Fence Calculator (Posts, Rails & Pickets)

Posts, rails and pickets for a straight run of wood privacy or picket fence.

Formula

Sections = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉; posts = sections + 1 + gates; pickets = ⌈length(in) ÷ (picket width + gap)⌉.

Worked example

Inputs: Fence length = 100 ft; Post spacing = 8 ft; Gates (extra posts) = 1; Picket width = 5.5 in; Gap between pickets = 0 in; Rails per section = 2.

Sections	13
Posts	15
Rails	26
Pickets	219

FAQ

Do local rules apply?

Height, setbacks and permits are set locally and by HOAs; check before building.

Sources

Geometry (volume/area formulas); no external constant needed

Deck Board Calculator

More Exterior calculators

Roofing Calculator (Squares, Bundles & Pitch Factor)

Embed this calculator

Free to embed on your site; please keep the credit link.

<iframe src="https://provenplaza.com/embed/fence-calculator.html" width="100%" height="520" style="border:0" loading="lazy" title="Fence Calculator (Posts, Rails &amp; Pickets)"></iframe>
<p style="font-size:12px">Calculator by <a href="https://provenplaza.com/fence-calculator/">Proven Plaza</a></p>

Last reviewed 2026-10-11.