
There are many ways to install pictures depending on fastening methods available, personal preferences, tools and equipment. Hangcalc can help in various scenarios and for different personal methods or processes. Everything can be done with a pencil, tape measure and spirit level (ideally one with a measurement scale on it).
Required work measurements
The main calculator on home and mini pages helps with horizontal row layouts. It combines the horizontal and solo calculators. For hanging individual works you can use the solo calculator to determine fastener positions one work at a time in any position. The horiz calculator gives various horizontal spacing options. Vertical groups have their own vert calculator, which can provide measurements for your chosen even vertical spacing and edge alignments. To complete a calculator generally three or four measurements may be needed for each artwork. This data can be collected in advance, eg. using the PDF templates provided. Measurements are:
vertical:
1) outer vertical height
2) drop to fasteners (if fastener outside frame use negative number)horizontal:
1) outer horizontal width
2) inside adjustment to fasteners (if using more than one)
Data on artworks can also be kept temporarily using the data button.
When completing a calculator choose the measuring units you will use. Decimal numbers are used. The default is millimeters, which are convenient to measure and have no decimal places. Inches or meters use decimal numbers to three decimal places. A table of equivalents in sixteenths is provided for reference, and the math calculator provides common conversions to and from decimal inches. This setting applies to all calculators on a page.
details
1/16 = 0.063
1/8 = 0.125
3/16 = 0.188
1/4 = 0.25
5/16 = 0.313
3/8 = 0.375
7/16 = 0.438
1/2 = 0.5
9/16 = 0.563
5/8 = 0.625
11/16 = 0.688
3/4 = 0.75
13/16 = 0.813
7/8 = 0.875
15/16 = 0.938
Basic approaches to installing a work
Often works are placed by personal preference, with a "yes, it feels right just there". There are two simple ways to determine fastener positions:
Mark a corner and measure from there
- hold a work against the wall where you want it to be and using a pencil mark the wall where a corner is (top or lower edge). Measure how high that corner mark is
- complete "solo" calculator using the corner height as the "reference height" then read out vertical result, ie. select top edge or "lower edge at reference" (depending on which corner). Measure vertically up or down from the corner to "height of fastener(s)" and make a mark
- with "to previous edge" being zero (default) read horizontal results and measure horizontally from that fastener height mark to the center. Place fastener or locate hook if using hanging system.
- if using two fasteners, read results for 1st and 2nd fasteners and measure horizontally from fastener height mark.
Mark a vertical centerline and measure from there
- decide where you want the work's centerline to be, eg. half way between two points or to one side (maybe using golden ratio ("length/phi") and using a pencil mark the wall where the centerline will be
- hold the work against the wall roughly on the centerline and mark the height of the top or lower edge. Measure how high that mark is
- complete "solo" calculator fields using the marked height as the "reference height" then read out fastener height result, ie. for "top edge at reference" or lower edge (depending on which edge). Measure vertically up or down through the centerline mark to fastener height and mark that point. Place fastener or locate hook if using hanging system.
- if using two fasteners, measure horizontally from that point to the "distance from centerline to fasteners".
Plan key measurements
Planning key measurements means there is no need to hold works up against a wall.
You can pre-plan the "reference height ie. top, mid-line or lower edge. For example, decide a "reference height" beforehand if you want/need a particular height. This might be to avoid objects or meet specifications for a work or group. As a guide a work's center point (mid-line alignment height) is generally suggested to be around the "average" eye-line, that is: 57-60 inches or 1450-1500 mm high. This mid-line is sometimes suggested as 50% of the wall height. Higher or lower is just fine depending on circumstances and preference.
Pre-plan horizontal spacing like "to previous edge" measurement. For example, decide a "first/end space" and/or "inter-work" horizontal spacings beforehand if you want/need specific spacing. This might be for aesthetic reasons or to meet specifications for a group. Horizontal and/or vertical spacing between works in a group are suggested as 3 inches or 80 mm, but wider to expansive layouts - it is up to you.
For groups it is often useful to lay them out in front of the wall on the floor; and then arrange and rearrange until the group feels right. For example, so that no one piece dominates and there is an appealing distribution of content, colors and tones etc. and good distances between works. After that, do a sketch on paper with key parameters, like target heights, centerlines, inter-work and end spaces. These key points and can be marked on the using a pencil mark or small amount of long release time painter's tape.
You can also gather work details in advance (eg. using one of the PDF templates provided below) or by using the built-in data sheet.
Built-in data sheet
Input what you need to, choose the results you want
Remember, all inputs and results are cleared on page change, ie. using blue navigation buttons. Choose the best calculator for your needs before entering data. Then just complete inputs you need, eg. for horizontal or for vertical measurements; or both, and then choose the results you want for your layout.
Have fun!