This free board and batten spacing calculator gives you equal gaps and exact marks for your wall. Enter your wall width and height and your batten width. Then either pick how many vertical battens you want or give a target gap, and the calculator works out the exact equal spacing, the mark for every batten, optional horizontal rails for a grid look, and how many boards to buy.
How to use the Board and Batten Spacing Calculator
- Choose your unit and enter the wall width and the height to be covered.
- Enter the batten width.
- Space by the number of vertical battens (including both ends) or by a target gap.
- Add horizontal rails and the board length you buy, then press Calculate layout.
Measure the wall at the top and bottom before using the board and batten spacing calculator, and enter the smaller width. For other uses of battens in building, see Wikipedia’s batten article.
Board and batten spacing formula
This assumes a batten at each end of the wall, which is the most common look. If the wall ends at a corner with trim, measure between the trims instead.
Popular spacing
- 12–16″ gaps: classic farmhouse look on accent walls.
- 6–10″ gaps: a denser, modern look, and a good fit for narrow walls and stairs.
- Grid (vertical plus horizontal): square or rectangular boxes, common in entryways and nurseries.
Materials checklist
- MDF or pine strips (1×3, 1×4 or ripped plywood), plus a top ledge board if you want a shelf rail
- Construction adhesive and 2″ brad nails
- Caulk, wood filler, primer and paint (satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning)
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should board and batten be?
Most accent walls use gaps of 12–16 inches, but anything from 6 to 24 inches works. Pick an odd number of gaps or battens that divides the wall evenly, and use the calculator to get the exact spacing.
How do I calculate board and batten spacing?
Subtract the total width of all battens from the wall width, then divide by the number of gaps (battens minus one). For example, a 120″ wall with seven 3.5″ battens gives (120 − 24.5) ÷ 6 = 15.92″.
Should battens go on the ends of the wall?
Usually yes. End battens frame the wall and hide the corners. The calculator includes them in the count.
How many boards do I need?
The calculator totals the vertical and horizontal pieces, adds 10% for cuts and mistakes, and converts that to boards of the length you buy.
How do I space battens for a target gap?
Gaps = (wall width − batten width) ÷ (target gap + batten width), rounded to a whole number. Then find the exact gap: (wall width − battens × batten width) ÷ gaps. On a 120 in wall with 3.5 in battens and a 16 in target, you get 6 gaps, 7 battens and exact gaps of 15.9 in.
How should a board and batten layout handle windows and outlets?
Start from the centre of a window or the main focal point and work outwards, so the gaps look even where people look. Small changes of up to about 1/2 in in the gap are rarely noticeable.
What batten width looks best?
Most board and batten walls use 2.5 to 3.5 in (6–9 cm) battens. Narrow strips suit small rooms and short walls; wider battens suit tall walls and exteriors. Gaps of 12 to 18 in (30–45 cm) are the most common.
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Results are estimates for general information. Check critical decisions with a qualified professional.