Figure

Roof and stairs

Equal spacing

Calculate occupied width and equal clear gaps, including end gaps, using balusters as the example.1

Clear gaps and on-center spacing are different measurements. First choose a whole number of balusters, subtract their occupied width, then distribute the remaining space across the gaps included in your layout.

Find gaps between balusters

For equal gaps at both ends, there is one more gap than balusters. Check the gap against your project requirement.

Start a new calculation

Use 2nd if a unit is above its button.

  1. Start fresh

    Press Clear entry, then Clear entry.

  2. Press the keys

    Press Select length units.

1. Estimate baluster count

Divide by the desired gap plus baluster width. Choose a whole baluster count before continuing.

  1. Opening length

    Press 156, then inches, then Divide.

  2. Baluster width plus desired gap

    Press 5, then inches, then 1, then Fraction, then 2, then Equals.
  1. Example result28.36364

2. Find occupied width

  1. Baluster width

    Press 1, then inches, then 1, then Fraction, then 2, then Multiply.

  2. Chosen baluster count

    Press 28, then Equals.
  1. Example result42 inches

3. Find remaining space

  1. Opening length

    Press 156, then inches, then Subtract.

  2. Total baluster width

    Press 42, then inches, then Equals.
  1. Example result114 inches

4. Divide among the gaps

  1. Remaining space

    Press 114, then inches, then Divide.

  2. Baluster count plus one

    Press 29, then Equals.
  1. Example result3 and 15/16 inches

Keep in mind

This is a rounded gap, not center-to-center spacing. Include both end gaps when the layout calls for them. The calculator does not choose the permitted gap for your project.

Display assumptions

  1. Fraction precision: 1/16″; Fraction format: Simplified. ↩

Keep the guide beside your calculation.

These examples are built into Figure. Open Help while you calculate, then return to the same guide and reading position.

See Help in Figure →