Baluster Calculator
How to use the baluster calculator?
We have a rule that our tools should be as simple and intuitive as possible, so you are sure to find using the baluster calculator quick and easy! Follow this set of rules, and you will have the number of spindles calculated in no time.
- Start by inputting the length of your railing.
- The next step is to provide the baluster calculator with the number of posts.
- Next, input the width of a single post.
- Put in the width of a single baluster. If the balusters you chose have an irregular shape, input the width of the widest part.
- The last step is to put in the baluster spacing. Remember that the maximum spacing allowed in most areas around the world is 4″/99mm! In some cases, it might even be less, so make sure to check the construction regulations for your area before beginning your calculations. If the declared baluster spacing is too big, the calculator will inform you about it.
With all these values, the baluster calculator will return the number of balusters you will need for your project.
Baluster calculator formulas & example
The baluster calculator is a real time-saver, but we understand that you might be in the mood to do the math yourself. To do so, use the following formula:
number of balusters needed = (railing length - (number of posts × single post's width)) / (baluster width + baluster spacing)
Remember to round the result up!
Now, let’s go through an example to illustrate just how simple the process is. For clarity’s sake, we will break the equation down into smaller parts.
Let’s say that we want to build a railing that:
- Is 20 feet long.
- Has 5 posts that are 2 inches wide.
- Will be made out of 2-inch-wide balusters.
- Has 3 inches of baluster spacing.
With these numbers, the calculations will be as follows:
railing length - (number of posts × single post's width) = 20' - (5 × 2") = 240" - 10" = 230"
baluster width + baluster spacing = 2" + 3" = 5"
number of balusters needed = 230" / 5" = 46