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Accurately calculate spindle spacing for stairs or decks with our free online Spindle Spacing Calculator. Easy, fast, and code-compliant results.
Whether you're building a deck, staircase, or railing, knowing the correct spindle spacing is crucial. Improper spacing can lead to safety violations or uneven aesthetics. That’s why we developed this easy-to-use Spindle Spacing Calculator — a smart, web-based tool that helps homeowners, carpenters, and DIYers calculate spindle gaps with precision.
This calculator is based on standard building codes and offers multiple spacing methods. It supports both imperial (inches, feet) and metric (mm, cm, meters) units, making it useful for users worldwide.
Spindle spacing refers to the gap between vertical balusters or spindles on railings, staircases, or decks. The spacing must be equal and meet local building codes, which often require that the gap does not exceed 4 inches (100mm) to prevent accidents.
Accurate spacing ensures safety, uniformity, and compliance with building regulations. It also improves the look and balance of your structure.
Our Spindle Spacing Calculator uses three accurate methods to suit different needs:
This method evenly distributes spindles across the entire length. It adds one extra space between the spindles and the end posts.
Formula used:
Spacing = (Distance between posts - (Number of spindles × Spindle width)) ÷ (Number of spindles + 1)
This ensures equal spacing across the entire railing, including the gaps at both ends.
Centered spacing creates equal end gaps and ensures no spindle is too far apart by using a maximum allowed gap (e.g., 4 inches or 100mm).
Steps used:
This layout balances all gaps, making it ideal for modern and aesthetic finishes.
When working with stairs, the angle affects spacing. Our calculator adjusts horizontal spacing based on the stair pitch.
Formula used:
Slanted spacing = cos(Angle in degrees) × Horizontal spacing
Where
Horizontal spacing = (Distance − (Spindles × Width)) ÷ (Spindles + 1)
This ensures safety and balance on staircases where the horizontal distance visually appears shorter.
Using the calculator is simple:
The tool will show your spacing in your selected unit and highlight whether it meets standard building codes.
Our Spindle Spacing Calculator is designed to take the guesswork out of your project. With support for metric and imperial units, and options for even, centered, or stair spacing, it’s the ultimate tool for homeowners and professionals alike.
Whether you're planning a new deck, updating a staircase, or adding railings to a balcony, this calculator ensures you stay within code and maintain perfect visual symmetry.
Avoid spacing errors, rework, or failed inspections. Try our calculator today — it’s fast, accurate, and completely free to use.
You subtract the total width of all spindles from the total distance and divide the remaining space by the number of gaps. For centered gaps, you calculate using unit lengths and end gaps.
Building codes usually require spacing to be 4 inches (100mm) or less to ensure child safety.
On average, you’ll need about 2.5 to 3 spindles per foot, depending on the spindle width and gap.
Yes. Use the Slanted method and input your stair angle to get accurate spacing along the diagonal.
Most codes state that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between any gaps, whether vertical or horizontal.
Absolutely. You can choose between millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), meters (m), inches (in), or feet (ft).