Start with room size
Multiply the room's length by its width to get the square footage. Then match it to a blade span, which is the diameter of the circle the blades make.
| Room area | Blade span | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 75 sq ft | 29 to 36 in | Laundry room, walk-in closet, small office |
| 76 to 144 sq ft | 36 to 42 in | Small bedroom, nursery, breakfast nook (about 12 x 12 ft) |
| 144 to 225 sq ft | 44 in | Primary bedroom, den (up to about 15 x 15 ft) |
| 225 to 400 sq ft | 50 to 54 in | Family room, large bedroom, open kitchen |
| 400 sq ft or more | 60 in or larger, or two fans | Great room, bonus room, covered patio |
If the room is long and narrow, or shaped like an L, two smaller fans usually work better than one large one.
Measure the height and clearances
Size is only half of the fit. The fan has to sit at a safe height and clear the walls and fixtures.
- Blades at least 7 feet above the floor. This is the minimum for safety. Eight to nine feet is ideal for airflow.
- About 8 to 10 inches between the ceiling and the blades for good air movement. Flush-mount fans are closer but designed for it.
- At least 18 inches from the blade tips to any wall or tall object.
- Keep clear of light fixtures, sprinkler heads and open doors that could hit the blades.
For ceilings over nine feet, you need a longer downrod. See our downrod length guide.
Airflow: CFM matters as much as size
Blade span tells you how large the fan is. Airflow, measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM), tells you how much air it moves. Blade pitch (the angle of the blades, ideally about 12 to 15 degrees), motor power and blade shape all affect it. When you compare two fans of the same size, the one with the higher CFM at high speed will feel stronger. The efficiency rating, CFM per watt, tells you how much air you get for the power. ENERGY STAR-certified fans are tested for that efficiency.
Special cases
Low ceilings
For ceilings around eight feet, use a low-profile (hugger) fan. Look for one with a short body and a size that fits the room.
Sloped and vaulted ceilings
Use a fan that comes with a sloped-ceiling mount or an adapter, and a downrod long enough to keep the blades clear. See vaulted ceiling fan installation.
Kitchens
Choose a fan that suits the size of the room and consider one that is easy to clean. Fans that hang above a cooktop can collect grease.
Patios
Outdoor fans should be damp- or wet-rated and sized for the space. Big patios often use two. See outdoor patio ceiling fan installation.
Bedrooms
A quiet DC motor and a light that dims are worth a little more money in a bedroom.
Two fans or one?
In a room longer than about 18 feet, or with two distinct areas, two fans usually do a better job than one big one. Space them evenly, and keep them at least 8 feet apart center to center. Use the same model so they match.
Need help choosing?
If you are unsure, call us with the room dimensions and ceiling height. We can recommend a size and mounting style, and install the fan you choose. See installing a fan you bought.
Frequently asked questions
What size ceiling fan is best for a 12x12 bedroom?
A 12 by 12 foot bedroom is 144 square feet, which usually suits a 42- to 44-inch fan.
Is a bigger fan always better?
No. A fan that is too big for the room can feel overwhelming and may not clear walls or fixtures. Match blade span to room size.
How far should a ceiling fan be from the wall?
About 18 inches from the blade tips to the nearest wall, at minimum.
Keep reading
Ceiling Fan Downrod Length Guide: How to Pick the Right Size
Which downrod length fits your ceiling height? A simple formula and chart for 8- to 16-foot ceilings, plus tips on sloped ceilings and wobble.
How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan for an Arizona Home
What to look for in a ceiling fan for Arizona heat: DC motor, CFM, blade pitch, size, rating for patios and controls. A buyer's guide from local installers.