# Baluster Calculator Elite vs Stair Stringer

The clearest difference is price: Stair Stringer at $1.99 against Baluster Calculator Elite's $8.99. Stair Stringer also leads on update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 18 months). Baluster Calculator Elite's advantage is rating (4.9 vs 4.7) and ratings volume (359 vs 86). On review sentiment, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Baluster Calculator Elite costs $8.99 and Stair Stringer $1.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Baluster Calculator Elite holds the better App Store score, 4.9 against 4.7. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 359 and 86 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of Baluster Calculator Elite's written reviews are positive against 67% of Stair Stringer's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Baluster Calculator Elite ships an update every 18 months, Stair Stringer every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 23, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Baluster Calculator Elite | Stair Stringer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $8.99 | **$1.99** |
| Rating | **[4.9 (359 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baluster-calculator-elite/id689888381/reviews)** | [4.7 (86 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stair-stringer/id1550828339/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **359** | 86 |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews | **66.7% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 18 months | **Every 5 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#51** | #126 |
| Size | 15 MB | 2 MB |
| Requires iOS | 15.6 | **14.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Cyberprodigy LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/510284906) | [H3 Apps, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/598620927) |

## What reviewers say

### Baluster Calculator Elite

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/baluster-calculator-elite/id689888381)

**Currently charting:** #51 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app calculates precise baluster spacing for handrails, accommodating both flat and sloped surfaces. It provides detailed measurements for installation, including the number of balusters, spacing between them, and marking points. Users can also switch between metric and imperial units for convenience.

**Highlights:** Flat railing calculations, Stair railing calculations, Max baluster spacing input, Baluster width input, Run length input, Unit preference settings (inches, cm, mm)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Saves time and money
- 👍 Accurate calculations
- 👍 Easy to use
- 👍 Helpful for stairs and railings
- 👍 Works perfectly

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Stops at 1/16 inch increments
- 🐛 Error when deleting previous entry
- 🐛 Well out on angled and flat runs
- 🐛 Useless for small spacings (less than 25mm)
- 🐛 Last picket was off

**Reported bugs**

- Stops at 1/16 inch increments
- Cannot delete previous entry
- Errors on subsequent calculations after initial entry
- Inaccurate on angled and flat runs
- Does not allow for spacing less than 25mm

**Requested features**

- Fix 1/16 inch increment issue
- Allow deletion of previous entry
- Add ability to calculate end piece length without manual deduction
- Add option to change baluster measurements from center to before or after
- Add column function


### Stair Stringer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/stair-stringer/id1550828339)

**Currently charting:** #126 Top Paid · Utilities (US App Store)

This app calculates all necessary measurements for building a stair stringer, including risers, run, angle, and length. Easily adjust parameters and switch between Imperial and Metric units. Share your calculated results via email or text.

**Highlights:** Calculates stair risers and run, Determines stair angle and stringer length, Calculates step height and tread depth, Determines the number of steps, Adjustable parameters, Imperial or Metric units, Share results via email/text

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Baluster Calculator Elite free?

Baluster Calculator Elite costs $8.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Stair Stringer free?

Stair Stringer costs $1.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, Baluster Calculator Elite or Stair Stringer?

Baluster Calculator Elite is rated higher. Baluster Calculator Elite averages 4.9 out of 5 from 359 ratings, while Stair Stringer averages 4.7 from 86 ratings.

### Do Baluster Calculator Elite or Stair Stringer have ads?

Neither Baluster Calculator Elite nor Stair Stringer shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Baluster Calculator Elite or Stair Stringer?

Baluster Calculator Elite ships an update every 18 months, and Stair Stringer every 5 weeks. Most recently, Baluster Calculator Elite was updated on September 21, 2026 and Stair Stringer on September 23, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Baluster Calculator Elite or Stair Stringer?

Baluster Calculator Elite currently peaks at #51 in the App Store charts, and Stair Stringer at #126. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*