Fencing
Fence Picket Calculator
Estimate fence pickets from fence length, picket width, spacing gap, and waste factor.
Fencing
Calculator inputs
Fence Picket Calculator Results
Results update in your browser as you edit inputs.
Enter project dimensions to calculate material quantity.
Assumptions
- The calculator estimates pickets only, not posts, rails, gates, hardware, or concrete.
- It assumes a straight run with consistent picket width and gap.
- Picket counts are rounded up to whole pieces.
- Any cost estimate uses only the unit price you enter. The site does not provide live, current, near-me, or store-specific material prices.
Formula
- Fence length in inches = fence length in feet x 12.
- Picket module = picket width + gap.
- Pickets needed = fence length in inches divided by picket module.
- Pickets with waste = pickets needed x (1 + waste factor).
Example calculation
Example: 100 ft fence
A 100 ft fence using 5.5 in pickets with a 0.25 in gap needs about 209 pickets before waste and 220 pickets with 5% waste.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting gates and corners change material planning.
- Using nominal board width instead of actual picket width.
- Assuming this includes posts, rails, and fasteners.
FAQ
Does this include fence posts?
No. It estimates pickets only.
Can I use zero gap?
Yes. Enter 0 for the gap, but remember wood can move with moisture.