How far apart should downlights be spaced?

Space downlights at roughly half the ceiling height. For a 2.7m ceiling, that's about 1.2–1.4m apart.

How many downlights do I need?

Small bedrooms need 4, living rooms need 6, and larger open-plan areas need 8+.

Do I need an electrician to install downlights?

Yes, in Australia all electrical work including downlight installation must be performed by a licensed electrician.

What wattage LED downlights should I use?

For most rooms, 10–13W LED downlights provide excellent illumination equivalent to old 75W halogens.

Free Online Tool

Downlight Position Calculator

Choose a layout, enter your room size, and get a practical guide for perfect downlight spacing.

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Downlight Layout Calculator

Choose a layout, enter your room size, and see a practical guide for downlight spacing. Turn on the centre fan option to keep the layout symmetrical.

Plan your layout

1. Pick a layout

2. Enter room size

Length (m)

Width (m)

3. Fan in the middle?

Advanced options

Fan diameter (m)

Clearance (m)

Updates automatically

Suggested layout

Layout6 grid

Downlights6

Room area20.0 m²

FanNo

DownlightRoom boundaryFan keep-clear zone

💡 6 grid uses fixed section-centre spacing as a practical starting point. Layout = 3 rows × 2 columns. Portrait orientation.

📏 Left to first: 1000 mm • Between columns: 2000 mm • Last to right: 1000 mm • Top to first row: 833 mm • Between rows: 1667 mm • Last row to bottom: 833 mm

⚠️ This calculator gives a practical guide only. Final positions should be checked for joists, smoke alarms, air conditioning, beam angle, and installation requirements.

How to Use This Downlight Calculator

Our free Downlight Position Calculator helps you plan the ideal layout for LED downlights in any room. Whether you're renovating a kitchen, living room, or bedroom, getting the spacing right is essential for even, shadow-free lighting.

Step-by-step guide:

Pick a layout — Choose from 6 common configurations: 2, 3, or 4 lights in a line, 4 corner grid, 6 grid, or 8 grid. Each layout suits different room shapes and sizes.
Enter room dimensions — Input your room's length and width in metres. The calculator automatically adjusts spacing to ensure even light distribution.
Toggle ceiling fan — If your room has a centre ceiling fan, enable this option. The calculator will automatically adjust downlight positions to maintain safe clearance around the fan.
Review the diagram — See a scaled visual layout with precise measurements in millimetres, showing exactly where each downlight should be positioned.

Tips for the best results:

Room shape matters — Long, narrow rooms work best with line layouts. Square rooms suit grid layouts with equal row and column spacing.
Consider beam angle — Standard 90° beam angle downlights work well for general lighting. Narrow beam angles (30–60°) are better for accent or task lighting.
Check for obstructions — Before cutting holes, check for ceiling joists, ducting, pipes, and existing wiring. Your electrician will confirm safe positions during installation.
Measurements are centre-to-centre — All spacing shown is measured from the centre of each downlight cutout, not the edge.

Planning a full lighting layout? Read the full Downlight Layout & Spacing Guide for room-by-room recommendations, beam angles, and ceiling fan clearance rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about downlight spacing, installation, and LED lighting.

Need Professional Downlight Installation?

Our licensed electricians install LED downlights across Newcastle and Port Stephens. Contact us for a free quote.

Get a Free Quote Call 0475 179 969