Fence Materials Calculator
Count the posts, pickets, rails and sections for a straight run of picket fence from its length, post spacing and picket layout. It gives fence contractors a fast material list and helps homeowners check a quote or plan a DIY build.
Free, no sign-up. Runs in your browser; nothing you type is stored unless you choose to email yourself the results.
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Email me these results. We'll send your numbers, plus how to turn this calculator into a lead magnet on your own website.
Three steps, about a minute
Step 1
Enter the Fence length in feet and the Post spacing, commonly 6 or 8 feet.
Step 2
Set Picket width and Gap between pickets in inches; use 0 gap for a tight privacy fence.
Step 3
Enter Rails per section to get Posts, Pickets, Rails and Sections.
How the fence materials calculator works
Sections are fence length ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Posts are sections + 1, since a straight run needs a post at each end. Pickets are the length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up, and rails are sections × rails per section. The default 150 ft run with 8 ft spacing, 5.5 inch pickets, a half-inch gap and 2 rails gives 19 sections, 20 posts, 300 pickets and 38 rails. A 5.5 inch picket is the actual width of a nominal 1×6 board. The math treats the fence as one straight line, so add posts for corners and gates. Gate hardware, post concrete and fasteners are not counted. Check HOA rules, local height limits and property lines before quoting, and call 811 before digging post holes.
| Fence length | 150 ft |
|---|---|
| Post spacing | 8 ft |
| Picket width | 5.5 in |
| Gap between pickets | 0.5 in |
| Rails per section | 2 |
| Posts | 20 |
|---|---|
| Pickets | 300 |
| Rails | 38 |
| Sections | 19 |
Add posts for gates and corners. Check HOA and local height rules before quoting.
Using the numbers like a pro: tips for fence contractors
Order a few extra pickets for every run. Boards with big knots, splits or a bad bow get culled, and a short count stalls the crew on install day.
Walk the line with the customer before quoting. Grade changes, trees and gate locations change the post count, and agreeing on the layout first heads off change-order disputes later.
Quote gates as a separate line item with hardware and extra posts. Gates take more labor than a straight section, and pricing them apart keeps your per-foot rate accurate.
Put a calculator like this on your own website
Fence buyers usually want a ballpark before they let anyone walk the yard. A calculator on your site that counts materials, with an option to get an installed price by text or email, meets that need and captures their address up front. Ask about fence height, material and gates in the form so your estimator arrives with the right samples.
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Fence Materials Calculator questions
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
With 8 ft spacing, a straight 100 ft fence has 13 sections (12.5 rounded up) and needs 14 posts. With 6 ft spacing it has 17 sections and needs 18 posts. Add a post for each corner and gate, and confirm where the run starts and ends against the property line.
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
Divide 12 inches by the picket width plus the gap. A 5.5 inch picket with a half-inch gap takes up 6 inches, so you need 2 pickets per foot. With no gap, 5.5 inch pickets need about 2.2 per foot. Add a few extra to cover culls.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Wood fence posts are usually set 6 to 8 feet apart on center. Eight feet is common for standard picket and privacy fences, while closer spacing suits heavier boards, windy sites or taller fences. Vinyl, aluminum and panel systems have their own spacing, so follow the manufacturer's spec.
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