Gallery Wall Layout Calculator
Work out a near-square grid for a set of same-size frames, see whether it fits your wall, and preview it to scale with the margins needed to center it. This first version assumes every frame is the same size — a good fit for photo sets, diplomas, and other matching collections.
Layout preview to scale
How this calculator works
The calculator picks the closest-to-square grid that fits your frame count, sizes that grid using your frame dimensions and gap, then checks whether it fits inside the wall:
cols = ceil(sqrt(frame_count)) // auto-suggest a near-square grid rows = ceil(frame_count / cols) layout_width = cols × frame_width + (cols − 1) × gap layout_height = rows × frame_height + (rows − 1) × gap margin_horizontal = (wall_width − layout_width) / 2
If the frame count doesn't divide evenly into the grid, the last row has fewer frames than the others — the preview centers that shorter row within the layout width rather than pushing it to one side.
Worked example
A 96 in × 60 in wall, 6 frames at 12 in × 16 in, 2.5 in gap:
- Columns: ceil(√6) = 3. Rows: ceil(6 ÷ 3) = 2.
- Layout width: 3 × 12 + 2 × 2.5 = 41 in.
- Layout height: 2 × 16 + 1 × 2.5 = 34.5 in.
- Horizontal margin: (96 − 41) ÷ 2 = 27.5 in each side.
- Vertical margin: (60 − 34.5) ÷ 2 = 12.75 in each side — this fits comfortably.
With 7 frames instead of 6, the grid becomes 3 columns × 3 rows, but the third row only has one frame — the preview centers that single frame under the two full rows above it rather than lining it up on the left edge.
Planning your wall
- Wall size — measure the usable wall area, not necessarily the full wall if furniture or trim limits it.
- Eye level — once you have a layout size, center the whole grid's vertical midpoint around 57–60 in from the floor.
- Gap — 2 to 3 in is standard; tighten it up if the fit warning appears and you don't want to drop a frame.
- Print it — the print button gives you a to-scale reference you can hold up to the wall, though painter's tape on the actual wall is still the most reliable final check.
Frequently asked questions
What's a standard gap between frames?
2 to 3 inches is most common — enough breathing room to read each frame separately. Tighter salon-style clusters go down to 1 to 2 inches; a more spacious feel can use 3 to 4 inches or more. Keep it consistent across the grid.
What's the eye-level hanging height rule?
Museums commonly center artwork at 57 to 60 inches from the floor to the middle of the piece. For a gallery wall grouping, apply that to the whole layout's vertical center, not each individual frame.
Symmetrical grid vs salon-style mixed layout — when does each work better?
A symmetrical grid suits modern spaces, matching photo sets, and hallways needing a clean repeated rhythm. A salon-style mixed layout suits eclectic collections and larger accent walls, but takes more trial and error since there's no single formula for it.
Should I plan on paper or with painter's tape before hanging anything?
Yes — cut paper templates or outline the layout with painter's tape before driving any nails. It's much easier to move tape than patch holes, and it lets you fine-tune visually in the room's actual light before committing.