should be suspended 8 - 9' from the floor.

  • Fan blades should be at least 7' away from the floor.

  • Lofty cathedral ceilings may benefit from more space.
    Fans may look better if hung between 10 - 14'.

  • Fan blades should be at least 8 1/2" from the ceiling.

  • If there is less space, airflow may be reduced.

  • With high ceilings, you should lower the ceiling fan.
    This improves cool air circulation or heat reclamation.
    Use this guide to decide what size downrod to use.
chart1
chart2

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.

Ceiling Fan Size
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 SizeCFM
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
Ceiling Fan Size
Above: Sometimes, 2 fans are better than 1

This chart may vary with ceiling height, ceiling angle, room layout, and your specific needs.

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 smaller 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.

LightingCeiling FansOutdoor Solutions
Most Popular Pages