Fence Calculator
Turn a straight fence run into a transparent material list for posts, rails, and individual pickets with editable layout assumptions.
- Posts for one straight run
- 7
- Total posts with additions
- 7
- Rail linear footage
- 144 ft
- Minimum rail stock pieces
- 18 × 8 ft
- Pickets before allowance
- 97
- Pickets to order
- 102
This estimates one straight, board-covered run. Add gate, corner, and transition posts explicitly; verify every rail joint lands on a post.
Show calculation
base = ceil[(576 + 0.5) in ÷ 6 in] = 97; ceil(97 × 1.05) = 102 picketsTransparent method and editable product assumptions. Verify current labels and project requirements.
How this calculator works
For one straight run, post count divides board-covered length by the entered maximum spacing, rounds up so no bay is longer than that value, and adds the ending post. Gate, corner, and grade-transition posts are entered separately because layouts differ.
Rail linear footage equals run length times the number of horizontal rail rows. Dividing that length by stock length gives a minimum stock count; every real rail joint still needs to land on an approved support and may require additional pieces when offcuts cannot be reused.
Each picket occupies its actual width plus the chosen gap except at the final edge, so the calculator adds one gap to total run length before dividing by the repeating module. It then rounds up and applies one editable picket allowance.
Formula
Pickets = ceil{ceil[(run length + one gap) ÷ (picket width + gap)] × (1 + allowance)}The live substitution appears with your result.Control example: 48 ft straight run
At 8 ft maximum post spacing, the run needs 7 layout posts. Three rail rows require 144 linear feet, or at least 18 pieces of 8 ft rail stock.
With 5.5 in pickets and 0.5 in gaps, the run needs 97 pickets before allowance and 102 pickets after 5% waste.
Assumptions and limits
- The calculation covers one straight, board-covered run.
- Post spacing has already been selected for fence height, wind, soil, product, and local requirements.
- Pickets repeat at one width and gap.
- Rail pieces can be allocated subject to supported joint locations.
Common measuring mistakes
- Including open gate width in the picket-covered run.
- Using nominal picket width instead of actual face width.
- Assuming a linear-foot rail minimum is an install-ready cut list.
- Using this material estimate to choose post depth, footing, wind resistance, or property-line placement.
Sources
Product-specific values remain editable. These sources support the method and stated examples; they are not a universal substitute for your supplier’s current label.
- The Home Depot fence-building guide Explains measuring linear footage, setting a post-spacing plan, using picket width plus gap, and selecting rail rows for the fence design.
- The Home Depot wood fence planning guide Shows a fence material list, separate gates, maximum post spacing, rail rows, and supported rail joints.
Questions people ask
How many fence posts do I need?
For one straight run, divide length by the selected maximum post spacing, round up, and add the ending post. Add separate gate, corner, and transition posts.
How many pickets do I need for a fence?
Divide board-covered run length by actual picket width plus the desired gap, round up, and add the chosen cutting or damage allowance.
How far apart should fence posts be?
This calculator does not choose spacing. Enter the spacing approved for the fence system, height, wind exposure, soil, terrain, and local rules.
Does the fence calculator include gates?
Exclude open gate width from the picket run and enter any additional gate posts separately. Gate framing and hardware require their own product plan.
Does this calculate concrete for posts?
No. Hole geometry, post displacement, depth, soil, frost, and product yield are separate; use the Post Hole Concrete Calculator after those requirements are known.