Home / Fence Calculator

Fence Calculator

Estimate posts, rails and pickets for your fence.

Details

Results

Pickets
Posts
Rails
Sections

Estimates — add extra for waste and confirm with your supplier.

How it works

We divide your fence length by post spacing to get sections (posts = sections + 1), multiply sections by rails per section, and divide the total width by picket width plus gap to count pickets.

Standard: posts every 8 ft, 3 rails for 6 ft fences, and 5½″ pickets with a small gap.

HomeImprovCalc has more free tools

Plan your whole project with our other free DIY calculators.

Good to know

FAQs

How many fence posts do I need?

Divide length by post spacing and add one for the end post.

How many rails per section?

Two for short fences, three for 6-foot privacy fences.

How do I count pickets?

Divide total fence width (in inches) by picket width plus the gap between pickets.

What post spacing should I use?

6–8 feet is typical; closer spacing adds strength.

Should I add extra?

Buy a few spare pickets for breakage and future repairs.