Standard Heights: Kitchen Counters, Bathroom Stall Dividers, and Ceiling Baffles

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Standard Heights: Kitchen Counters, Bathroom Stall Dividers, and Ceiling Baffles

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Reflected ceiling plans (RCPs), sometimes accompanied by floorplans, are the most commonly used architectural drawings for running lighting calculations. So long as RCPs include ceiling heights, such drawings are sufficient for the bulk of typical lighting calculations. However,  because RCPs and floorplans are 2D horizontal drawings, the height of vertical features is not known unless additional details are provided. Three building components that often lack height information in RCPs and floorplans include: kitchen counters (and any overhead cabinets), bathroom stall dividers, and ceiling baffles. Vela Photometrics applies it’s own standard heights for modeling such features when none are provided.
Counters, Cabinets and Bars
Countertops are often illuminated with accent or task lighting elements and the height of such features can affect calculation results. Common counters include kitchen, bar, and bathroom counters.
When no height information is provided, Vela Photometrics models kitchen counters with a height of 36″ Above Finished Floor (AFF), and models any above-counter cabinets as 24″ tall, mounted 42″ AFF.
Other common counters include bathroom counters and bar top or island seating counters. Vela models bathroom counters as 34″ (ADA-compliant height) and bar/seating counters as 42″.
Because these features are not at the standard workplane height of 30″, and are used for specific tasks, they will often be modeled with their own calc plane.
When no vertical dimensions for counters and overhead cabinets have been provided, Vela uses standard heights.
While this office breakroom's calculations have a standard workplane height of 2.5 feet, the calculations in orange are at 3ft, the height of the counter.
Bathroom Stall Dividers

Bathroom toilet stall dividers can significantly obstruct light. When no dimensions are provided, Vela Photometrics models 58″ tall panels at 12″ AFF.

Urinal stall dividers are typically shorter, and modeled as 36″ tall at 12″ AFF when no other dimensions have been provided.

Bathroom stall panels have a height of 58 inches and are mounted 12 inches AFF unless other dimensions are provided.
Baffles and Similar Ceiling Features
RCPs don’t always include the height of baffles, which often come in cuts ranging from 4 to 12 inches tall. Luminaires are often mounted below or flush with the baffles, so there is no obstruction of direct light and thus their size is of negligible importance. However, some designs call for luminaires mounted within or above the baffles; in such situations, direct light can be obstructed and changing the dimensions of the baffles can affect how so (see example below). Vela Photometrics models baffles as 9 inches tall when no height information is provided.

In the above AGi32 rendering and calculations, the baffles have been modeled to be 4 inches tall.

In this second simulation, significantly different results are realized when the baffles have been modeled to be 12 inches tall. Note that this also decreases uniformity along the wall.

Windows, Curtain Walls, and Glass Wall Partitions

Depending on their proximity to luminaires, windows may significantly affect calculation results.

When their modeling is deemed necessary and no height details have been provided, Vela Photometrics models sills as 36″ AFF, with the window head (top) at 7′-0″ to 8′-0″, depending on ceiling height.

Curtain walls and glass wall partitions are always modeled from the floor to ceiling height, unless any other details have been provided. If any windows are adjacent to curtain walls, their head will also be modeled to ceiling height.

Unlike walls, offfice windows primarily transmit light through them rather than reflect it back into the room. Sometimes, including them in simulation delivers more accurate results (Pexels, 2016).
Conclusion

Vela Photometrics’ standard heights will deliver meaningful photometric data in most scenarios; however, it is recommended that elevation and dimension details are provided whenever possible, particularly when it is known that such components greatly deviate from the values presented.

Updated on November 17, 2025

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