LifeTally
Equal spacing and point count calculator
How many equal gaps include both ends without exceeding my maximum spacing?
Find the fewest equal gaps along a straight segment, the total points including both ends, interior points and actual gap.
Your segment and spacing limit
Use centimetres for both values. Length may be 0; maximum gap must be positive. Fractions are allowed. The limit is your own choice, not a recommended installation spacing.
How the estimate works
For positive length L and maximum gap S, choose the smallest whole n for which n × S reaches or exceeds L: round L ÷ S upward. Use n + 1 points including both ends and n − 1 interior points. The actual equal gap is L ÷ n; positions are i × L ÷ n from i = 0 to n. This redistributes the gap to reach both ends, rather than stepping repeatedly by S.
L > 0: n = ceil(L ÷ S)
P = n + 1; I = n − 1; d = L ÷ n
(n − 1)S < L ≤ nS
xᵢ = iL ÷ n, i = 0…nOne straight segment and point centres only. No object widths, edge clearances, margins, slopes, turns, loops, joined runs, shared corners or existing supports. No load, strength or fastening design. Your maximum is not a structural, fence, planting or construction recommendation. This does not guarantee safe installation or physical fit. Exact fractions describe the chosen geometry; use appropriate real measurements and design requirements.
OpenStax: meaning of rounding upward (English) ↗Check the filled example
Chosen example: length 1000 cm, own maximum 300 cm. Four equal gaps of 250 cm need 5 total points, of which 3 are interior: 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 cm. Three gaps could cover at most 900 cm. These are example inputs, not a recommended spacing.
Accepted input values
- Segment length, cm
- 1000
- Your maximum gap, cm
- 300
Plan the next step
Have the length or limit in another unit? Convert both to centimetres first, then use the converted values here.
Convert length units →