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Scale · Proportion

Pendant height planner

Translate ceiling, table, clearance, and fixture dimensions into a practical drop and cord or stem length.

Question
How low should a pendant hang over a table?
Runs
Locally in this browser
Reviewed
2026-08-06
01

Build the vertical stack

All dimensions use the finished floor as zero.

Unit system
Live result
Ceiling to fixture bottom46 in

Leaves the selected 32 in above the surface.

Cord / stem estimate32 inexcluding canopy and couplers
Bottom above floor62 in

Mock up the full silhouette and sightline. Confirm suspension limits and installation requirements with the manufacturer and electrician.

From number to decision

Measure.
Read. Verify.

With a 108 in ceiling, 30 in table, 32 in trial clearance, and 14 in fixture body, the total drop is 46 in and the cord or stem estimate is 32 in.

01

Measure

  1. Measure finished floor to ceiling and finished floor to tabletop or counter.
  2. Measure the fixture body from its top connection to its lowest visible edge.
  3. Choose a trial clearance, then mock up that bottom edge in the room.
02

Read

  1. Overall drop runs from ceiling to the bottom of the fixture.
  2. Cord or stem estimate subtracts the fixture body from the overall drop.
  3. Canopy, couplers, chain loops, and sloped-ceiling hardware may change the orderable length.
03

Verify

  1. Seated and standing sightlines from every approach
  2. Glare, group width, table proportions, and cleaning clearance
  3. Manufacturer suspension limits, ceiling box, structure, and installation requirements

The visible method

overall drop = ceiling height − surface height − chosen clearance

LimitSightlines, fixture glare, people, room proportions, and manufacturer suspension limits still need an on-site check.

Results are computed from the fields you enter. Glow & Gauge does not infer a product, electricity rate, room reflectance, or professional approval.

Read the site-wide method

Starting references

01IES · Residential lighting recommended practice

Keep reading

The number needs context.

Plan

2 min · Reviewed 2026-08-06

Pendant height is a sightline problem

Rules of thumb are only starting marks. The real test is the relationship among ceiling, surface, fixture, glare, and the people using the room.

Planning boundary

No wiring, circuit load, structural, fire, emergency-lighting, damp/wet rating, or local code design is performed here. Verify the exact fixture and use appropriately qualified professionals.