Gallery Wall Spacing Planner
Preview a centered horizontal row of equal-width picture frames before putting holes in a finished wall. This tool plans visible frame edges and centerlines only; it cannot rate hooks, adhesives or anchors.
Worked 120-inch wall example
For four frames that measure 16 inches wide, with a 4-inch gap between frame edges, the grouping uses 4 × 16 + 3 × 4 = 76 inches. Center it within 120 inches: (120 − 76) ÷ 2 = 22 inches on either side. Frame centers from the left edge of the wall are at 30, 50, 70 and 90 inches. These positions are visible-frame centerlines, not drill-hole coordinates. The measured distance from the top of each frame to its actual hanger must be checked separately.
The complete gallery wall and anchor guide explains how to distinguish a spacing plan from a load-bearing mounting plan. For patched or abandoned holes, see how to repair small drywall holes before repainting.
Before choosing a hanger or drilling
Lay out full-size paper templates with painter's tape first. A suitable hanger must match the real wall substrate, frame weight, hardware attachment points and manufacturer's instructions. Anchors for hollow drywall do not automatically apply to plaster or masonry. Do not use this spacing calculation to mount cabinets, televisions, shelves, furniture restraints or heavy objects; those need a separate rated hardware and substrate assessment. For practical background on picture-hanging methods and concealed services, read Lowe's illustrated hanging guide.
Turn a centered group into accurate fixing marks
Four frames with outside widths of 16 inches and three four-inch gaps form a 76-inch-wide group: 4 × 16 + 3 × 4. Center that group on a 120-inch clear wall and each side has 22 inches left.
Those numbers locate the outside edges of the frames. They do not locate a nail, hook or screw. A frame's hanger may sit below its top edge, and a hanging wire can change position under load. Mixed frame sizes need their own measured outlines rather than a repeated equal-width assumption.
Check before the next step
Arrange paper templates using the outside-frame marks, then measure each loaded hanger offset separately. Match the fixing to the wall material, frame weight and product instructions.