A ceiling fan with more blades provides more air. This is a misconception about ceiling fans.

The truth is, the amount of air a ceiling fan can produce is dependent on several factors, and not only on the number of blades it has.

To determine which is better- 3 blades or 5 blades ceiling fans, we will check on the factors that affect their performance.

Factors Affecting the Ceiling Fan Performance

1. Blade Pitch

Blade pitch pertains to the angle, measured in degrees, where the blade is set. It is also referred to as blade tilt. It plays a vital role in assessing how much air is circulated by the ceiling fan. The surface area of the blade increases if the ceiling fan blade has a bigger degree of angle thus pushes more air. 

On the other hand, if the degree of angle is minimal, instead of the blade pushing the air, the air is cut through it. The level of blade pitch will help the ceiling fan move the right amount of air, not too little and not too much. 

2. Blade Shape

The primary function of the fan blade is to push the air down as producing a downward raft and create a cooler room. The blades can push air up to the fan or downward on the floor. Fan blades are available in various shapes. Some ceiling fans come with metal or timber blades in a rectangular shape. 

For instance, you choose a ceiling with falling pod design. This fan is popular because of its design and less energy consumption. The shape of the blade produces less air. The surface area of the blade is not as flat as the others, and although it moves a considerable amount of air, it will be less as compared to a standard ceiling with a greater blade surface and pitch. 

3. Speed

If a 5 and 3 bladed ceiling fan were to have the same blade pitch, shape and material, and function at the same speed, then the 5 bladed ceiling fan would move more air.

The one with more blades has a great capacity to move more air. But, if the 3 bladed ceiling fan operates at a higher speed as compared to the 5 bladed ceiling fan, it would generate more air movement.

Just imagine the airplanes - they only have 2 propellers, but it could produce enough wind to lift it in the air. The combination of powerful motor and high level of speed can produce a significant amount of air. 

3 Blades vs. 5 Blades Ceiling Fans

The main difference between a 3 bladed and 5 bladed ceiling fan is evident on its looks and personal taste. When it comes to design and aesthetic look, the 3 bladed ceiling fan is more pleasing than the 5 bladed.

However, the 5 blades can generate more wind because the blade to blades distance is nearer, thus the wind it produces is more consistent.

Generally, the more blades the ceiling fan has, the quieter it is and circulates less air. Ceiling fan with more blades can increase the drag on the motor and affects its movement. It's because of this why industrial fans have two or three blades only. They can move more air and go faster, and noise is not much of a problem. 

Ceiling fans for home use usually have four or five blades. Aside from possessing an attractive symmetrical aspect, it’s the 5 blade level where the perfect balance between the noise and amount of air circulated is achieved. 

The blade's design affects how it performs. The pitch and angle of the blade determine the wind flow. 

These days, the difference between the job performances of ceiling fans with less or more blades is less noticeable. The enhancements in the ceiling fan design, balance and blades pitch, and shapes, ensure that fans with an unusual number of blades can perform better. Even if you choose the most number of blades, you are sure it will provide the amount of air you need.

Final Thoughts 

So which is better 3 bladed ceiling fan or 5 bladed ceiling fan? If you are more concerned with the amount of air it produces, the 5 bladed ceiling fan is a perfect option. But if you are looking for a ceiling fan with a smaller silhouette while still providing enough airflow, the 3 bladed ceiling fan is also a good choice too. 

If you are looking for a ceiling fan in a bigger area or on a high raked ceiling, you should consider the above factors. Most of the ceiling fans produced these days focus on their aesthetic standpoint and standard.

Thus providing users with a better option of contemporary and modern designs without affecting its efficiency and airflow.

Updated 30 June 2020.