Fence Material Calculator
Enter your fence length, post spacing, and picket width to get the posts, rails, and pickets you need.
What your result means
Posts go every 8 ft or so, plus one to close the run; rails are two per section, top and bottom; pickets are the run length divided by the picket width. This is a standard wood picket fence. Add 10% of everything for waste and bad boards, use pressure-treated for the posts since they're in the ground, and stainless screws outlast galvanized.
How to use this calculator
- Measure total fence length.
- Choose post spacing (6-8 ft standard).
- Pick a picket width (4-6 in common).
- Read posts, rails, and pickets needed.
- Add 10% extra for waste.
The formula
Posts are the length divided by the spacing, rounded up, plus one for the end. Rails are two per section. Pickets are the run in inches divided by the picket width.
Worked example
Say you've got a 100 ft fence with posts every 8 ft and 6 inch pickets. That's 14 posts, 26 rails, and 200 pickets.
Fence material reference
| Item | Standard |
|---|---|
| Post spacing | 6 – 8 ft |
| Picket width | 4, 5.5, or 6 in |
| Rails per section | 2 (top + bottom) |
| Waste allowance | +10% |
Tips & gotchas
- Standard picket widths are 4, 5.5, or 6 inches.
- Two horizontal rails per section, top and bottom.
- Order 10% extra of everything for damage and replacement.
- Buy pressure-treated for ground contact, especially the posts.
- Stainless steel screws outlast galvanized.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence pickets do I need?
Use the calculator. For 100 ft with 6 inch pickets, it's 200.
Why two horizontal rails?
One at the top and one at the bottom of the pickets. Standard for a wood fence.
What about a kickboard?
An optional bottom board that keeps the pickets from rotting at ground level.
How much extra should I order?
10% is standard for waste, cuts, and replacement.
Pressure-treated or cedar?
PT is cheapest, cedar is more attractive. Use PT for the posts either way.
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Estimates only — see our full disclaimer.