Equal gaps include both ends
Balusters occupy part of the clear opening, leaving gaps between them and at both ends. With n balusters there are n + 1 equal gaps. The count mode finds enough balusters to meet your entered target gap; the spacing mode checks a chosen count.
Measure and calculate
- Measure the clear opening between the bordering posts.
- Enter actual baluster width and the target maximum gap for your layout.
- Check the resulting equal gap and verify any applicable guard requirements independently.
Equal gap = (clear opening − baluster count × baluster width) ÷ (baluster count + 1).
A worked example
- Inputs
- The opening is 72 in, each baluster is 1.5 in wide, and the target gap is 3.5 in.
- Calculation
Count mode gives 14 balusters. Their 21 in total width leaves 51 in across 15 gaps: 51 ÷ 15 = 3.4 in.- Result
- 14 balusters
The example’s actual equal gap is 3.4 in, below the entered 3.5 in target. This arithmetic does not establish code compliance.
Interpret the result
| Output or check | What it means for your project |
|---|---|
| Baluster count | The count is based on the target maximum gap you enter. It is a layout result, not a statement of guard compliance. |
| Equal clear gap: in | Gap mode distributes the remaining clear opening across one more gap than balusters, including the two end gaps. Compare this value with your project requirements. |
FAQs
Why are there more gaps than balusters?
The gaps at both ends count too. Fourteen balusters produce thirteen interior gaps plus two end gaps, or fifteen total.
Is the target gap automatically the legal maximum?
No. It is a user-selected layout input. Check the applicable requirements for the actual guard and location.