Fence Material Calculator
Calculate the lumber quantities for building a wood privacy fence including posts, rails, and pickets.
Formula
Posts = length/spacing + 1; Rails = bays × rails per bay; Pickets = length×12/6
- Posts bury 2 ft deep (1/3 above-ground height is minimum).
- 3 rails recommended for 6+ ft fences.
- Buy 5–10% extra pickets for waste.
100 ft, 6 ft high, 8 ft post spacing
Inputs
- Fence Length: 100 ft
- Fence Height: 6 ft
- Post Spacing: 8 ft
Posts = 13+1=14. Rails = 12×3=36. Pickets = ⌈1200/6⌉×1.05 = 210.
Frequently asked questions
What type of post should I use?
Use pressure-treated 4×4 posts rated for ground contact (UC4B). Cedar and redwood also work.