Spindle Spacing Calculation
Updated: 16/01/2024
Are you planning a new staircase? It is important to ensure you buy the correct number of spindles that are required for your staircase. Use our simple spindle spacing calculator below to find out how many spindles you need to buy depending on your chosen spindle design and the measurements of your stairs and landing.
We also provide a straightforward guide to working out the correct spindle spacing for open tread stairs and landing balustrades. Find out what stair spindles are available from Jackson Woodturners, the number of spindles you require, and the correct spindle spacing for your stairs.
Are you unsure which spindle design to choose? Read our guide to the different types of spindles here.
going of flight (mm)
going of landing (mm)
How to work out spindles for a cut string (open tread) stairs
On a cut string stair case you will need a mixture of both 900mm and 1100mm long spindles. Two spindles sit onto each stair tread, the front spindle is 900mm long and back spindle is 1100mm.
When working out how many spindles are required for a cut string staircase it’s as simple as just counting the steps.
For example: 12 stair treads = 24 spindles in total = 12x 900mm & 12x 1100mm
How to work out spindle spacing for landing balustrades
Where there are no stair treads to guide you and you have a horizontal balustrade across a landing, follow the simple diagram and calculation above to work out the number of spindles you need based on the size you’re using.
As with the staircase balustrade, the maximum spacing between spindles on a landing balustrade is 99mm: a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass between the widest point of the spindles.
Our spindle widths
At Jacksons, we produce stair spindles in the following sizes:
You can find out more about planning a new staircase by visiting our advice centre.
If you’re looking for specific information on spindles, read our guide to spindles here.
If you have any questions at all, please contact the team on 0114 272 1228 or email sales@jacksonwoodturners.co.uk.