# BalusterPro vs Span Calc

The clearest difference is review sentiment: BalusterPro at 83% against Span Calc's 30%. BalusterPro also leads on rating (4.2 vs 2.9) and chart position (#168 vs unranked). Span Calc's advantage is price (Free vs $2.99) and update cadence (every 10 days vs every 2 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Span Calc is free to download; BalusterPro costs $2.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

BalusterPro holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 2.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 17 and 15 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 83% of BalusterPro's written reviews are positive against 30% of Span Calc's.

BalusterPro ships an update every 2 months, Span Calc every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on September 23, 2026 and August 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | BalusterPro | Span Calc |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | **[4.2 (17 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balusterpro/id304928739/reviews)** | [2.9 (15 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/span-calc/id380481343/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **17** | 15 |
| Positive reviews | **83.1% of reviews** | 29.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months | **Every 10 days** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#168** | — |
| Size | 5 MB | 168 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 14.2 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Greg Gabrio](https://appshunter.io/developer/304928742) | [American Wood Council](https://appshunter.io/developer/380481346) |

## What reviewers say

### BalusterPro

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/balusterpro/id304928739)

**Currently charting:** #168 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app simplifies the calculation of baluster spacing for handrails and other projects requiring equal spacing. It allows users to input dimensions and adjust the number of balusters to meet code requirements, displaying precise measurements on one screen.

**Highlights:** Calculate baluster spacing, Input handrail dimensions, Adjust balusters needed slider, View spacing between balusters, Display centers and edges, Select measurement precision (1/16, 1/32, metric, 1/64), Audio output of measurements

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Time saver for calculations
- 👍 Easy to use for baluster spacing
- ✅ Accurate results
- 🛠️ Versatile for various projects (wainscoting, beams, etc.)
- 💰 Makes money by saving time

**What reviewers complain about**

- ⚠️ Limited angle range (40 degrees)
- 🐌 App is slow
- 튕 Kicks out randomly
- 🔢 Metric input only whole numbers
- 🚫 No option to start with center baluster

**Reported bugs**

- App kicks you out randomly
- App crashes when tapping view tab
- App crashes when clicking on flat run balisters attached

**Requested features**

- Allow angles past 40 degrees
- Loosen angle tolerance
- Update the app
- Add visualization tool
- Option to start with a center baluster


### Span Calc

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/span-calc/id380481343)

Calculate maximum horizontal spans for wood joists and rafters using various lumber species and grades. Compares multiple options for common loading conditions based on NDS® standards.

**Highlights:** Calculates joist and rafter spans, Supports all softwood and hardwood lumber, Uses 2021 NDS® for Wood Construction, Compares multiple species and grades, Handles common loading conditions

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is BalusterPro free?

BalusterPro costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Span Calc free?

Span Calc is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, BalusterPro or Span Calc?

BalusterPro is rated higher. BalusterPro averages 4.2 out of 5 from 17 ratings, while Span Calc averages 2.9 from 15 ratings.

### Do BalusterPro or Span Calc have ads?

Neither BalusterPro nor Span Calc shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, BalusterPro or Span Calc?

BalusterPro ships an update every 2 months, and Span Calc every 10 days. Most recently, BalusterPro was updated on September 23, 2026 and Span Calc on August 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*