Floor plan symbols
Every standard floor-plan symbol, by trade. The reference for reading a plan.
Floor plans use standardized symbols for trades — electrical, plumbing, HVAC. These conventions vary slightly by region and standard (US AIA, IEC, etc.) but the core set is universal.
In this guide
- 1
Electrical — outlets
Duplex outlet: ⊕ (circle with two slots) — standard wall outlet. Quad outlet: Two duplex outlets stacked. GFCI outlet: Outlet with 'GFCI' label — required in bathrooms, kitchens, outdoor. 220V outlet: Larger circle, often labelled '220' — for stoves, dryers. Floor outlet: Circle with rectangle around it — outlet in the floor.
- 2
Electrical — switches
Single-pole switch: 'S' — one switch, one fixture. Three-way switch: 'S₃' — two switches control one fixture (top and bottom of stairs). Four-way switch: 'S₄' — three switches control one fixture. Dimmer: 'S_D' or 'S_DM'. Smart switch: 'S_W' (Wi-Fi).
- 3
Electrical — fixtures
Ceiling light: Circle with X. Recessed light: Circle with dot. Wall sconce: Half circle on the wall. Ceiling fan: Circle with curved lines. Pendant light: Circle with chain symbol above. Smoke detector: Circle with 'SD'. Junction box: Circle with 'J' or 'JB'. Breaker panel: Rectangle labelled 'PANEL' or 'EP'.
- 4
Plumbing
Sink: Rectangle or oval with faucet symbol. Toilet: Oval (bowl) + rectangle (tank). Tub: Rectangle, often labelled. Shower: Rectangle with X or 'SH'. Water heater: Circle or rectangle labelled 'WH'. Hose bib: Circle with 'HB'. Floor drain: Circle with cross or 'FD'. Shut-off valve: Circle with 'V' or specific valve symbol.
- 5
HVAC
Supply vent (ceiling): Square with X or arrow. Return vent: Rectangle with horizontal lines. Thermostat: Circle with 'T' or 'TH'. Floor register: Rectangle in floor. Wall register: Rectangle on wall.
- 6
Other
North arrow: Arrow with 'N'. Door swing: Quarter-circle arc. Window: Two parallel lines (in wall plane). Stairs: Multiple parallel lines with arrow showing 'UP' or 'DN' direction. Dimension line: Line with arrows at both ends and a measurement label.
- 7
In Room Sketch 3D
All these symbols are available in the Furnish Panel under Symbols (the rightmost tab). Drag any symbol onto the plan to annotate.
Start designing your room
Draw it, furnish it, walk through it in 3D — on web, iOS, and Android.
Open Room Sketch 3DOne-time purchase · No subscription · Web, iOS & Android