What is the Fence Picket Calculator?

The Fence Picket Calculator is a free online tool that helps you perform construction calculations quickly and accurately. Simply enter your values and get instant results.

How do I use the Fence Picket Calculator?

Enter the required values in the input fields, select your preferred units if applicable, and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The interface is designed to be intuitive and easy to use.

Is the Fence Picket Calculator free to use?

Yes, the Fence Picket Calculator is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or limitations on the number of calculations you can perform.

Can I use the Fence Picket Calculator on mobile devices?

Yes, the Fence Picket Calculator is fully responsive and works seamlessly on all devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

How accurate is the Fence Picket Calculator?

The Fence Picket Calculator uses precise mathematical formulas and algorithms to ensure accurate results. However, always verify critical calculations with professional standards or consultants when needed.

Fence Picket Calculator

Calculate the exact number of fence pickets needed for your project. Supports all fence styles including privacy, shadowbox, and board-on-board.

Calculate Fence Pickets

Total Fence Length (feet)

Fence Style

Solid fence with no gaps between pickets

Picket Width (inches)

Picket Height (inches)

Gap Between Pickets (inches)

No gap for privacy fence

Picket Top Style

Waste Percentage (%)

10% recommended for defects/mistakes

Pricing

Picket Price ($)

Price Unit

Pickets Needed

219

Base Count

241

With Waste

Bundles (6/pk)

1446.0

Linear Feet

723.0

Board Feet

$843.50

Total Cost

$8.44

Per Lin Ft of Fence

Standard Fence Picket Sizes

Nominal Size	Actual Width	Common Heights	Best For
1×4	3.5"	3ft, 4ft	Decorative, picket fences
1×6 ★	5.5"	4ft, 6ft, 8ft	Privacy, semi-privacy (most common)
1×8	7.25"	6ft, 8ft	Wide board privacy
5/4×6	5.5"	6ft, 8ft	Premium, thicker boards

★ Most common size for residential fence construction

Fence Style Material Requirements

Privacy (No Gap)

Solid fence with no gaps between pickets

×1 pickets

Semi-Privacy

Small gaps between pickets for airflow

×1 pickets

Picket Style

Traditional look with equal gaps

×1 pickets

Shadowbox (Good Neighbor)

Alternating boards on each side

×1.5 pickets

Board-on-Board

Overlapping boards for full privacy

×1.33 pickets

Picket Top Styles

Flat Top

No extra waste

Dog Ear

No extra waste

Pointed (Gothic)

+5% waste

Round Top

+5% waste

French Gothic

+8% waste

Decorative tops may require cutting, which increases waste percentage.

Formulas Used

Basic Picket Count

Pickets = (Fence Length × 12) ÷ (Picket Width + Gap)

For privacy fences, gap = 0

Style Adjustment

Adjusted Pickets = Base Pickets × Style Multiplier

Shadowbox: ×1.5, Board-on-Board: ×1.33

Total with Waste

Total Pickets = Adjusted Pickets × (1 + Waste%/100)

10% waste is standard, add more for decorative tops

Linear Feet

Linear Feet = Total Pickets × (Picket Height ÷ 12)

Useful for pricing by the foot

Tips & Best Practices

💡

Buy in Bundles: Pickets are often sold in bundles of 6. Round up to complete bundles for better pricing.

💡

Check Quality: Inspect pickets before purchase. Reject warped, split, or damaged boards.

💡

Allow for Shrinkage: Green wood shrinks. If using green pressure-treated wood, install with no gap as it will develop naturally.

💡

Consistent Spacing: Make a spacing jig from scrap wood to ensure even gaps between pickets.

💡

Pre-stain if Possible: Staining pickets before installation provides better coverage, especially on edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pickets per linear foot of fence?▼

For a standard 6ft privacy fence with 5.5" wide pickets and no gap, you need approximately 2.2 pickets per linear foot (12" ÷ 5.5" = 2.18). With gaps or different widths, this number changes accordingly.

What's the difference between 1×6 and 5/4×6 pickets?▼

1×6 pickets are 3/4" thick (actual) while 5/4×6 are 1" thick (actual). The thicker 5/4 boards are more durable and less prone to warping but cost about 25-30% more.

Should I use dog-ear or flat-top pickets?▼

Dog-ear is the most common and economical choice. Flat-top creates a more modern look but may retain water on top, potentially reducing lifespan. Pointed tops shed water best but cost more.

