No. The output is a nominal clear gap. Building control may also consider tolerances, guarding height, strength, climbability, location and the applicable UK jurisdiction.
Spindle Spacing Calculator UK
Enter your values below to get the result first, then scroll for the full explanation and guidance.
Equal clear gap
89.13 mm8 equal spaces including both ends
Equal clear gap: 89.13 mm (8 equal spaces including both ends)
Subtract the combined spindle width from the clear opening, then divide the remainder equally between the spaces on both sides and between each spindle.
Equal layout geometry
Subtract the combined spindle width from the clear opening, then divide the remainder equally between the spaces on both sides and between each spindle.
Result snapshot
A quick visual read of the values behind this result.
Clear opening1,000 mm
Combined spindle width287 mm
Number of equal spaces8
Recommended next checks
- →Use the actual clear opening between the two end faces, not the overall outside width.
- →Confirm guarding, fixing, tolerances and local building requirements with the responsible designer or building-control body.
- Clear opening
- 1,000 mm
- Combined spindle width
- 287 mm
- Number of equal spaces
- 8
This is a geometric layout result, not confirmation of Building Regulations compliance. England's Approved Document K uses a 100 mm sphere test for relevant guarding used by children under five; other locations and UK jurisdictions can differ.
Try different values to compare results.
Enter the clear distance between the two end faces, the actual spindle width and the number of spindles. The result divides the remaining width into equal clear spaces, including both ends.
Equal clear gap
89.13 mm8 equal spaces including both ends
Equal clear gap: 89.13 mm (8 equal spaces including both ends)
Subtract the combined spindle width from the clear opening, then divide the remainder equally between the spaces on both sides and between each spindle.
Equal layout geometry
Subtract the combined spindle width from the clear opening, then divide the remainder equally between the spaces on both sides and between each spindle.
Result snapshot
A quick visual read of the values behind this result.
Clear opening1,000 mm
Combined spindle width287 mm
Number of equal spaces8
Recommended next checks
- →Use the actual clear opening between the two end faces, not the overall outside width.
- →Confirm guarding, fixing, tolerances and local building requirements with the responsible designer or building-control body.
- Clear opening
- 1,000 mm
- Combined spindle width
- 287 mm
- Number of equal spaces
- 8
This is a geometric layout result, not confirmation of Building Regulations compliance. England's Approved Document K uses a 100 mm sphere test for relevant guarding used by children under five; other locations and UK jurisdictions can differ.
Try different values to compare results.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
About Spindle Spacing Calculator UK
Spindle Spacing Calculator UK helps you work through the main numbers for this topic quickly with a simple input flow and an instant result.
Use the calculator result as a practical starting point, then review the explanation and assumptions on the page if you want more context.
Equal spindle-gap formula
Equal clear gap = (clear opening - spindle count x spindle width) / (spindle count + 1). A 1,000 mm opening with seven 41 mm spindles leaves 713 mm for eight spaces, or 89.125 mm per space.
For relevant guarding in England used by children under five, Approved Document K says a 100 mm sphere should not pass through openings. This calculator does not test the whole guarding system or certify compliance, and requirements can differ by location and UK jurisdiction.
Formula explained
Calculation flow
This calculator is structured for fast UK-focused estimates with clear inputs, repeatable logic, and instant results.
Formula
Input values -> calculation engine -> instant result
How the result is built
1Enter the values requested in the form.
2The calculator applies the configured formula logic.
3The result updates instantly with a breakdown.
4Use the output to compare scenarios quickly.
Example
Example: a 1,000 mm clear opening with seven 41 mm spindles gives eight equal clear spaces of 89.13 mm.
Assumptions
- One straight clear opening, identical spindle widths and equal spaces between spindles and at both ends.
- Opening and spindle width use millimetres; spindle count is a positive whole number.
- The result is layout geometry only. Fixings, tolerances, guarding height, loading, climbability and jurisdiction-specific compliance require separate checks.
Source basis
- UK-focused calculator flow
- Structured input validation
- Instant result breakdowns
FAQ
Common questions
Trust and notes
Assumptions and important notes
This calculator is designed to give a fast estimate using the method shown on the page. Results are most useful when your inputs are accurate and the tool matches your situation.
Use the result as guidance rather than a final diagnosis or professional decision. If the result could affect health, legal, financial, or compliance decisions, verify it with a qualified source where appropriate.
- One straight clear opening, identical spindle widths and equal spaces between spindles and at both ends.
- Opening and spindle width use millimetres; spindle count is a positive whole number.
- The result is layout geometry only. Fixings, tolerances, guarding height, loading, climbability and jurisdiction-specific compliance require separate checks.
Method
UK calculator guidance
Last reviewed
April 17, 2026