Setting out
Equal clear gaps / balusters
- where
- equal clear gap (mm)
- clear opening (mm)
- member count
- member width (mm)
- centre pitch (mm)
Explain this equation
Spaces a fixed number of members, such as balusters or slats, so every clear gap is equal, including the gaps at each end.
W is the clear opening between the end posts and b the width of each member, in millimetres. n is the number of members. g is the clear gap, and p the centre-to-centre pitch.
n members sitting in an opening create n + 1 gaps: one at each end and n − 1 between. The members take up nb, and the rest is shared equally across n + 1 gaps. The pitch is one member plus one gap.
8 × 40 mm members in a 1000 mm opening leave 680 mm across 9 gaps, about 75.6 mm each, at about 115.6 mm centres.
Watch out: this is spacing only. It does not check guarding limits, climbability or strength.
Fit full-width members with equal clear gaps at both ends and between.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Geometric spacing only. Does not check guarding strength, climbability or regulatory opening limits; use the project specification.
Sources
- Geometry / arithmetic
This is a calculation aid, not a structural design or compliance certificate. Every default is an example, not a specification for your project.