Indoor Ceiling Barrier Netting – How to Order/Measure

Many face difficulty when trying to determine the correct size barrier netting panel for proper ceiling coverage. It’s critical to measure correctly and consider any angles that may require extra netting. See our breakdown below on how to measure for the best fit. Additionally, Contact Us if you have any questions (or prefer we do the math).

Measuring Barrier Netting

When ordering barrier netting for a pitched ceiling, one of the first questions is often, "How do I figure out the correct length for the pitched side?" If the span is relatively short, simply get up on a ladder and measure it. However, for longer spans, there is a better way. To avoid using a bunch of mathematical terms, such as "hypotenuse," simply refer to the letter-coded diagram pictured above. First, find the length of the barrier netting represented by the letter c on the diagram. To do so, start by finding the lengths of a and b. To find a, measure the length of the highest point where the net will be hung (x) and subtract the length of the lowest point (typically where your side wall meets the ceiling, or the ‘eave,’ y). B is simply the distance between x and y. Next, plug a and b into the following equation to find the length of your barrier net, c:

a² + b² = c²

Example

Let's try solving the following example: The highest point for the barrier netting to hang is 20′ (x) and the lowest point is 12′ (y). So plug in the x and y values to find a:

x – y = a

20′ – 12′ = 8′

Then, to find the b value, measure the distance in between the x and y. In this example, let’s say the distance is 15′. So if we know that a² + b² = c² then we know that 8² + 15² = c².

(8'×8') + (15'×15') = c²

64' +225' = c²

289' = c²

Finally, solve for the square root of 289 (c²):

c² = 289'

c = 17'

Tip: For extreme barrier netting sizes, consider adding 6-12″ extra, which will make installation easier. For applications requiring an extremely taut appearance, order your netting exact or slightly shorter; just be prepared to use extension links to connect to your wall if it doesn’t reach. To receive an instant quote or to start building your barrier net, visit our Custom Net Calculator. That’s all there is to it! Now your facility will have better netting coverage and less broken lights. Play ball!