Fence Picket Calculator
Estimate how many pickets your fence needs from the clear run, actual picket width and desired gap, then add waste and round to whole pickets to buy.
Fence pickets
See how fence length, picket width, gap between pickets and extra / waste determine the number of pickets to buy.
Enter your project measurements to see the estimate.
Examples and related project steps
Check the worked examples or continue with the next part of your material plan.
Check the method or common questions
Method, formula & assumptions
Fence material planning
Formula: Fence calculations divide each fence run into bays based on your chosen maximum spacing. Multi-side layouts calculate bays per side so direction changes land on posts. Picket calculations use the combined picket width and gap, and gate openings are deducted from the planned fence run.
Worked example: Example: a 64 ft straight run with an 8 ft maximum spacing creates 8 bays and normally 9 posts before gate adjustments. Multi-side layouts repeat the bay calculation separately for each side.
Before you buy: Corners, gates, grade changes and local structural requirements can affect material quantities. Enter each side in the project plan for multi-run layouts, then verify field dimensions, gate locations and local requirements before ordering.
Fence Picket Calculator FAQ
Why can actual post spacing be less than my maximum?
Each run is divided into equal bays so no bay exceeds the maximum spacing you entered.
Does the Fence Calculator include gates?
Yes. Enter the number and width of gate openings under Customize project details. PlanDIYBuild deducts the openings from the planned fence run and includes the gate posts in the takeoff; verify the actual gate framing and hardware before building.
Continue your Fence project
Use the Fence planning hub for related calculators and quick-reference guides.
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