Fence Picket Calculator
Calculate how many fence pickets you need for your project. Supports standard, privacy, and board-on-board fence styles with complete materials list and cost estimates.
Picket Formula
Example: 100 ft with 3.5" pickets, 2" gap: 1200" ÷ 5.5" = 218 pickets (+10% waste = 240)
🪵 Fence Details
✓ Recommended: Add 10% extra for cuts and damage
🪵 Pickets Needed
You Need
241
pickets (3.5" wide)
Calculation Details
Per 8ft Section
~18
Total Coverage
100 ft
💡 Standard (Spaced): Decorative with gaps between pickets
📏 Pickets per 8-Foot Section Reference
| Picket Width | Privacy (0" gap) | Standard (2" gap) | Board-on-Board (1" overlap) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5" (Standard) | 28 | 18 | 38 |
| 5.5" (Wide) | 18 | 13 | 22 |
| 7.5" (Extra Wide) | 13 | 10 | 15 |
* Board-on-board uses approximately 50% more pickets than privacy fencing for the same length.
🏡 Fence Picket Guide
Understanding Fence Styles
Standard picket fences have gaps between boards for airflow and a classic look, typically using 1.5" to 3" spacing. Privacy fences have no gaps, providing maximum privacy and wind blocking. Board-on-board (shadow box) fences alternate boards on both sides of the rails with overlap, offering privacy while allowing airflow and looking good from both sides.
Choosing Post Spacing
Standard post spacing is 8 feet on center, which works well for most residential fences up to 6 feet tall. For taller fences (8 feet) or areas with high winds, reduce spacing to 6 feet for added strength. Each post should be set at least 24-36 inches deep (deeper in cold climates) with concrete for stability. Post height should be 1.5× the fence height to allow for burial.
Material Selection Tips
Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most popular wood choices. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects but costs more. Pressure-treated pine is budget-friendly but requires sealing. For rails, use 2×4 lumber cut to your post spacing length. Always check local building codes before starting - many areas have height restrictions and setback requirements from property lines.
📐 Quick Formulas
Standard/Privacy:
L(in) ÷ (W + Gap)
Board-on-Board:
(L - W) ÷ (W - Overlap) + 1
Posts:
(Length ÷ Spacing) + 1
Post Height:
Fence Height × 1.5
✅ Pro Tips
- Order 10% extra for waste
- Set posts 24-36" deep
- Use 2 bags concrete/post
- Pre-stain before install
- Check property lines first
- Call 811 before digging
Bookmark this page
Press Ctrl+D (⌘+D on Mac) for quick access next time.
Related Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
To calculate fence pickets, convert your fence length to inches, then divide by (picket width + gap). For example, a 100 ft fence (1,200 inches) with 3.5" pickets and 2" gaps: 1,200 ÷ 5.5 = 218 pickets. Add 10% for waste, giving you 240 pickets. For privacy fences with no gaps, simply divide length by picket width.
For 100 linear feet of wood picket fence, expect to pay $1,500-$4,000 for materials and installation. Materials alone (pickets, posts, rails, concrete) typically cost $500-$1,500. A basic 4ft decorative picket fence costs less, while a 6ft privacy fence costs more. DIY installation can save $1,000-$2,000 in labor costs.
Picket fencing costs $15-$40 per linear foot installed, depending on materials and height. Wood picket fences run $15-$30/ft, vinyl $20-$35/ft, and metal/aluminum $25-$50/ft. Materials alone cost $5-$15 per linear foot. Labor adds $10-$20 per foot. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most popular wood choices.
For standard fencing: Boards = Fence Length (inches) ÷ (Board Width + Gap). For board-on-board fencing: Boards = [(Length - Board Width) ÷ (Board Width - Overlap)] + 1. Always round up and add 10% for waste. A 100ft fence with 5.5" boards and 0" gap needs about 218 boards, plus waste = 240 boards.
For an 8-foot (96 inch) board-on-board section: With 5.5" pickets and 1.5" overlap, you need 24 pickets per section. With 3.5" pickets and 1" overlap, you need 38 pickets per section. Board-on-board uses about 50% more material than standard fencing but provides better privacy and looks good from both sides.
Standard picket fence spacing is 1.5" to 2.5" between boards for decorative fences. Privacy fences have 0" spacing (boards touch). Board-on-board fences overlap by 1" to 1.5". Pool fences often require 2" max spacing by code. Always check local regulations before building, especially for pool areas or property lines.
🏡 Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material requirements may vary based on site conditions, fence design, and cutting waste. Prices are approximate averages and vary by location and supplier. Always verify measurements and check local building codes before purchasing materials.