Fence Picket Calculator — How Many Fence Pickets Do I Need?
Enter your fence length, picket width and gap to get the picket count. No sign-up, no data stored.
Pickets needed
How fence picket count is estimated
- Unit width (in) = picket width + gap (gap = 0 for privacy).
- Pickets = ceil(fence length x 12 / unit width).
- Rails = 3 per 8-ft section: ceil(length / 8) x 3.
- Fasteners = pickets x 6 (two per rail x 3 rails).
The classic dog-eared fence uses a gap about 60% of the picket width - 3.5-in gap on a 5.5-in " "picket - which reads as a solid line from a distance while staying neighbor-friendly. Privacy " "layout butts pickets tight and nearly doubles the count. Both are common; the calculator handles " "any combination.
Fence length → pickets reference
5.5-in pickets, classic 60/40 gap (3.5 in).
| Run length | Unit width | Pickets | Privacy pickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 9 in | 67 | 110 |
| 100 ft | 9 in | 134 | 219 |
| 150 ft | 9 in | 200 | 328 |
| 200 ft | 9 in | 267 | 437 |
Last updated: October 2026 · Counts include the end picket. Corner and gate posts are separate; order 5-10% extra for knots and cuts.
Fence picket FAQ
1x4 and 1x6 are the standards. 1x6 (5.5-in actual) is the classic dog-eared fence look; 1x4 " "(3.5-in) is lighter and more open. Cedar and pressure-treated pine last longest against weather.
1/3 of the post height, minimum 24 in for a 6-ft fence. Concrete around the base in a wider " "hole beats a deeper hole - 8-10 in diameter for standard posts. Frost-line rules vary by region, " "so check local code.
8 ft on center is the standard for wood fences; 6 ft for heavier privacy boards. The picket " "count doesn't depend on post spacing, but rail length does - plan both before ordering.
Yes - cedar and pine both gray and check if left bare. Stain or seal within a few weeks of " "installation, including the ends. Pre-stained pickets are worth the small premium for the time saved.
The smooth side of the rails faces the "good" side - usually your yard or the street, " "depending on local fence rules. The "dog-eared" (rough) side faces out in the classic style. " "Some towns require the finished side toward the neighbor; check before building.