Fence Picket Calculator
Total Pickets Needed
343 pickets
for 100 ft of fence
Pickets
343
Posts (8ft OC)
14
Rails
26
Fasteners
1,372
Estimated Material Cost
$992 – $2,248
Pickets: $720 – $1,544
Posts: $168 – $392
Rails: $104 – $312
Tip: Buy 10–15% extra pickets to account for waste, cuts, and defective boards. Standard picket sizes are 1×4 (3.5" actual) and 1×6 (5.5" actual).
Recommendation: For fences 6ft and taller, use 3 rails per section for structural strength. Two rails may cause pickets to warp or bow over time.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Fence Picket Material Guide
| Fence Type | Picket Width | Gap | Per 100 LF | Rails |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4ft Privacy | 3.5" | 0" | 343 pickets | 2 |
| 6ft Privacy | 3.5" | 0" | 343 pickets | 3 |
| 4ft Decorative | 3.5" | 1.75" | 229 pickets | 2 |
| 6ft Board-on-Board | 5.5" | −1.5" | 300 pickets | 3 |
* Picket counts shown before waste factor. Add 10–15% extra for cuts and defects.
Estimated Material Costs per 100 LF
| Material | Pressure-Treated | Cedar |
|---|---|---|
| 6ft Privacy Fence Pickets | $515 – $1,030 | $1,030 – $2,060 |
| Posts (4×4, 8ft OC) | $112 – $350 | $175 – $500 |
| Rails (2×4, 3 per section) | $156 – $468 | $234 – $624 |
How We Calculate
Our fence picket calculator determines the exact number of pickets, posts, rails, and fasteners needed for your fence project. It also provides estimated material costs based on current lumber prices.
How the math works: Total pickets = fence length (inches) ÷ (picket width + gap). Posts = fence length ÷ 8ft spacing + 1. Rails = (posts − 1) × rails per section. Fasteners = pickets × rails × 2 per connection.
Picket Spacing
Privacy fence (0" gap): pickets touch edge-to-edge for complete privacy. Decorative/picket fence (1.5"–3" gap): spaced for visibility and airflow. Board-on-board (negative gap): overlapping boards for a premium look with no light gaps.
Material Cost Estimates
Pickets: $1.50–$4.00 each (pressure-treated pine to cedar). Posts: $8–$25 each (4×4 to 6×6). Rails: $4–$12 each (2×4 to 2×6). Costs vary by lumber species, grade, and regional pricing.
Waste Factor
We recommend buying 10–15% extra pickets to account for cutting waste at corners and gates, defective boards, and future repairs. Gate sections require separate framing materials not included in this estimate.
Data Sources
Material pricing is based on Home Depot, Lowe's, and regional lumber yard pricing (2025–2026). Prices fluctuate with lumber commodity markets.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pickets do I need for a fence? +
Divide the total fence length (in inches) by the picket width plus gap. For a 100-foot privacy fence with 3.5-inch pickets and no gap: 1,200 inches ÷ 3.5 inches = 343 pickets. Add 10–15% for waste and cuts.
What is the standard fence picket size? +
Standard wood fence pickets are 1×4 (3.5" actual width) or 1×6 (5.5" actual width). Heights are typically 4 feet (48") or 6 feet (72"). Dog-ear and flat-top are the most common picket styles. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the most popular materials.
How far apart should fence posts be? +
Fence posts should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart (on center). 8-foot spacing is standard for most residential fences. Use 6-foot spacing for taller fences (8ft+), windy areas, or heavy materials like board-on-board.
How many rails do I need per fence section? +
Use 2 rails for fences under 5 feet tall. Use 3 rails for fences 5–8 feet tall — this prevents pickets from warping and adds structural strength. Fences over 8 feet may need 4 rails.
What is a board-on-board fence? +
Board-on-board fencing alternates pickets on each side of the rail so they overlap by 1–1.5 inches. This creates a fence with no visible gaps from either side. It uses about 40% more pickets than a standard privacy fence but offers better privacy and a finished look on both sides.
How much do fence pickets cost? +
Pressure-treated pine pickets cost $1.50–$3.00 each for 1×4 or 1×6. Cedar pickets cost $3.00–$6.00 each. Pre-stained or premium pickets cost $4.00–$8.00 each. For a 150-foot, 6ft privacy fence, pickets alone cost $750–$2,500 depending on material.
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