Edge-to-Edge vs. Center-to-Center Spacing

Two Ways to Measure a Path

When reading landscaping tutorials or ordering materials, you will frequently encounter two different terms for spacing: Edge-to-Edge and Center-to-Center. Mixing these two measurements up can result in a path that is either impossible to walk on or looks entirely disproportionate. Here is how to understand the difference.

Center-to-Center Spacing (The Stride)

Center-to-center spacing is an ergonomic measurement. It measures the distance from the exact middle of one stone to the exact middle of the following stone. This measurement represents the human walking stride.

Why it matters: Your center-to-center spacing should almost always remain fixed (usually around 24 inches for adults) regardless of how large or small your physical stones are. If you switch from 12-inch pavers to 18-inch pavers, your center-to-center stride should stay exactly the same.

Edge-to-Edge Spacing (The Gap)

Edge-to-edge spacing is a physical material measurement. It measures the empty dirt, grass, or gravel gap between the back edge of one stone and the front edge of the next.

Why it matters: This gap is highly dependent on your stone size. If you keep a standard 24-inch center-to-center stride, but use very large 20-inch stepping stones, your edge-to-edge gap will be a tiny 4 inches. If you use small 12-inch stones with the same stride, your gap grows to 12 inches. You need the edge-to-edge measurement to know how much filler material (like mulch or creeping thyme) to buy.

Converting Between the Two

Calculating the relationship between these two measurements requires accounting for the exact length of your stones. To toggle between them instantly and see how different stone sizes affect your garden's aesthetic, try our Stepping Stone Spacing Calculator.