How are Ceiling Fans Measured?

If you have used ceiling fans before, you know that they come in blade spans of a variety of sizes. Just the way you can get larger fans, you can also get tiny fans for your workspace too! But among all these crowds, you cannot forget that the size of the room has an important role to play with the fan’s size too!

So, if you are planning to buy a new ceiling fan measuring the previous one or you just want to know if the previous fan will fit in your new house, you should know the accurate size of the ceiling fan you are using! So, how are ceiling fans measured when they are already installed or assembled?

Let us tell you how to measure it and compare it with the room to get a perfect size! Just dive in with us, we’re here!

Step by Step Measuring a Ceiling Fan

Step 1: The Prep

The first thing if you plan to measure the ceiling fan you have is to prepare yourself. Get your hands on the ceiling fan’s switch and certify that it is switched off. But before that, you have to install the fan, right? Learn about the cost to install ceiling fan without existing wires.

And then, measure the fan. You do not need to take the fan off. All you need to do is reach the fan and that’s all! Get a ladder that can help you reach the fan to take the right measurement. Don’t forget to take the measurement tape along with a paper and pen or your phone. You have to note down the measurements so that you don’t forget them.

Step 2: The Room Size

Whenever it comes to the problem of how are ceiling fans measured, the first thing is you have to stop worrying about the fan and start worrying about the room! Yes, the square feet of the room are connected to the ceiling fan.

If you get up and buy any sized ceiling fan from the market, it won’t fit your room! So first, get your hands on measuring the room to choose the right-sized ceiling fan. First of all, you have to measure the width of the room and then go for the length of the room.

Now that you have got two different measurements, you have to multiply both of these. The result you will get will be the square footage of the area. So, you can easily understand which size will fit here and which won’t look too big or too small!

After all, the outlook is as necessary as the quality of your product. Installing a new ceiling fan can be tough. In that case, don’t forget to check the positions of the bedroom ceiling lights. Keep space from them beforehand.

Step 3: Understanding the Sweep

No matter you are getting your hands on the traditional ceiling fans or the modern ceiling fans with bright lights, understanding the sweep is a must! Now that you have measured the square footage of your room, it’s time to go back to the fan once again and start measuring it. First of all, the diameter of the fan matters.

If you are new to measuring ceiling fan size, you might not know what its diameter is called. The ceiling fan’s diameter is called the sweep. And in this case, the sweep is very necessary. A sizing guide will be the most helpful option for you when it comes to the right measurement. If you have a room that has 75 sq. ft. size, the ceiling fan you are picking up should have a diameter of 36 inches or below.

This applies to the rooms below this length too! On the other hand, if you have a room that has a size of above 75 sq. ft. but below 144 sq. ft. you should always choose a fan that has a sweep of 36-42 inches. Mostly, people go for these two lengths. But in some rare cases, especially for the living rooms, you might need larger fans of 50-54 inches diameter. These rooms should be close or larger than 225 sq. ft.

Step 4: Measuring the Blade

Now that you have understood the importance of sweep, now we will tell you how are ceiling fan blades measured. For this, you will need a measuring blade first. Get the tape ready beforehand so that you can make your work faster.

First, select one blade from the fan. Pick any of them as all of them are equal. Hold the tape and position it at one tip of the blade you have chosen. When you do it, certify that you have done the assembly of the fan already. Now, keeping on the end of the tape in this position, you have to pull it out and take it across the blade. In this place, pull it towards the opposite blade from the previous position.

Let us make it a little easier for you. You have to position one tip of the blade on one tip of a blade and take it directly to the tip of the other blade. All you need is the measurement between these two tips! This measurement method will work for almost all ceiling fans with an even number of blades.

On the other hand, in the case of the odd number blades of a ceiling fan, you have to start the measurement from the tip of one blade, and instead of taking it to the tip of another blade; you have to go to the exact center of the fan. In this way, you will get the radius. All you have to do now is a little math! Yes, double the radius you have just got. You will easily get the diameter of the fan!

Step 5: Determining the Distance

So, as you have measured the length already, you are free to determine the distance from one tip to the other of these two blades. There are several measurements available in the market. From 32 inches to 34 inches, 36 inches, 38 inches to 43, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 60, 62, and it will go one and on till 70.

In some rare cases, ceiling fans with longer blades than 70 inches are available too! This measurement of the ceiling fan blades will help you in determining how the path of the blades will measure.

Step 5: Compare and Decide

So, you have determined the distance or the sweep, or the diameter. Now, it’s time for you to compare this result with the square footage of your room that you have measured in the second step. And as we have discussed in step three, certify that you get the 42 to 44 inches sweep fan for the 144-335 feet rooms. And get the 53-inch sweep for the 225-400 feet room.

If you have a larger room than this, you might require more than two fans. When you measure the distance or sweep, also make sure that when you install a ceiling fan, the distance between the fan and the wall should be more than 18 inches. Otherwise, the air inside your room will not circulate the way it should. Also, blades require clearance to move freely.

Also Read: Best Ceiling Fan Remote to Buy | Top Picks

Final Verdict

The process of measuring the ceiling fan is not very complicated. All you need is a measuring tape and some math! Now, it’s your turn to do it! Check out our blog to learn more about the electric necessities of your house! From now on, being a homemaker will be easier for you!