Fence Picket Calculator

Determine the exact number of boards required for your fence based on picket width, spacing, and total distance.

Picket Specifications

Unit System

Fence Length (ft)

Picket Width (in)

Picket Gap (in)

Waste Factor

Picket Inventory

Counting the boards?

Enter your fence length and picket dimensions to generate a precise quantities list.

Overview

Pickets are the most numerous and visual component of a fence. Getting the count right is crucial for budgeting and symmetry. This calculator handles both solid privacy fences (zero gap) and decorative picket fences, ensuring you don't run out of boards halfway through the project.

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Pro Tips

For a truly gapless privacy fence, overlap the pickets slightly or use 'board-on-board' styling (requires 30-50% more boards).
Include a <strong>5-10% waste factor</strong> to account for splitting, knots, or boards that are warped beyond use.
If installing on a slope, use the 'racking' method for pickets to maintain a constant height from the ground.

Fun Facts

"Standard nominal '6-inch' pickets usually have an actual width of 5.5 inches (14cm)."
"Green treated-wood pickets can shrink by up to 1/4 inch (6mm) as they dry, expanding your gaps naturally."
"Most privacy fences require three horizontal rails to prevent pickets from bowing or twisting as they cure."

Formula: Pickets = (Length × 12) / (Width + Gap)

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