Plan classroom layouts with realistic spacing and aisles. Compare row, pod, and mixed desk plans. Get desk counts, rows, and safety clearances fast today.
| Room (L×W) | Desk (L×W) | Gaps (front/side) | Aisles (side/main) | Zones (teacher/rear) | Utilization | Expected desks (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0×6.0 m | 0.60×0.45 m | 0.35 / 0.25 m | 0.70 / 0.90 m | 1.20 / 0.60 m | 95% | ~48–60 (depends on aisles) |
| 26×20 ft | 24×18 in* | 14 / 10 in* | 30 / 36 in* | 48 / 24 in* | 90% | ~24–32 (depends on layout) |
The calculator first estimates a usable rectangular footprint by subtracting wall clearance, teacher zone, and rear zone. It then allocates aisle widths and places desk modules inside the remaining space.
| Usable length | Room length − 2×Wall clearance − Teacher zone − Rear zone |
| Usable width | Room width − 2×Wall clearance |
| Rows columns | ⌊(Desk width zone + Side gap) / (Desk width + Side gap)⌋ |
| Rows rows | ⌊(Desk length zone + Front gap) / (Desk length + Front gap)⌋ |
| Utilization cap | Effective area = Usable area × (Utilization% / 100) |
Final desk count is the smaller of the geometry count and the utilization area cap. This helps account for columns, alcoves, and fixed furniture.
Classroom capacity starts with net usable footprint, not gross dimensions. This calculator subtracts wall clearance, a teacher zone, and a rear support zone to estimate workable length and width. On a typical 8×6 meter room, removing 0.30 meter perimeter clearance plus 1.20 meter teaching depth can reduce placeable area by over 20 percent, before aisles are considered.
Each desk is treated as a module with added front and side gaps. The module size equals (desk length + front gap) by (desk width + side gap). If desks are 0.60×0.45 m with 0.35 m front gap and 0.25 m side gap, the module footprint is 0.95×0.70 m, or 0.665 m² per seat position. This supports quick what‑if checks during schematic layout.
Side aisles and main aisles directly consume width that would otherwise hold columns of desks. One 0.90 m main aisle plus two 0.70 m side aisles removes 2.30 m from the usable width, which can eliminate three to four desk columns in compact rooms. Cross aisles consume length and are best limited to door lines, supervised pathways, or code-driven egress needs. Track door swings and wheelchair turning radii when setting aisle widths today.
Rows tend to maximize count when instruction is front-focused and spacing is tight. Pods improve collaboration but introduce pod gaps and wasted corner fragments. A 2×2 pod groups four desks; 3×2 groups six; 3×3 groups nine. Selecting Auto compares both layouts and returns the higher capped total, helping planners balance pedagogy with square‑meter efficiency.
Real rooms include columns, built-in casework, radiators, and irregular alcoves. The utilization factor applies an area cap so geometry results do not overstate capacity. Set 95–100% for open rectangles, 85–90% for typical classrooms with fixed furniture, and 70–80% for labs with heavy perimeter counters. Use exported reports to document assumptions for approvals and budgeting and schedules.
Usable width and aisle widths usually drive capacity first. Desk width and side gap control columns, while teacher and rear zones reduce usable length. Lower utilization further caps totals to reflect fixed furniture and irregular rooms.
Choose Rows for maximum capacity and clear sightlines. Choose Pods for collaboration when you can accept fewer desks and larger circulation gaps. Auto compares both and returns the higher capped total.
Increase wall clearance, reduce utilization, or add cross aisles aligned with door swings. For large obstructions, lower utilization to 80–90% and verify by sketching the remaining rectangle for desk placement.
Use 95–100% for open rectangular rooms. Use 85–90% for typical classrooms with shelving, radiators, or columns. Use 70–80% for labs, maker spaces, or rooms with extensive perimeter counters.
No. It estimates layouts using geometric rules and circulation assumptions. Always confirm egress width, accessible routes, and occupancy limits with local requirements and your project’s safety reviewer.
Yes. After calculating, download CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for plan sets. The export includes key inputs, chosen layout, desk count, and supporting rows or pod breakdowns.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.