Lighting Spacing Calculator
How far apart should downlights sit for an even wash? Enter the ceiling height and pick how even you want the spread — the spacing-to-height rule gives the spacing between fixtures and the offset to keep off the walls.
Finished (false-ceiling) height where the downlights sit.
~2.5 ft for a counter/desk, 0 for a passage or floor-level room.
Even = smoothest wash, more fixtures. Economical = fewer, slightly patchy.
~2.86 m, for 7.5 ft above the work plane.
Lay fixtures on a grid at this pitch, starting about half a spacing off each wall. This is the even ambient layer — add task and accent lights separately.
Indicative only. The spacing-to-height rule sizes an even ambient grid; the right answer also depends on the beam angle, lumen output and the look you want (a ceiling of holes is a real mistake). Turn spacing into a fixture count with the fixture quantity calculator, and leave the wiring to a licensed electrician.
Related Guides — Deep-dive reading
Recessed Lighting & Downlights: Layout, Spacing & Beam (2026)
The design guide to recessed downlights — the false-ceiling workhorse of the Indian home. How to place them, how far apart, what beam angle to buy, how to kill the bright-dot glare, and how to hand clean positions to your electrician before a single hole is cut.
LightingTrack Lighting & Spotlights: Flexible Accent Light (2026)
The design guide to track lighting and directional spotlights for Indian homes — the aimable accent workhorse. How to light art, feature walls, open shelving and the pooja niche; single vs multi-circuit and slim magnetic track; aiming, beam angle and the accent contrast ratio; and where a downlight is the cleaner choice.
LightingBathroom Mirror Lighting India: Shadow-Free Vanity Light, Colour Temp, CRI & Cost (2026)
Why a single ceiling downlight throws ugly shadows on your face, how vertical sconces either side of the mirror beat a light bar above, when a backlit mirror is glow not task light, plus the colour temperature, CRI, mounting height, IP rating and 2026 rupee costs that actually get make-up and shaving right.
BathroomsRelated Tools — You may also find these useful
Beam Angle Calculator
The pool of light a spotlight or downlight throws, from the beam angle and distance, with a guide to the right angle.
Lighting CalculatorColour Temperature Selector
The right Kelvin for each room — warm to cool — with why it fits and the CRI to look for.
Lighting PlannerFixture Quantity Calculator
How many downlights a room needs and the grid to lay them in — rows, columns, wall offset and pitch.
Lighting Calculator