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Fence Picket Calculator
Quick answer: For side-by-side pickets, divide the fence length in inches by picket width plus gap. For board-on-board, boards overlap on two layers, so divide the length in inches by picket width minus the overlap per edge. Add 10% for waste. Enter your actual board width, because nominal 6 in boards usually measure about 5.5 in.
How it works
Side-by-side: pickets = length × 12 ÷ (width + gap). Board-on-board: front and back layers stagger so each board overlaps its neighbours, and the count works out to length × 12 ÷ (width − overlap). A 1 in overlap on 5.5 in boards means about 2.7 boards per foot instead of 2. Waste covers splits, knots and cuts at slopes and gates.
Worked example
Figures below are illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Assumptions: 100 ft, 5.5 in boards, 10% waste. Side-by-side with 0.5 in gap: 220 pickets. Board-on-board with 1 in overlap: 294 pickets. That 34% jump is why board-on-board fences cost more in materials.
FAQ
Does it count rails and posts?
No — use the fence calculator.
What gap should I use?
Smaller gaps add privacy; wood shrinks, so ask your supplier about seasonal movement.
Do I need stain?
See the fence stain calculator.
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