Wall Panelling Spacing Calculator
Calculate the perfect equal spacing for your wall panelling, wainscoting, or slat wall. Enter your wall dimensions and panel sizes to get precise gap measurements for a flawless finish.
Wall & Panel Dimensions
Enter your wall measurements and panel specifications
Measure from the top of the skirting board to the bottom of the coving/ceiling.
How many individual panels or strips you want to install across the wall.
The width of the moulding, MDF strip, or slat you are using.
Choose whether you want gaps only between the panels, or also at the left and right edges of the wall.
Your Panelling Layout
Gap sizes, layout details, and cutting guide
Enter your wall dimensions and panel specifications above, then click Calculate Spacing to find the perfect layout.
Common Panelling Styles & Gaps
Not sure what gap size to aim for? Use this guide to see typical spacing proportions for popular interior design styles.
| Panelling Style | Typical Gap (cm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Victorian / Traditional | 10 – 15 cm | Period properties, classic looks, dining rooms |
| Shaker / Modern Classic | 5 – 10 cm | Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms |
| Slimline / Minimalist | 2 – 5 cm | Modern interiors, small rooms, geometric patterns |
| Slat Wall / Fluted | 1 – 2 cm | Feature walls, acoustic panels, TV backgrounds |
| Board and Batten | 5 – 8 cm | Rustic, farmhouse styles, staircases |
Wall Panelling FAQ
Everything you need to know about measuring, spacing, and installing wall panelling like a professional.
To calculate equal spacing, subtract the total width of all panels from the total wall width. Then, divide the remaining space by the number of gaps. If you want gaps at the edges as well as between panels, the number of gaps is (Number of Panels + 1). If you only want gaps between panels, the number of gaps is (Number of Panels – 1).
Yes, for the most accurate layout, you should measure the wall width from the top of the skirting board to the bottom of the coving or ceiling. This ensures your panelling fits perfectly within the visible space and doesn’t overlap with existing trim.
Standard gap sizes vary by style. Traditional Victorian panelling often uses wider gaps (10-15cm), while modern minimalist or slat walls use much tighter spacing (1-5cm). A 5-10cm gap is generally considered a safe “classic” proportion for most living spaces.
Walls are rarely perfectly straight. To handle uneven walls, measure the width at the top, middle, and bottom of the wall. Use the smallest measurement for your calculations to ensure the panels and gaps won’t be too tight in narrower sections. You can then use decorators’ caulk to fill any small gaps at the top or bottom.
Yes, this calculator works perfectly for slat wall or fluted panels. Simply enter the total width of one slat (including the backing if it’s a pre-made panel) as the ‘Panel Width’, and the calculator will determine the exact space needed between each slat.