Fence picket calculator
Work out how many pickets and how much rail a fence run needs, including a waste allowance.
Fence picket calculator
Work out how many pickets and how much rail a fence run needs, including a waste allowance.
Enter your fence length and picket width to see the picket count.
Pickets needed
Project summary
How it works
These are material estimates for planning. Actual picket and rail counts vary with fence design, post placement and local code.
Fence picket calculator
Coverage per picket, not just picket width
Each picket takes up its own width plus the gap to the next one, so a fence built with wider gaps needs fewer pickets per foot than one built tight, even at the same picket width. This calculator uses that combined coverage, the same width-plus-gap logic the deck board calculator uses for decking boards.
This is separate from post count
Picket count and post count are two different questions with two different calculators: this one is about the visible fence face, while the fence post calculator works out how many posts and how much concrete the frame underneath needs. Use both together for a complete fence material list.
Frequently asked questions
How many pickets do I need for 100 feet of fence?
At a 5.5 inch picket width with a 0.25 inch gap and 10 percent waste, 100 feet of fence needs about 230 pickets. Narrower pickets or a tighter gap increase the count; enter your own dimensions above for the exact number.
How many rails does a fence need?
Most residential fences use 2 rail rows for shorter fences and 3 for taller privacy fencing, running the full length of the fence. This calculator multiplies your fence length by the number of rows you choose to get total rail footage.
How many pickets do I need for a 100 foot fence?
With standard 5.5 inch pickets and a 3/8 inch gap, you need about 206 pickets for 100 linear feet of fence. The calculator gives you the exact number based on your picket width, gap setting and fence length, plus a waste percentage for cuts and damaged boards.
How wide are standard fence pickets?
Standard dog ear pickets are 5.5 inches wide, which is the actual dimension of a nominal 1 by 6 board. Flat top and other styles may vary slightly. The calculator lets you enter your actual picket width so the count is accurate for the specific product you are buying.
What gap should I leave between pickets?
A 3/8 inch gap is standard for privacy fencing. A larger gap of 1/2 to 1 inch allows more airflow and reduces wind load on the fence. A zero gap creates a solid wall but can trap moisture and cause boards to warp. The calculator adjusts the picket count based on the gap you choose.
Should I use dog ear or flat top pickets?
Dog ear pickets have angled corners at the top and are the most common and affordable style. Flat top pickets have a straight edge and look more formal. The choice is aesthetic, and the calculator counts them the same way based on width and spacing.
How many pickets are in a bundle?
Pickets are typically sold individually or in bundles of 10 to 20 depending on the supplier. The calculator gives you the total count, and you can divide by the bundle size to figure out how many bundles to order. Buying a few extra beyond the calculated amount is wise for future repairs.
Do picket fences need rails?
Yes, pickets are attached to horizontal rails that run between the posts. A 4 to 5 foot fence usually needs 2 rails. A 6 foot privacy fence needs 3 rails. The rails provide the structure that holds the pickets in place. The calculator counts pickets and the related materials separately.