Gallery wall spacing
The row is 54.0 in wide with 3.0 in between frames. Start at 33.0 in from the left corner; the centers are 19.0 in apart.
Result
Width of the whole row
in
Gap between frames
in
Left edge of the row, from the corner
in
| Width of all frames together | 48.0 in |
|---|---|
| Width of all gaps together | 6.0 in |
| Width of the row | 54.0 in |
| Left edge (center line less half the row) | 33.0 in |
| Center of the first frame (left edge plus half a frame) | 41.0 in |
| Step from one center to the next (frame plus gap) | 19.0 in |
| Center of the last frame | 79.0 in |
| Right edge of the row | 87.0 in |
How it works
Treat a row of frames as one big picture. Its width is the frames plus the gaps between them, and the gaps are the same all along: small and consistent. Give the gap you want, or the width the row has to fill, such as the length of a console, and the tool finds the other. Then you give the line the row is centered on, measured from the left corner of the wall, and it returns where the left edge goes and where the center of each frame lands, so you can mark the hooks before you hammer anything.
Formula
n frames of equal width w. mode gap: group_w = n x w + (n - 1) x gap. mode span: group_w = span and gap = (span - n x w) / (n - 1). The group is centred on center_x: left_edge = center_x - group_w / 2 and right_edge = left_edge + group_w. The centre of the first frame is first_center = left_edge + w / 2; neighbouring centres are pitch = w + gap apart, so last_center = first_center + (n - 1) x pitch. Positions are measured from the left corner of the wall. The warning w_off_wall appears when left_edge < 0.
Worked example
The tool opens with this example; the result above is computed from it.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| You know | The gap between frames |
| Number of frames | 3 pcs |
| Frame width | 16 in |
| Gap between frames | 3 in |
| Center line from the left corner | 60 in |
| Width of the whole row | 54.0 in |
| Gap between frames | 3.0 in |
| Left edge of the row, from the corner | 33.0 in |
Common cases
| Case | Starting values | Width of the whole row | Gap between frames | Left edge of the row, from the corner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three frames over a sofa | Number of frames 3 pcs; Frame width 16 in; Gap between frames 3 in; Center line from the left corner 60 in | 54.0 in | 3.0 in | 33.0 in |
| Five small frames in a row | Number of frames 5 pcs; Frame width 8 in; Gap between frames 2 in; Center line from the left corner 60 in | 48.0 in | 2.0 in | 36.0 in |
| Three frames to fit a console | Number of frames 3 pcs; Frame width 12 in; Width to fill 48 in; Center line from the left corner 30 in | 48.0 in | 6.0 in | 6.0 in |
| A pair of large frames | Number of frames 2 pcs; Frame width 24 in; Gap between frames 4 in; Center line from the left corner 50 in | 52.0 in | 4.0 in | 24.0 in |
Questions and answers
How far apart should I space three picture frames?
Keep the gaps equal and small: with 3 pcs frames 16 in wide and gaps of 3 in, the row is 54.0 in wide and starts 33.0 in from the corner when centered at 60 in.
How do I space frames evenly over a console table?
Divide what is left of the width. 3 pcs frames 12 in wide on 48 in leave 6.0 in between them; the centers are 18.0 in apart.
Assumptions and limits
- All frames are taken to have the same width. For frames of different widths, treat each pair of neighbours as its own step.
- Positions are measured along the wall from the left corner, to the middle of each frame's hanger, which is the middle of its width.
- The gap is measured between the outside edges of the frames. The two to six inch range is a framing guide, not a rule.
The result is an estimate for planning, not professional advice.
Sources
- The Arts Commission: hanging artwork, treat a group as one artwork with a centre line and small consistent gaps (about 2 to 6 inches)retrieved 2026-10-13
- Framebridge, how to hang your art: treat a gallery wall as one piece and centre itretrieved 2026-10-13
Last updated:
Method in depth: Hanging height and spacing for pictures
Cite this page: Frame Kit, “Gallery wall spacing”, https://frame-kit.pages.dev/framing-and-hanging/gallery-wall-spacing/ (updated 13 October 2026).
Found a mistake? Email handycalc.sites+framekit@gmail.com.