It depends upon the light pattern the fixtures you select project.

It really depends on the type of lamp used and wattage.

It also depends on whether the lighting is intended to be task lighting for working in the island, or simply decorative accent lighting.

Can you give us this information?

I also just discovered that my sink/faucet are not perfectly centered on the range hood. Also, the sink is not perfectly centered in the island (off about 1/2”).

Should I place the center pendant so that it is perfectly centered on the range hood? Or should It be centered on the sink... or should I just center the pendant directly over the midpoint of the island even if that is not exactly centered on either the hood or sink.

Kitchen is pretty much a symmetrical design so not sure what do so here.

The lighting is task lighting.

The alignment is not a serious issue. The electrician won't get it exactly right either.

haha RES. my electrician was AWESOME, but this was one thing he goofed on.

And advice on your question, my island is 145" and I have 12" lights centered the way you plan. They look great.

Assuming a 12" pendant light throws a wide beam I think you should stick with your original one third spacing. Internet standards are pretty much meaningless. Of course, it would help if you showed us the fixture.

Most pendant lights are not very good for task lighting so I try to avoid them over islands The last time I had to use pendants I added two 1" LED pin spor=t between the fixtures for task lighting.

Ok so electrician measured and the sink and range hood are pretty much both centered. So now only question is spacing. Sounds like dividing in thirds is a good option. thanks!

What you should do is place the pendants absolutely centered on the island but place them 1/3 of the way in from the seating area.

Then place a high hat directly above your sink for good task lighting. That's what I did and it works beautifully. Those sitting at the island get good lighting and you working at the sink get good lighting and no one will ever notice if it's slightly off because no one ever stands exactly dead center looking.

bisect it into thirds. then pick someithink about half the width of the measurement