A finial is a decorative post, spire, or sculpted element which stands vertically along a ridge or at the edge of a plane. Finials are usually repeated elements, and are normally small in comparison with architectural spires. Sculpted elements which recur in a pattern without variation are more likely to be classified as finials than sculptures.

Finials are commonly repeated and small relative to architectural spires. Repetition is usual but is not mandatory for every finial.

Sculpted pieces repeated without variation tend to be finials. A distinct sculpture has its own top-element definition and authorship conditions.