Nursery capacity calculator
Short answer: a room’s limit is the lower of two numbers. Space: floor area divided by 3.5m² per child under 2, 2.5m² per 2-year-old or 2.3m² per 3 to 5-year-old. Staff: your staff times the ratio, 1:3, 1:5, 1:8 or 1:13. For example, a 40m² baby room fits 11 by space, but needs 4 staff for all 11.
Updated 4 November 2026, using EYFS paragraphs 3.83 to 3.84 (space) and the group ratios, in force from 1 September 2026. For England. A planning aid: Ofsted confirms your registered numbers.
The two rules
| Age | Space per child | Ratio | Children in 50m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | 3.5m² | 1:3 | 14 (needs 5 staff) |
| 2-year-olds | 2.5m² | 1:5 | 20 (needs 4 staff) |
| 3 to 5-year-olds, no teacher | 2.3m² | 1:8 | 21 (needs 3 staff) |
| 3 to 5-year-olds, with a teacher (QTS, EYPS or EYTS) | 2.3m² | 1:13 | 21 (needs 2 staff) |
- Space (EYFS 3.83) applies where indoor activity is the main part of the provision. Using an outdoor area doesn’t let you take more children (3.84).
- Ratios cover all staff working directly with children across the setting. The 1:13 ratio needs someone with QTS, EYPS or EYTS working directly with the children. See EYFS ratios for qualification rules.
- Mixed ages: work out each age group separately, then add them up.
- Ofsted sets the number of children on your registration and can require a higher ratio.
Opening a new setting? See how to open a nursery. Words you don’t know? Try the early years glossary.
Questions
How many children can a nursery room take?
Divide the room’s usable floor area by the EYFS space standard: 3.5 square metres per child under 2, 2.5 per 2-year-old and 2.3 per 3 to 5-year-old. Then check you have enough staff for that number at the ratios: 1:3, 1:5, and 1:8 or 1:13. The lower of the two is your limit, and Ofsted confirms your registered numbers.
What counts as floor space?
The space children use for play and activities. Most settings and local authorities leave out kitchens, toilets, nappy-changing areas, staff rooms, storage and corridors. Ask your local authority early years team how they measure if you’re unsure.
Does outdoor space increase the number of children?
No. EYFS 3.84 says that where the space standards apply, providers can’t take more children because they also use an outside area. Fully outdoor provision such as forest schools doesn’t have to meet the indoor standards.
Do ratios apply per room?
No. Ratios apply across all staff available to work directly with children in the whole setting, though most settings plan staffing room by room. This calculator works one room or age group at a time.
How many children can a childminder look after?
Up to six children under 8, of whom no more than three can be young children, and usually only one under 1. The space standards apply where indoor care is the main part of the provision.
Sources
- EYFS framework for group and school-based providers, dated 13 July 2026, paragraphs 3.83 to 3.84 and the staff to child ratios
More guides: all our guides for nurseries, childminders and schools.
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