Picket Fence Calculator
Use this picket fence calculator to estimate picket count, spacing, waste, and optional cost. Enter a fence run or section width, then set picket width, desired gap, and waste.
Mode
Fence run
Pickets
200
Even gap
2.51 in
Results
This calculator spaces pickets across a run or section and counts gaps between pickets only. It does not add matching end gaps, posts, rails, concrete, labor, or hardware.
How to use this calculator
- 01Choose fence run or single section/gate mode.
- 02Enter the total fence length or the section/gate width.
- 03Enter the picket width, desired gap, and waste percentage.
- 04Open the cost section and add price per picket if you want a picket cost.
- 05Read the picket count, actual even gap, remaining open space, and pickets to buy.
Understanding the math
The calculator adds picket width and desired gap to get the starting spacing, then rounds the picket count up. After the count is set, it spreads the remaining open space evenly between pickets. It does not add end gaps.
Effective spacing = picket width + desired gap Pickets before waste = run length / effective spacing Pickets to buy = pickets before waste x (1 + waste / 100) Used picket width = pickets before waste x picket width Remaining open space = run length - used picket width Gap count = max(pickets before waste - 1, 1) Actual even gap = remaining open space / gap count
Example: a 100 ft run is 1200 in. With a 3.5 in picket and a 2.5 in desired gap, the effective spacing is 6 in, so the base count is 200 pickets. The pickets use 700 in, leaving 500 in of open space across 199 gaps. The even gap is about 2.51 in.
For a complete wood fence estimate with posts, rails, concrete, and labor, use the Wood Fence Calculator. For post depth or concrete volume per post, use the Fence Post Depth Calculator.
Picket fence quick reference
Use these picket fence values as a starting point, then adjust the calculator to match your material and layout.
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Common picket width | 3.5 in | Use actual picket width, not the nominal board name |
| Common picket gap | 2 to 3 in | Visible space between pickets |
| Example section width | 8 ft | Useful for single section or gate layouts |
| Example run length | 100 ft | Good starting point for a full straight run |
| Default waste factor | 10% | Covers cuts, damage, and layout changes |
| Layout note | between pickets | End gaps are not added to the spacing count |
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate pickets for a fence?
Add the picket width and desired gap to get the effective spacing. Convert the fence run to inches, divide by that spacing, and round up. Add waste after the base picket count.
How many pickets per 8 ft?
An 8 ft section is 96 inches. With 3.5 in pickets and a 2.5 in desired gap, the effective spacing is 6 in, so the section needs 16 pickets before waste.
How many pickets for 100 ft?
A 100 ft run is 1200 inches. With 3.5 in pickets and a 2.5 in desired gap, the base count is 200 pickets. With 10 percent waste, buy 220 pickets.
How do you calculate picket spacing?
Multiply the picket count by picket width, subtract that from the run width, then divide the remaining open space by the gaps between pickets. This page counts gaps between pickets only and does not add matching end gaps.
How much does it cost to make a 250 ft picket fence?
Picket cost depends on picket width, gap, waste, and local price per picket. Enter 250 ft as the run length and add price per picket for the picket-only cost. For posts, rails, concrete, and labor, use the Wood Fence Calculator. Fence Calculator covers a broader fence takeoff.
What gap should I leave between fence pickets?
Many spaced picket fences use a visible gap around 2 to 3 inches. Smaller gaps use more pickets and give more privacy. Wider gaps use fewer pickets and make the fence feel more open.
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