Lab Bench Length Calculator

These examples are indicative. Confirm local standards, ergonomics, and vendor module sizes.

1. Select units and bench shape for your layout.
2. Enter workstation count and the width per user position.
3. Add service gaps if posts or utility drops sit between stations.
4. Include equipment and sink allowances based on module footprints.
5. Set a tolerance percentage for coordination and future changes.
6. Choose a standard section length to estimate module quantities.
7. Click Calculate to view the result above the form.

Bench Length Planning for User Capacity

Lab benches are often sized from the number of simultaneous users, not just room dimensions. A workstation width provides elbow room, instrument staging, and safe movement. This calculator multiplies workstation count by station width and then adds service gaps between users. Those gaps represent posts, electrical drops, or utility risers that interrupt the run.

Allowances for Sinks, Equipment, and End Zones

Real benches require dedicated modules for sinks, balances, centrifuges, and shared instruments. End clearances reduce crowding at corners and help doors, drawers, and stool positions function. Instead of guessing a single number, you can separate equipment and sink allowances and adjust each. The result is a practical baseline that matches procurement drawings more closely.

Shape Effects in L and U Layouts

L and U configurations improve collaboration and shorten walking paths, but returns must be counted. A single return adds one leg to the base run, while a U adds two legs. This calculator treats returns as explicit lengths so you can align them with wall constraints and aisle widths. When returns are long, section counts increase, affecting delivery and installation sequencing.

Contingency and Sectioning for Buildable Orders

A tolerance percentage accounts for design growth, field adjustments, and service coordination. After applying contingency, the recommended length is converted into standard sections. Sectioning supports faster takeoffs because bench systems are typically ordered in repeatable modules. If you are renovating, increase tolerance to reflect unknown obstructions and utility reroutes.

Example Data and Interpretation

Example (metric): 5 workstations, 750 mm width, 50 mm gaps, 150 mm end clearance, 600 mm equipment allowance, 600 mm sink allowance, straight bench, 10% tolerance, 1200 mm sections. Stations span = (5×750) + (4×50) = 3950 mm. Base run = 3950 + 300 + 600 + 600 = 5450 mm. Recommended = 5450×1.10 = 5995 mm (~6.00 m). Sections = ceil(5995/1200) = 5 modules (6.00 m sectioned).

Use the breakdown to validate that each allowance reflects a real module. If a fume hood or sink has a vendor footprint, replace generic allowances with that value. The recommended length should be coordinated with aisles, doors, and utility panels before ordering.

1) What is the difference between total and recommended length?

Total length is the calculated bench run before contingency. Recommended length adds your tolerance percentage to cover coordination, design changes, and installation variability.

2) How do I choose a workstation width?

Use a width that matches your user task and equipment. For light writing, smaller widths may work. For instruments and laptop staging, increase the width and validate with user operations.

3) When should I add service gaps?

Add gaps when utilities, posts, or vertical risers interrupt the bench or need separation between users. If the bench is continuous with shared services, keep gaps minimal.

4) How should I model sinks and large equipment?

Convert each sink or equipment module into a length allowance based on vendor drawings. Sum them into sink and equipment allowances so the bench run includes real footprints.

5) Why does the calculator ask for a standard section length?

Many bench systems are purchased as repeatable modules. Section length helps estimate how many modules you must order and the rounded-up installed length after sectioning.

6) How do I use L-shape or U-shape returns correctly?

Enter the return lengths as physical legs measured along the bench line. Returns are added to the base run, then contingency is applied to the full configuration.

7) What tolerance percentage is typical?

For new, well-coordinated projects, 5–10% is common. For renovations or uncertain service routing, consider 10–15% and validate after field verification.