Wood Fence Calculator
Calculate posts, pickets, rails, and materials needed for your wood fence project
Calculate Wood Fence Materials
Fence Dimensions
Total linear length of the fence
Height above ground level
Distance between post centers (typical: 2.5m)
Picket Specifications
Width of each picket (typical: 10cm)
Gap between pickets (typical: 2cm)
Length of each picket board
Rail Specifications
Horizontal rails per fence section (typically 2)
Length of each rail (typically equals post spacing)
Post Specifications
Width of rectangular post (typical: 10cm)
Thickness of rectangular post (typical: 10cm)
Material Costs (Optional)
Fence Material Requirements
Please Complete Required Fields
- ⚠️Please enter fence length
- ⚠️Please enter fence height
Fence Layout
Material Totals
Formulas used:
Sections: n_sections = ceil(fence_length / post_spacing)
Posts: n_posts = n_sections + 1
Pickets: n_pickets = ceil(fence_length / (picket_width + spacing))
Rails: n_rails = n_sections × rails_per_section
Example Calculation
20-Meter Privacy Fence with 10cm Pickets
Fence: 20m length × 1.8m height
Posts: 2.5m spacing, 4×4 (10cm × 10cm)
Pickets: 10cm wide, 2cm spacing, 1.8m height
Rails: 2 rails per section
Calculation Steps
1. Sections = ceil(20m / 2.5m) = ceil(8) = 8 sections
2. Posts = 8 sections + 1 = 9 posts
3. Post Height = 1.8m × 1.5 = 2.7m (recommended)
4. Pickets = ceil(20m / (0.10m + 0.02m)) = ceil(166.7) = 167 pickets
5. Rails = 8 sections × 2 = 16 rails
6. Concrete = 9 posts × post volume × 1.5 buffer
Final: 9 posts, 167 pickets, 16 rails
Installation Steps
Plan & Mark
Mark post locations with spray paint
Check property lines and utilities
Dig Post Holes
Dig holes 1/3 post height deep
Use post hole digger for clean holes
Set Posts
Level posts and pour concrete
Let cure 24-48 hours
Attach Rails & Pickets
Install rails, then pickets
Use string line for straight alignment
Fence Components
Posts
Structural support, typically 4×4 or 6×6 inches
Rails
Horizontal support between posts, usually 2×4 inches
Pickets
Vertical boards, various widths and styles
Concrete
Secures posts in ground, fast-setting recommended
Pro Tip: Buy 10% extra materials to account for waste, mistakes, and future repairs.
Understanding Wood Fence Calculations
Fence Structure Basics
A wood fence consists of posts (structural support), rails (horizontal support), and pickets (vertical boards). Posts are spaced evenly and buried 1/3 their height for stability.
Post Spacing Guidelines
- •Standard: 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4m) for most residential fences
- •Heavy duty: 6 feet (1.8m) for privacy or tall fences
- •Light duty: 8-10 feet (2.4-3m) for decorative fences
Calculation Formulas
Sections:
n = ceil(fence_length / post_spacing)
Posts:
n_posts = sections + 1
Pickets:
n = ceil(length / (width + spacing))
Rails:
n = sections × rails_per_section
Important: Post height should be fence height × 1.5 to allow for proper burial depth (1/3 of post length underground).
Material Considerations
Post Materials
Pressure-treated lumber (4×4, 6×6), cedar, or composite materials. Choose based on climate and budget.
Picket Styles
Dog ear, pointed, flat top, or decorative cuts. Width typically ranges from 4-8 inches with 1-2 inch spacing.
Hardware & Tools
Galvanized screws, post level, string line, circular saw, drill, and post hole digger or auger.