Fence Calculator

Posts, rails and pickets for a straight wood fence run from its length, post spacing and picket width and gap, with waste and total cost.

8 ft is standard (rails come in 8 ft lengths); use 6 ft for tall or windy sites.
Typically 2 rails for fences up to 4 ft, 3 for 5–6 ft privacy fences.
A nominal 1×6 picket is 5½ in wide.
0 for a solid privacy fence (boards shrink a little as they dry).
%
$per post
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$per rail
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$per picket
Your rate is remembered on this device.
Pickets (incl. waste)
220 pickets
Posts
14 posts
Rails
39 rails
Sections (bays)
13
Estimated material cost
$1,182.00
Excludes gates, post concrete, fasteners and labor. Add one post per extra corner or gate.

Estimate generated with SortedSums: https://sortedsums.com/fence-calculator/. For informational purposes only; verify before relying on it.

Estimate only. This tool is for informational and educational purposes. Results depend on your inputs and simplifying assumptions, and are not a substitute for professional engineering, design or financial advice. Always verify with a qualified professional and applicable codes before purchasing, building or making decisions.

How it’s calculated

Sections = ⌈ length ÷ post spacing ⌉ Posts = sections + 1 (straight run) Rails = sections × rails per section Pickets = ⌈ length ÷ (picket width + gap) × (1 + waste%) ⌉

Example: 100 ft of fence with posts 8 ft apart → ⌈12.5⌉ = 13 sections, 14 posts and 13 × 3 = 39 rails. 5½ in pickets with ¼ in gaps: 1,200 in ÷ 5.75 in = 208.7, plus 5% → 220 pickets.

Lumber is sold by nominal size; a 1×6 is actually ¾ × 5½ in, so always enter the actual picket width.

Frequently asked questions

How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?

With 8 ft spacing, 13 sections need 14 posts for a straight run. Each corner, end or gate adds a post.

How many pickets for an 8 foot section?

96 in ÷ (5.5 in + gap). Butted tight that is about 17.5, so 18 pickets; with ¼ in gaps about 17.

How far apart should fence posts be?

Usually 6–8 ft on center. 8 ft matches standard rail lengths; tall privacy fences in windy areas often use 6 ft.

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Sources

Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.

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