Inputs
Enter dimensions, aisle strategy, and seating module sizes. The form uses a responsive grid: three columns on large screens, two on medium, and one on mobile.
Example Data Table
This sample illustrates typical values and resulting capacity. Use it to sanity-check your setup.
| Scenario | Room (W×L) | Seat Width | Row Pitch | Aisle Strategy | Rows | Seats/Row | Net Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | 18 m × 26 m | 0.55 m | 0.95 m | Side aisles 1.2 m, one center aisle 1.5 m, one cross aisle 1.5 m | 19 | 28 | 524 |
| Example B | 14 m × 22 m | 0.50 m | 0.90 m | Side aisles 1.1 m, no center aisle, one cross aisle 1.2 m | 18 | 22 | 396 |
| Example C | 20 m × 30 m | 0.60 m | 1.00 m | Side aisles 1.5 m, two center aisles 1.5 m, two cross aisles 1.5 m | 22 | 27 | 583 |
Formula Used
The calculator sizes seating by dividing the usable room area into rows and seat blocks.
- Usable Length = Room Length − Stage Depth − Front Clearance − Rear Clearance
- Effective Length = Usable Length − (Cross Aisles × Cross Aisle Width)
- Usable Width = Room Width − Wall Clearances − Side Aisles
- Seat Zone Width = Usable Width − (Center Aisles × Center Aisle Width)
- Blocks = Center Aisles + 1
- Block Width = Seat Zone Width ÷ Blocks
- Seats per Block = floor(Block Width ÷ Seat Width)
- Seats per Row = Seats per Block × Blocks
- Rows = floor(Effective Length ÷ Row Pitch)
- Gross Seats = Seats per Row × Rows
- Net Seats = Gross Seats − (Wheelchair Spaces × Seats per Space)
- Net Seating Area = Seat Zone Width × Effective Length
- Area-based Load = floor(Net Seating Area ÷ Area per Person)
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose your unit system, then enter room width and length.
- Exclude non-seating zones using stage depth and clearances.
- Define your circulation plan with side, center, and cross aisles.
- Enter seat width and row pitch for your selected seating system.
- Add wheelchair spaces and seat equivalents to reserve accessibility.
- Press Calculate Seating to view results above the form.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the current scenario.
Tip: If block seats exceed your limit, add a center aisle or widen aisles to create additional blocks.
Lecture Hall Seating Planning Notes
Dimension benchmarks
Most fixed lecture seating systems use a seat module between 0.45 m and 0.60 m wide, while comfortable row pitch often falls between 0.85 m and 1.05 m. Using 0.55 m and 0.95 m, the example layout yields 28 seats per row across an 18 m width after aisles and clearances, supporting efficient sightlines and circulation. Side aisles commonly range from 1.10 m to 1.50 m, and wall clearances of 0.60 m help avoid door swings and radiators.
Aisles and seat blocks
Dividing seating into blocks reduces travel distance to an aisle. With one center aisle, the calculator creates two blocks. If each block fits 14 seats, that is 28 seats per row. Raising seat width to 0.60 m reduces seats per block to 12 in the same block width, decreasing capacity by 4 seats per row.
Rows, depth, and cross aisles
Rows are driven by effective length: room length minus stage depth, front and rear clearances, and any cross aisles. In Example A, a 26 m room with a 3 m stage and 2.4 m total clearances leaves 20.6 m. Subtracting one 1.5 m cross aisle leaves 19.1 m, which at 0.95 m pitch fits 19 rows.
Accessibility deductions
Wheelchair spaces remove seat equivalents to preserve inclusive seating. The default example reserves 4 spaces and deducts 2 seats each, removing 8 seats from gross capacity. Net capacity is the most practical number for scheduling, ticketing, and code checks because it reflects reserved areas.
Area-based occupant load comparison
For early planning, area-based load offers a second capacity check. The tool computes net seating area from seat-zone width and effective length, then divides by an area-per-person factor such as 0.75 m²/person. If area load is lower than net seats, treat the lower value as a conservative cap during feasibility studies.
FAQs
1) What does “seat module width” represent?
It is the center-to-center width allocated per seat, including armrest share. It helps estimate seats per row by dividing each seating block width by the module width.
2) Why does adding a center aisle change capacity?
A center aisle consumes width, but it can improve egress and reduce the number of seats between aisles. Capacity may drop slightly while circulation and compliance may improve.
3) How are cross aisles handled?
Each cross aisle subtracts its width from the usable seating length. This reduces rows, but it can improve mid-hall access and shorten travel distances to exits.
4) What is the difference between gross and net seats?
Gross seats are the raw count from rows and seats per row. Net seats subtract seat equivalents reserved for wheelchair spaces, reflecting a more realistic usable capacity.
5) Can I use feet instead of meters?
Yes. Select the Imperial option and enter all dimensions in feet. The calculator converts internally and reports results in feet and square feet.
6) What should I enter for “max seats between aisles”?
Use a project-specific limit from your design criteria or local code interpretation. The tool flags when seats per block exceed your limit, indicating the need for additional aisles.
7) When should I rely on the area-based occupant load?
Use it during early planning, variable seating studies, or when comparing layouts. Always validate final numbers against the governing building and fire code requirements.