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To effectively evaluate the structural responses, it is crucial to possess relevant knowledge regarding the blast load on the structure. The loading characteristics of two columns differ from those of a single column due to complex flow-field interference. The spacing effect on blast loading characteristics of two tandem rigid square columns is examined numerically and experimentally for different center spacing between the columns (L = 1.2B–12B, where B represents the side length of a column). This includes studying drag characteristics, distribution patterns of reflection overpressure and impulse, and understanding the physical mechanism under blast load. The experimental tests use a shock tube device powered by high-pressure gas, while numerical simulations solve Euler equations using computational fluid dynamics techniques. Our findings reveal that spacing cases can be categorized into four situations: small and medium spacings (L/B = 1.2–2 and 2.5–4), where the upstream column exhibits a significant shielding effect on the downstream column, resulting in the reduced drag coefficient for the downstream column; large spacings (L/B = 5–7), where drag coefficient improves but remains lower than that of a single column; superlarge spacings with negligible shielding effect (L/B = 8–12), leading to similar blast loading for the downstream column compared to a single column. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]