Our ceiling fan quit this morning. We want to replace it with an identical fan. When you measure the length of the blade to the center of the motor, the measurement is 26"... double this and you would have a 52". Do we buy a 52" fan or is their another way the fan should be measured?

You've got it! The measurement is the diameter (2X blade-to-center), so 52" is the size you want.

Cheers,
WallyH

What make and model is the fan?