Wood fence guide
Estimate posts, rails and pickets from real run lengths.
Choose privacy or picket fencing, then adjust the spacing, rail count, picket width, gap and waste allowance.
Open the free calculator →Reviewed October 12, 2026Posts and rails
Posts come from the straight-run spacing plan. Rails equal the number of fence sections multiplied by rails per section, with the entered waste allowance added.
Pickets
The calculator uses total fence length, picket face width, the gap between pickets and waste allowance. Overlap, board-on-board and custom patterns need a separate adjustment.
Before ordering
Confirm lumber dimensions, grade, treatment, fasteners, gate framing, corner construction and the actual stock lengths available from your supplier.
Common questions
Quick answers before you calculate.
How are pickets estimated?
Total fence length is divided by picket width plus gap, then the waste allowance is added and the result is rounded up.
Can the planner include labor?
Yes. Enter your own labor price per fence foot. The customer estimate stays incomplete until required material, labor and hardware figures are entered.