How do you calculate recessed lighting spacing?

Spacing ≈ √(area ÷ fixture count). First row ~half spacing from walls.

How many recessed lights for a 12x16 room?

Depends on foot-candles and fixture lumens - use the calculator with your can rating.

Tools / Recessed Lighting Calculator

Free recessed lighting calculator: how many can lights you need, spacing, and wall offset from room size and fixture lumens.

Room length Room width Units Room type Target foot-candles Lumens per fixture

Suggested fixtures—

Total lumens—

Grid spacing—

Distance from walls—

Floor area—

Total lumens ≈ area (ft²) × foot-candles. Count ≈ total ÷ lumens per can. Spacing ≈ √(area ÷ count).