Computer models of 20 metal railing systems were created and analyzed to determine the lateral distribution of load and the sharing of load between posts in a multispan rail system. Single rail, double rail, triple rail, and picket rail pipe railing systems with two and four continuous spans of 0.9144 m (36 in.), 1.2192 m (48 in.), 1.524 m (60 in.), or 1.8288 m (72 in.) were considered. The resulting distribution of load between the adjacent posts was compared to the design nomograph that currently defines the practice. Trend line equations extracted from this data showed that the different railing types produced varied degrees of load sharing under the same loading conditions. Recommendations for load proportion factors that differ from the current recommendations are provided.