How to Calculate Fence Pickets
The number of pickets depends on your fence length and picket width. Divide the total fence length in inches by the picket width in inches to get the exact count. Then add 10% for waste, end cuts, and any boards rejected at the lumber yard.
For a 100-foot fence with standard 3.5-inch pickets (1×4 lumber): (100 × 12) ÷ 3.5 = 343 pickets. For the same fence with 5.5-inch boards (1×6 privacy): (100 × 12) ÷ 5.5 = 218 boards. The difference in cost between these two options on a 200-foot fence can be $400 to $800 in lumber alone.
Picket Spacing
The formulas above assume pickets are installed flush, touching each other — the standard for privacy fences. For decorative spaced picket fences, you need to subtract the gap from the effective width. A 3.5-inch picket with a 2-inch gap has an effective width of 5.5 inches: (100 × 12) ÷ 5.5 = 218 sections needed.
Standard Picket Dimensions
- 1×4 dog-ear picket — 3.5 inches actual width. The classic spaced picket fence look. Used for decorative front yard fences 3–4 feet tall.
- 1×6 dog-ear or flat top — 5.5 inches actual width. The standard privacy fence board. Most residential 6-foot privacy fences use this width.
- 5/4×6 deck board — 5.5 inches wide, thicker than 1×6. More durable and warp-resistant. Higher upfront cost, longer lifespan.