Fence Picket Calculator

Convert your fence length to inches, then divide by (picket width + gap). Formula: pickets = ceil(length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap)). For a 100-ft fence with 1×4 pickets (3.5 in actual) and a 0.25-in gap: ceil(1200 ÷ 3.75) = 320 pickets. Add 10% for waste.

A nominal 1×4 lumber board has an actual width of 3.5 inches and actual thickness of 0.75 inches. A 1×6 board has an actual width of 5.5 inches. Always use actual dimensions for picket calculations — nominal sizes are larger.

For a near-privacy look: 0.25 inches (just enough to prevent moisture trapping). For a traditional picket fence: 2–3 inches (roughly the picket width). The gap affects both appearance and airflow. A 0.25-in gap is common for privacy wood fences; a 2-in gap is common for decorative picket fences.

Standard 1×4×6 ft fence pickets are typically sold individually or in bundles of 5–10 at lumber yards. Pricing varies by species and treatment. Your lumber supplier can tell you the bundle size and whether they sell by the piece or by the pallet.

Yes. Add 10% for standard projects, 15% for fences with many corners or angled cuts. Pickets can split, be mis-cut, or have defects. It is better to have a few extra than to run short mid-project — picket color and texture can vary by batch.