Step 1: Measure Your Wall
Use a tape measure to find the exact width of your wall in feet and inches. Measure at the height where you'll hang the frames — walls aren't always perfectly straight.
A picture hanging calculator determines exact nail placement for perfectly centered, equidistant frames on any wall. Enter the wall width, the frame sizes, a layout mode, and the height you want the artwork centered at, and you get the distance from the wall edge to each nail plus the height of each nail above the floor. It starts from a 57-inch center line, which is a common gallery convention rather than a universal rule.
Wall Preview
Enter your wall and frame dimensions below to see a live preview of your gallery layout.
Wall Dimensions
ft
in
Height of the artwork's center above the floor. 57 in is the common gallery convention and 60 in suits hallways; neither is a universal rule.
in
Drop from the frame top to the hanging wire, pulled taut
in
Frame Dimensions
Configure your wall and frames above, then hit "Calculate Spacing" to see exact measurements.
Wall Width
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Total Frame Width
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Gap Between Frames
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Remaining Whitespace
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Nail Positions
Nail position is measured across, from the left wall edge. Nail height is measured up, from the floor.
Nail positions will appear here after calculation.
How to Hang Your Gallery Wall
Step 2: Mark Nail Positions
Using the calculated positions, measure from the left edge of the wall and place a small pencil mark at each nail point. Use a level to ensure all marks are at the same height.
Step 3: Find the Right Height
Set the center height you want, typically 57 to 60 inches from the floor; 57 inches is the common gallery convention. The calculator adds half the frame height, then subtracts the hardware offset, to give the nail height for each frame.
Pro Tips
Use painter's tape to mock up frame positions on the wall before committing to nails. For heavy frames, use wall anchors instead of nails. Always check for studs and electrical wiring before drilling.
Recommended Gear
Ensure your gallery wall is perfectly straight! We highly recommend a laser level and a reliable picture hanging hardware kit so the job comes out level.
Precision Wall Layouts
Creating a beautiful gallery wall requires exact spacing. GalleryGap takes the math out of hanging pictures by calculating the perfect fractional inch spacing between frames, whether you want them equally spaced, clustered in the center, or pushed to the edges. Enter your wall and frame dimensions to instantly get a visual layout and precise nail positions. All calculations are performed 100% locally on your device for absolute privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hang pictures evenly on a wall?
Measure the total wall width, subtract the combined width of all frames, then divide the remaining space equally — including the gaps at both ends. The center point of each frame should sit at the same height, typically 57" to 60" from the floor; 57" is a common gallery convention rather than a universal rule.
What is the 57-inch rule for hanging pictures?
The 57-inch rule places the center of each picture 57 inches above the floor. It is a hanging convention, not a measurement of eye level: median standing eye height in the US Army's ANSUR II survey is about 59.7 inches for women and 64.7 inches for men, both above 57. Setting the center line lower than eye level keeps one sightline for seated, standing and shorter viewers, and it creates a consistent visual line across differently-sized artwork. For hallways where people are walking, 60 inches works better.
How far apart should pictures be in a gallery wall?
Use 2" to 3" between frames for a cohesive gallery wall. Larger gaps (4" to 6") work when frames are very large or when you want a more minimalist, airy feel. Keep all gaps consistent — uneven spacing is the most common mistake in gallery wall layouts.