Even SpacingHow to space things evenly
Equal spacing means every gap in a section is the same width. Choose the widest gap you allow, then find how many pieces fill the section. Do not space by eye and do not squeeze the last piece in.
Worked example
A length of 96 in needs 7 pieces with gaps of 14.25 in.
(96 − 7 × 1.5) ÷ 6 = 14.25 in
Try your own length
7 pieces, with gaps of 14.25 in.
(96 − 7 × 1.5) ÷ 6 = 14.25 in
Center each piece at these distances from the start:
- Mark 1: 0.75 in
- Mark 2: 16.5 in
- Mark 3: 32.25 in
No fit. At this length the pieces cannot sit with gaps of 14.5 in or less. Try a longer length.
Type a length in inches, for example 48 or 48.5.
The method
- Measure the whole section, in inches.
- Pick the widest gap you allow between two pieces.
- Find the smallest number of pieces whose gaps are no wider than that.
- Divide what is left after the pieces by the number of gaps. When a piece sits at each end, there is one less gap than pieces.
- Mark the center of each piece. The first center is half a piece width from the start. Each next center is one piece width plus one gap further on.
On-center spacing
On center means the distance from the middle of one piece to the middle of the next. It equals the piece width plus the gap. This page uses 1.5 inch pieces, the thickness of a 2x board, and a widest gap of 14.5 inches. That gives 16 inches on center at most.
Sixteen inches is a common choice, not a standard. For studs and joists, the spacing that is allowed depends on the load and the span. Use code maximums or span tables for your project, and check with your building department. The numbers on this page are a method, not an approval.