How to find distanse between can lights to get even light?

Answer 1

i dont know about all that math in the first answer, after 28 yrs of contracting houses, we go with experience.....if in a kitchen, measure from the wall to the center of the can 24 inches.( this will allow for the upper cabinets and lighting on the counter space without any shadows).....

if in a non working space, 16" from the wall to the center of the can, allows for crown mold and projects a nice wall lighting effect.......

in a working are other than kitchen, u will need to apply to ur needs.....

eating area, ( dinning) we go with the 16" mode and then 1 or 2 in the middle...

lic. gen. contractor

Answer 2

For downlighting (recessed/can lights) with incandescent flood light bulbs your spacing should vary between 3/4:1 to a maximum of 1:1, the first number being the spacing in relation to the second number which is the height of the ceiling from the level that matters. The level that matters might be the kitchen counter, or it may be the living room floor.
For downlighting with halogen flood lights the spacing ratios should vary between 1/2:1 to a maximum of 3/4:1.
For wallwashing you want the distance between the lights, and the distance between the lights and the wall to be equal to 1/4 of the height of the wall, also you're going to want to aim the lights 1/4 the way down the wall.
for grazing you want the lights to be from 6-12" away from the wall, and about 12-18" between lights.
For highlighting paintings you want to use a ratio of about 2/3:1, with the second number representing the distance from the center of the painting to the ceiling, and the first number is the distance between light and wall.
For highlighting three dimensional pieces of art, like a statue you would use the same 2/3:1 ratio, but you would need to hit it with multiple directions about 18" between lights.