How many string lights for a 20x40 tent?
A zigzag of string lights across a 20 × 40 ft tent, crossing every 8 ft, takes about 118 ft of lights with 10% for sag — 3 strands of 48 ft.
How to work it out
- zigzag: 40 ft ÷ 8 ft crossings × √(20 ft² + 8 ft²) = 108 ft + 10% = 118 ft
- 118 ft ÷ 48 ft strands = 3 strands
A 20 × 40 ft tent seats about 40 to 80 guests and is the size most backyard parties and small weddings rent. Lights strung across the inside turn it from a white box into the room everyone remembers.
Adjust for your project
More options: Sag · Strand · Bulbs …
- Length of lights
- 118 ft
- Bulbs (plus about 5% spare, at least 2)
- 76 bulbs
- Separate runs from the outlet
- 1 run
- Extension cord to the outlet
- 15 ft
- Use lights and cords rated for outdoor use, plugged into a GFCI-protected outlet, and keep connections off the ground and out of puddles.
- Lights across open space need support: a guide wire (a steel cable kit) takes the weight so the cord is not doing it, and poles or a sturdy anchor at each end.
Strands by pattern for this space
| Pattern | Strands to buy | Length of lights | Bulbs (plus about 5% spare, at least 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| perimeter | 3 strands | 132 ft | 76 bulbs |
| zigzag | 3 strands | 118 ft | 76 bulbs |
| parallel runs | 4 strands | 176 ft | 101 bulbs |
| center spokes | 4 strands | 164 ft | 101 bulbs |
Three patterns, three answers
| Pattern in a 20 × 40 ft tent | Lights (with 10% sag) | 48 ft strands | Bulbs at 24 per strand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around the edge | about 132 ft | 3 | 72 |
| Zigzag, crossing every 8 ft | about 118 ft | 3 | 72 |
| Straight runs every 8 ft | about 176 ft | 4 | 96 |
| From the center poles (8 spokes) | about 164 ft | 4 | 96 |
A zigzag is the classic look: lights cross the tent from side to side, every 8 ft along its length — five crossings of about 21½ ft each. Straight runs across the width use less cord and give an even canopy; lights around the edge only frame the tent. Tents with center poles lend themselves to spokes: from the top of the poles out to the corners and the sides.
Hanging lights in a rented tent
- Ask the rental company first. Many tent companies install lighting or have rules about what can hang from the frame or poles.
- Weight and wind. Clip lights to the frame or a guide wire; do not hang them from the fabric.
- Power. Three or four strands is well within Enbrighten’s 750 ft linking limit, but check yours; plug into a GFCI outlet with an outdoor cord.
- Spare bulbs. Bulbs break when tents are put up; keep a few spares and a ladder handy.
Sizing the tent: what size tent for 100 guests. The floor beneath the lights: how big a dance floor for 100 guests.
Different size? Use the full String Lights Calculator.
What you’ll need
- Outdoor string lights (48 ft)Mid-range price
Café-style bulbs on a heavy cord for patios and tents. Check the maximum number of strands that can be connected on the label.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab) - Outdoor extension cordBudget price
Rated for outdoor use, long enough to reach the outlet without joining several cords. Plug outdoor lights into a GFCI-protected outlet.
See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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Frequently asked questions
How many string lights for a 10x12 gazebo?
About 48 ft around the edge with sag — 2 strands of 48 ft.
How many string lights for a 20x30 tent?
About 89 ft in a zigzag every 8 ft — 2 strands of 48 ft.
How many string lights for a 30x60 tent?
About 256 ft in a zigzag every 8 ft — 6 strands of 48 ft.
Sources
- Enbrighten (Jasco) — Café lights FAQ (opens in a new tab) — 24 in between bulbs, an 18 in lead from the plug to the first bulb and a 6 in lead-out; 48 ft strands with 24 bulbs; up to 750 ft can be linked; only outdoor-rated lights are safe outside.
- Brightech — Ambience Pro LED string lights, 48 ft (opens in a new tab) — 24 ft (7 sockets) or 48 ft (15 sockets), sockets 3 ft apart; S14 2 W LED bulbs.