Plan railing post quantity and equalized spacing from the total railing run and a maximum permitted spacing.
| Post | Position from Start | Distance to Previous Post | Position from End |
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The calculator treats the entered maximum spacing as a limit, not as an exact spacing. It first determines how many post-to-post spaces are required, then distributes the railing length evenly between those spaces.
This means the calculated actual spacing will normally be equal to or smaller than the maximum spacing entered.
Using the maximum spacing directly can leave a short irregular section at one end of the railing. Equalizing the spaces distributes the posts more consistently along a straight run.
For fabrication planning, the equalized spacing can make marking, drilling, welding and installation easier while keeping the calculated spacing below the entered maximum.
If several railing sides have the same length and spacing requirements, enter their number in the identical railing sides field. The calculator multiplies the per-side post count and space count accordingly.
For layouts with different side lengths, calculate each side separately and combine the quantities.
The standard layout places a post at both ends of each railing side. The calculator therefore uses one more post than the number of post-to-post spaces.
When end offsets are specified, the spacing calculation uses the portion of the railing between those offsets. This can be useful when posts need to be set inward from corners, edges or termination points.
This calculator is intended for preliminary railing layout and quantity planning. It does not determine the structurally required post spacing.
Actual spacing can depend on railing height, section size, span, design loads, connection strength, substrate, anchorage and applicable building or engineering requirements.
How many posts are needed for a 6 metre railing with 1.5 metre maximum spacing?
There are 4 post-to-post spaces, so a straight run with posts at both ends requires 5 posts. The resulting equal spacing is 1.5 metres.
What happens if the run is not an exact multiple of the maximum spacing?
The calculator rounds the required number of spaces upward and then distributes the usable length equally. This keeps the actual spacing at or below the specified maximum.
Does the calculator include both end posts?
Yes. Each railing side receives one post at each end.
Can I calculate multiple railing sides?
Yes. Enter the number of identical sides. The calculator multiplies the per-side quantity.
Can I use millimetres?
Yes. Millimetres, metres, feet and inches are supported.
Does this determine the legally required spacing?
No. It calculates a geometric layout from your specified maximum spacing. Applicable structural and building requirements must be checked separately.
Can this be used for stair railing?
It can assist with preliminary planning, but inclined stairs and complex railing geometry should be laid out from the actual stair dimensions and fabrication drawings.