Building & DIY

Fence Pickets Count (Boards for a Wood Run)

Enter the fence length, picket width, and the gap between boards, and you get how many pickets you need. It also reports pickets per foot and total linear feet.

How to use
  1. Enter the total fence run length.
  2. Set the picket width, often 3.5 or 5.5 inches.
  3. Enter the gap you want between pickets.
Estimates only, allow for waste and confirm against local building codes and supplier specs.
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Common questions

How many pickets do I need per foot?

With 5.5 inch pickets and no gap, you get about 2.2 per foot. Adding a gap reduces that count, which the tool factors in.

What gap should I leave between pickets?

A 1/4 to 3/8 inch gap is common for solid privacy fences, allowing the wood to expand without buckling. Spaced picket fences use wider gaps.

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