Fence Panel and Picket Count Calculator
Calculate the number of fence panels, pickets, and posts needed for your fencing project based on your fence length and spacing preferences.
Formulas Used
Effective Fence Length
Effective Length = Total Fence Length − Total Gate Width
Number of Panels
Panels = ⌈ Effective Length ÷ Panel Width ⌉ (rounded up)
Number of Posts
Posts = Panels + 1 (one post at each end and between every panel)
Pickets per Panel
Spacing Unit (ft) = (Picket Width + Gap) ÷ 12
Pickets per Panel = ⌈ Panel Width ÷ Spacing Unit ⌉ (rounded up)
Total Pickets
Base Pickets = Pickets per Panel × Panels
Total Pickets (with waste) = ⌈ Base Pickets × (1 + Waste% ÷ 100) ⌉
Linear Feet of Picket Material
Linear Feet = Total Pickets (with waste) × (Picket Width ÷ 12)
Assumptions & References
- Standard fence panels are commonly 6 ft or 8 ft wide; the default is 8 ft.
- Standard dog-ear pickets are 3.5 inches wide (nominal 1×4 lumber).
- A 10% waste factor is recommended to account for cuts, defects, and breakage.
- Posts are assumed to be placed at every panel junction plus one at each end; corner posts and gate posts are not separately counted.
- Gate openings are subtracted from the total fence length before calculating panels and pickets.
- Picket count per panel is rounded up so no panel is left uncovered.
- This calculator does not account for post hole depth, concrete, rails, or hardware.
- Reference: RS Means Building Construction Cost Data; typical residential fencing guidelines.