Fence Picket & Post Calculator

Posts, sections and pickets for a straight fence run.

How it’s calculated

Sections = length ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Posts = sections + 1 (one straight run, no gates). Pickets = length × 12 ÷ (picket width + gap) × (1 + waste%), rounded up.

A nominal “1×6” picket is typically 5.5 in actual width — measure yours. Rails: commonly 2–3 per section; check your design and local code.

Worked examples

100 ft run, 8 ft spacing, 5.5 in pickets, no gap: 12.5 → 13 sections, 14 posts; 1200 ÷ 5.5 = 218.2 → 219 pickets (230 with 5%).

Same run with 2 in gaps: 1200 ÷ 7.5 = 160 pickets (+5% = 168).

Waste factor

5% covers split or warped boards (rule of thumb). Add one post per corner/end and two per gate when your run isn’t a single straight line.

FAQ

Corners and gates?

Calculate each straight side separately; shared corner posts are counted once.

How deep do posts go?

Depends on frost line and local code — check your building department.

Shadowbox fences?

Pickets overlap on both sides; calculate each side and add.