Fence Calculator
Estimate the number of posts, rails, and pickets you need to build a fence of any length, including gates.
Posts
21posts
Sections
19sections
Rails
57rails
Pickets
314pickets
Picket count assumes a 1/4 in gap between pickets for a semi-privacy look — set the gap tighter (edit picket width up slightly) for full privacy fencing.
How the fence calculator works
Fence materials break into three counts: posts (set at regular intervals), rails (horizontal supports spanning between posts), and pickets (the vertical boards attached to the rails).
Formula: sections = fence length ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Posts = sections + 1 + gates. Rails = sections × rails per section. Pickets = (fence length in inches) ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up.
Frequently asked questions
6 to 8 feet on-center is standard for residential wood fencing. Taller privacy fences or areas with high wind loads often use tighter 6-foot spacing for extra strength.
2 rails per section is common for fences up to about 4 feet tall. 3 rails per section is standard for 6-foot privacy fences to keep pickets from bowing.
The post count adds one extra post per gate opening, but hinges, latches, and gate frames aren't included — budget those separately based on your gate width and style.
Total fence length (converted to inches) divided by one picket's footprint — its width plus a small gap. Tighten the gap by increasing picket width slightly if you want a full-privacy fence with no sightlines.