Home & DIY
Fence Calculator
Work out how many posts, rails, and pickets you need to build a fence of any length.
How this is calculated
Posts are placed at your chosen spacing along the full fence length, plus one extra post to close the last section. Rails multiply the number of sections between posts by how many rails run through each section. Pickets are calculated by dividing the total fence length by the width of one picket plus its gap.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Most residential fences space posts 6 to 8 feet apart. Taller privacy fences or heavier materials sometimes need closer spacing for stability.
How many rails does a fence section need?
Most fences use 2 rails per section for fences up to about 4 feet tall, and 3 rails for taller privacy fences to keep pickets from bowing.
Do I need a gap between pickets?
A small gap, often around a quarter inch, is common for wood pickets to allow for natural expansion and airflow, though fully solid privacy fences may butt pickets together.