Answer six quick questions and we'll work out the right blade size for your room, then show you the fans that fit.
How big is the room?
Pick the closest size, or enter your measurements below.
Is it going inside or outside?
Fans for patios and alfresco areas need to handle moisture and salt air.
How high is the ceiling?
Blades must sit at least 2.1 m above the floor, so ceiling height decides how far the fan can drop.
Do you want a light built in?
A fan with a light saves you fitting a separate ceiling light in the same spot.
DC or AC motor?
DC fans are quieter, use up to 70% less power and nearly all come with a remote.
Which finish suits your room?
Choose the main colour of the fan body and blades.
What Size Ceiling Fan Do I Need?
Ceiling fans are sized by blade sweep: the diameter of the circle the blades make, measured in inches. Too small and the fan can't move enough air to cool the room. Too big and it feels like a gale on the lowest setting. Match the sweep to the floor area of the room using this table.
| Room size | Example rooms | Blade sweep |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 m² | Study, nursery, small bedroom | 32" to 42" (80 to 107 cm) |
| 10 to 16 m² | Most bedrooms | 42" to 48" (107 to 122 cm) |
| 16 to 25 m² | Main bedroom, living room | 48" to 52" (122 to 132 cm) |
| 25 to 35 m² | Open-plan living or dining | 52" to 56" (132 to 142 cm) |
| 35 to 50 m² | Large open-plan spaces | 56" to 66" (142 to 168 cm) |
| Over 50 m² | Great rooms, alfresco, commercial | 72" and up, or two fans |
To find your floor area, multiply the length of the room by its width in metres. A 4 m × 4 m bedroom is 16 m², so a 48" to 52" fan is the right fit. For long or L-shaped rooms, two smaller fans often work better than one large one. Browse our large ceiling fans for big spaces.
Ceiling Height and Fan Drop
Wiring rules require ceiling fan blades to sit at least 2.1 m above the floor. That leaves very little room on a standard 2.4 m ceiling: the fan can drop no more than 300 mm from the ceiling to the blades.
- 2.4 m ceilings: choose a low-profile fan that mounts close to the ceiling.
- 2.7 m ceilings: most standard fans fit comfortably.
- 3 m and higher, or raked ceilings: an extension rod brings the fan down to where it cools best, around 2.4 to 2.7 m above the floor. On raked ceilings, check the fan's maximum supported angle.
DC or AC: Which Motor Should You Choose?
DC ceiling fans use a newer motor that is quieter and uses up to 70% less electricity than an AC fan. They usually have five or six speeds, a remote control and a reverse mode for winter. AC ceiling fans cost less up front and often run from a simple wall control, which suits rentals and spare rooms. If the fan will run for hours every night, DC usually pays for itself.
Fan With a Light, or Without?
A ceiling fan with a light is the easy choice for bedrooms, where the fan usually replaces the main ceiling light. Most now use an integrated LED with a choice of warm, neutral or cool white. In living rooms with downlights already in place, a fan without a light gives a cleaner look.
Fans for Outdoor Areas
Covered patios and alfresco areas need a fan built for damp and salty air, with sealed motors and blades that won't warp. Look for an IP rating and corrosion-resistant finishes, especially within a few kilometres of the coast. See our outdoor ceiling fans.
Ceiling Fan Calculator FAQs
What size ceiling fan do I need for a bedroom?
Most bedrooms are 10 to 16 m², which suits a 42" to 48" fan. A larger main bedroom of 16 to 25 m² suits a 48" to 52" fan.
Is a bigger ceiling fan better?
Not always. An oversized fan in a small room creates strong, uncomfortable airflow and can look out of scale. Match the blade sweep to the room size, and in very large rooms consider two fans instead of one.
How low can a ceiling fan hang?
The blades must be at least 2.1 m above the floor. On a 2.4 m ceiling that leaves 300 mm from the ceiling to the blades, so choose a low-profile fan.
How many blades should a ceiling fan have?
Blade count makes less difference than size, blade pitch and motor. Three-blade fans tend to move more air at a given speed, while four and five-blade designs often run a little quieter. Choose the style you like within the right size range.
Do I need an electrician to install a ceiling fan?
Yes. Ceiling fans are hardwired and must be installed by a licensed electrician, who can also confirm the ceiling structure can support the fan.