Classroom Spacing Calculator - Coronavirus

Calculate safe classroom capacity with social distancing requirements for COVID-19 prevention

Calculate Safe Classroom Capacity

Triangular arrangement can fit more students but is harder to implement

CDC recommends minimum 6 feet between students

Number of students you want to accommodate

Length of area where desks can be placed (excluding teacher zone)

Width of area where desks can be placed

Length of individual student desk

Width of individual student desk

Classroom Capacity Results

9
Maximum Students
With 6 ft distancing
Capacity Analysis
Desired: 25 students
Capacity: 9 students
3 shifts needed
🚨Major capacity reduction required - multiple shifts or larger classroom needed
Area per Student
83.3 feet²
Efficiency
36%
Recommended minimum classroom size for 25 students:
38.7 × 38.7 feet

CDC Safety Guidelines

🧼Maintain proper hygiene with frequent hand washing and sanitizing
😷Use face coverings when social distancing cannot be maintained
🧴Disinfect surfaces and equipment regularly
🌡️Conduct daily health screenings including temperature checks

Example Calculation

Typical Classroom

Classroom Size: 30 × 25 feet

Desk Size: 2 × 1.5 feet

Social Distance: 6 feet

Arrangement: Rectangular grid

Capacity Results

Total space per desk: 8 × 7.5 feet

Desks per row: 30 ÷ 8 = 3

Rows possible: 25 ÷ 7.5 = 3

Maximum students: 9

Spacing Arrangements

Rectangular Grid

Simple rows and columns

Easy to implement and maintain

🔺

Triangular Grid

Staggered honeycomb pattern

More efficient but harder to arrange

Implementation Tips

Mark floor positions with tape for consistent spacing

Face all desks in the same direction to reduce face-to-face contact

Consider outdoor classrooms when weather permits

Implement staggered schedules if capacity is insufficient

Ensure proper ventilation and air circulation

Understanding Classroom Spacing for COVID-19 Safety

Why Social Distancing Matters

Social distancing in classrooms is crucial for reducing the transmission of COVID-19. The 6-foot rule is based on research showing that respiratory droplets typically fall to the ground within this distance.

Implementation Challenges

  • Significantly reduced classroom capacity
  • Need for multiple teaching shifts
  • Increased facility and staffing requirements
  • Need for hybrid learning models

Calculation Method

Rectangular Grid:

Students per row = Floor(Room Length ÷ (Desk Length + Distance))

Rows = Floor(Room Width ÷ (Desk Width + Distance))

Total = Students per row × Rows

Alternative Solutions

  • Outdoor classroom spaces
  • Hybrid in-person/remote learning
  • Use of larger spaces (gym, cafeteria)
  • Extended school day with multiple shifts