Target center height
Diagram showing the wall with the desired artwork center height marked.
Picture Hanger Height Helper
Two quick measurements and you'll know exactly where the nail goes.
Need a step-by-step walkthrough? See the Wirecutter guide .
The 57–60 inch rule
How high should I hang my frame?
Aim to keep the center of your artwork 57–60 in above the finished floor—that falls right around average eye level, so pieces feel grounded without floating too high.
- Use a tape measure to mark 57–60 in from the floor; that mark is where the artwork center belongs.
- Lean toward 60 in (152 cm) for large pieces or tall ceilings, and closer to 57 in (145 cm) in hallways or when you want a cozier sightline.
- Once the center height is set, plug your frame height and hanger drop into the calculator below to nail the hook at the exact spot.
Locking in that eye-level center first answers the “how high should I hang my frame?” question, and the calculator handles the final nail height for you.
Measurements
Frame height
Diagram showing the overall frame height measurement.
Anchor drop
Diagram showing the hanger drop distance from the frame top to the nail.
Nail height
Enter your measurements
We'll show the top and bottom of the frame once you add your numbers.
How to use the Frame Hanging Height Calculator
Set your desired center height from the floor, enter your frame height, and add the hanger offset (wire stretch or sawtooth distance from the top). The result is the nail height from the floor.
Worked example
For a 24×18 in frame with a wire offset of 2 in and a desired center height of 57 in: nail height = 57 + (24 / 2) − 2 = 67 in.
FAQ
What is the 57-inch rule?
It’s a common guideline that places the center of artwork around 57 inches from the floor, roughly average eye level. You can pick 57–60 inches depending on the space.
Wire vs. sawtooth hangers
Wire hangers have an offset because the wire stretches when hung; sawtooth hangers have a fixed distance from the frame’s top. Use that distance as the offset value.
Recommended Hanging Tools
A few inexpensive helpers that make measuring, leveling, and securing frames easier.
Hand-picked, used in real projects.
Damage-free hanging
Command Large Picture Hanging Strips
Reliable strips that keep lighter frames steady without touching paint or plaster.
Shop on AmazonFast leveling
Stanley 8″ Torpedo Level (42-294)
Compact magnetic level with clear vials so you can align the frame and nail in a glance.
Shop on AmazonWire kits
Picture Hanging Wire Kit
Everything needed for heavier art: braided wire, D-rings, and ferrules in a single kit.
Shop on AmazonSecure anchors
Drywall Anchors & Screws Assortment
Assorted anchors cover anything from small frames to mirrors when a stud isn’t available.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.