Board & Batten Spacing Calculator.
Turn a wall width, actual batten width and desired number of spaces into an equal layout with clear gaps, batten count and repeatable marks.
Set the layout
Choose how many equal open spaces you want across the wall.
Measure the installed face width, not the nominal board size.
Turn this off when the layout starts and ends with an open space instead.
Equal spacing
Enter the wall width, batten width and number of spaces to calculate the layout.
How to calculate even board and batten spacing
The spacing is based on the usable wall width after the battens themselves take up space. The calculator totals the installed batten widths, subtracts them from the wall width and divides the remainder into the number of equal open spaces you request.
That gives the clear opening between batten faces, not just a center-line measurement. The result also includes the center-to-center step and every batten left-edge position for marking the wall.
How many battens do I need?
With a batten at both wall edges, the number of battens is one more than the number of open spaces. If the layout begins and ends with an open space instead, the tool accounts for those outer gaps and uses fewer battens.
Choose the number of spaces based on the look you want, then compare the calculated clear gap with the panel proportions before cutting or fixing material.
Use the actual batten width
Measure the face width of the batten that will actually be installed. Nominal lumber sizes and finished dimensions can differ, and even a small difference repeated across several battens can move the final layout noticeably.
The calculator is for straight, equal spacing across one usable wall width. Corners, outlets, windows and other interruptions may need their own layout decisions before you mark the final positions.
Frequently asked questions
How is board and batten spacing calculated?
The combined batten width is subtracted from the usable wall width, then the remaining width is divided by the number of equal open spaces.
How many battens do I need for a given number of spaces?
If you use battens on both wall edges, you need one more batten than the number of spaces. With open space at both edges, the relationship changes and the calculator handles it automatically.
Should I use nominal or actual batten width?
Use the actual installed face width you can measure. That is the width that physically reduces the open space on the wall.
What is the difference between clear gap and center-to-center spacing?
Clear gap is the open distance from one batten edge to the next. Center-to-center spacing is the distance from the center of one batten to the center of the next.
Can the layout start and end with open space?
Yes. Turn off the edge-batten option and the two wall-edge spaces are included in the equal-gap calculation.
Does this calculate a target gap from the wall width?
This tool starts from the number of equal spaces you want and calculates the exact gap. It does not automatically choose the number of panels from a target approximate gap.
Can I use centimetres or inches?
Yes. The calculator supports both and converts the dimensions when you switch units.