How to use the fence board calculator
- Measure the total run covered by pickets, excluding openings you do not intend to fill.
- Enter the actual picket width and the gap between neighboring pickets.
- Add an allowance for damaged material and end cuts, then check individual fence bays.
The formula
Pickets = ceiling((run length in inches + gap) ÷ (picket width + gap))
Worked example
A 100 ft run with 5.5 in pickets and ½ in gaps takes 201 pickets before allowance, or 212 with 5% extra.
Before you measure and cut
Rounding up covers the run, so the last picket may need to be ripped. Plan end margins before fastening.
Board-on-board and shadowbox fences need a different takeoff because boards overlap or alternate sides.
Frequently asked questions
Does this include rails and posts?
No. It only estimates vertical pickets. Plan the supporting structure separately.
Can I use a zero gap?
Yes. A zero gap models adjacent boards before any movement or installation clearance.