I generally use about 7 to get up the tree and a couple extra at the top to make it easy to get in the stand. Also something that helps me space them is that I put one in the bottom a little higher than the knee and then one at about chest level. Then each time you take a step up place one about chest level and your stride/spacing should be about perfect. Also, don't be afraid to place them closer together because when it gets cold and you have all your gear on, it's tougher to make long steps.