Enter Your Picket Fence Details
How the Fence Picket Calculator Works
This calculator determines your exact picket count by dividing your total fence length (in inches) by the repeating pattern of one picket width plus one gap. The result tells you how many pickets you need across the entire fence run.
Posts are calculated based on your chosen spacing (6 or 8 feet apart), with two additional posts added for each gate opening. Rails use a standard 2-per-section layout for fences up to 4 feet tall.
Choosing Picket Width and Spacing
The classic American picket fence uses 1x4 pickets (3.5" actual width) with 2.5-inch gaps. This creates the traditional look seen in front yards everywhere. Wider pickets (1x6) give a more substantial appearance, while narrower 1x2 or 1x3 pickets create a lighter, more decorative feel.
Spacing affects both aesthetics and material cost. Wider gaps mean fewer pickets — a 3-inch gap uses about 20% fewer pickets than a 2-inch gap on the same fence. But wider gaps also reduce the fence's visual impact and containment ability.
Picket Fence vs. Privacy Fence
Not sure which style you need? A privacy fence uses boards placed edge-to-edge with no gaps for maximum screening. A picket fence intentionally spaces boards apart. Picket fences are ideal for front yards, garden borders, and decorative boundaries. For backyard screening, check our privacy fence calculator instead.
Tips for Installing Picket Fences
- Pre-cut all pickets to the same length before installation for a uniform top line
- Use a spacer jig (cut a scrap board to your desired gap width) to maintain even spacing
- For dog-ear or pointed picket tops, buy pre-cut pickets to save hours of cutting
- Set posts in concrete — even lighter picket fences benefit from solid post foundations (see our concrete calculator)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
Divide 12 inches by the sum of picket width plus spacing. For standard 3.5-inch pickets with 2.5-inch spacing, that's 12 / 6 = 2 pickets per foot. A 100-foot fence needs about 200 pickets. Always add 10% for waste and cuts.
What is the standard spacing for fence pickets?
Standard picket spacing is 2 to 3 inches for decorative picket fences. Wider spacing (3-4 inches) gives a more open look. Narrower spacing (1.5-2 inches) provides more privacy. If you have pets or small children, keep gaps under 3 inches.
How tall should a picket fence be?
Most picket fences are 3 to 4 feet tall. A 4-foot fence is the classic height. For front yards, check local ordinances — many municipalities limit front-yard fences to 4 feet maximum.
How much does a picket fence cost per foot?
A wood picket fence costs $10-$20 per linear foot for materials. Pressure-treated pine is cheapest at $10-$14/ft, cedar runs $14-$20/ft. A 100-foot picket fence costs $1,000-$2,000 in materials.
What is the difference between a picket fence and a privacy fence?
Picket fences have gaps between boards and are typically 3-4 feet tall. Privacy fences use boards with no gaps and stand 6-8 feet tall. Picket fences cost 30-50% less per foot than privacy fences.
Do I need 2 or 3 rails for a picket fence?
Two rails are standard for picket fences up to 4 feet tall. Use 3 rails for fences 5 feet or taller, or if your pickets are heavy. The top rail should be 6-8 inches below the picket tops.