How do I calculate pickets for a shadowbox fence?▼

Shadowbox fences have pickets on alternating sides of the rails, overlapping in the center. Use 1.5× the normal picket count, or calculate each side separately with 3-4" overlap.

What waste percentage should I use?▼

Use 10% for most projects to cover defects, cutting errors, and damaged boards. Add 5% more for decorative tops that require cutting. For large projects (500+ feet), 8% may be sufficient.

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Nominal Size

Actual Width

Common Heights

Best For

1×4

3.5"

3ft, 4ft

Decorative, picket fences

1×6 ★

5.5"

4ft, 6ft, 8ft

Privacy, semi-privacy (most common)

1×8

7.25"

6ft, 8ft

Wide board privacy

5/4×6

5.5"

6ft, 8ft

Premium, thicker boards

Fence Style Material Requirements

Privacy (No Gap)

Solid fence with no gaps between pickets

×1 pickets

Semi-Privacy

Small gaps between pickets for airflow

×1 pickets

Picket Style

Traditional look with equal gaps

×1 pickets

Shadowbox (Good Neighbor)

Alternating boards on each side

×1.5 pickets

Board-on-Board

Overlapping boards for full privacy

×1.33 pickets

Formulas Used

Basic Picket Count

Pickets = (Fence Length × 12) ÷ (Picket Width + Gap)

For privacy fences, gap = 0

Style Adjustment

Adjusted Pickets = Base Pickets × Style Multiplier

Shadowbox: ×1.5, Board-on-Board: ×1.33

Total with Waste

Total Pickets = Adjusted Pickets × (1 + Waste%/100)

10% waste is standard, add more for decorative tops

Linear Feet

Linear Feet = Total Pickets × (Picket Height ÷ 12)

Useful for pricing by the foot

Tips & Best Practices

💡

Buy in Bundles: Pickets are often sold in bundles of 6. Round up to complete bundles for better pricing.

💡

Check Quality: Inspect pickets before purchase. Reject warped, split, or damaged boards.

💡

Allow for Shrinkage: Green wood shrinks. If using green pressure-treated wood, install with no gap as it will develop naturally.

💡

Consistent Spacing: Make a spacing jig from scrap wood to ensure even gaps between pickets.

💡

Pre-stain if Possible: Staining pickets before installation provides better coverage, especially on edges.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pickets per linear foot of fence?▼

What's the difference between 1×6 and 5/4×6 pickets?▼

1×6 pickets are 3/4" thick (actual) while 5/4×6 are 1" thick (actual). The thicker 5/4 boards are more durable and less prone to warping but cost about 25-30% more.

Should I use dog-ear or flat-top pickets?▼

Dog-ear is the most common and economical choice. Flat-top creates a more modern look but may retain water on top, potentially reducing lifespan. Pointed tops shed water best but cost more.

How do I calculate pickets for a shadowbox fence?▼

Shadowbox fences have pickets on alternating sides of the rails, overlapping in the center. Use 1.5× the normal picket count, or calculate each side separately with 3-4" overlap.

What waste percentage should I use?▼

Use 10% for most projects to cover defects, cutting errors, and damaged boards. Add 5% more for decorative tops that require cutting. For large projects (500+ feet), 8% may be sufficient.

Fence Picket Calculator

Table of Contents

Calculate Fence Pickets

Pricing

Pickets Needed

Standard Fence Picket Sizes

Fence Style Material Requirements

Privacy (No Gap)

Semi-Privacy

Picket Style

Shadowbox (Good Neighbor)

Board-on-Board

Picket Top Styles

Flat Top

Dog Ear

Pointed (Gothic)

Round Top

French Gothic

Formulas Used

Basic Picket Count

Style Adjustment

Total with Waste

Linear Feet

Tips & Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Fence Calculator

Fence Post Calculator

Board Foot Calculator

Lattice Calculator

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Fence Picket Calculator

Table of Contents

Calculate Fence Pickets

Pricing

Pickets Needed

Standard Fence Picket Sizes

Fence Style Material Requirements

Privacy (No Gap)

Semi-Privacy

Picket Style

Shadowbox (Good Neighbor)

Board-on-Board

Picket Top Styles

Flat Top

Dog Ear

Pointed (Gothic)

Round Top

French Gothic

Formulas Used

Basic Picket Count

Style Adjustment

Total with Waste

Linear Feet

Tips & Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Fence Calculator

Fence Post Calculator

Board Foot Calculator

Lattice Calculator

Did you find this calculator helpful?