Fence pickets Calculator: measuring notes and method
Check the end condition
The calculation uses gaps between pickets and rounds up. If the finished run needs a precise gap or equal end clearance, set out the actual pickets and adjust the layout before fixing.
Separate gates
Exclude gate openings from the fence run and estimate the gate cladding separately. A cutting allowance is not a substitute for those additional pieces.
Formula
Pickets = (fence length + gap) ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up before and after the waste allowance.
Worked examples in metric and imperial units
Illustrative values match Reset example and stay fixed when you edit the calculator. Both columns describe the same calculation; converted inputs are rounded.
Metric worked example
- Fence length
- 20 m
- Picket width
- 90 mm
- Gap between pickets
- 10 mm
- Waste allowance
- 10 %
Pickets to buy: 222
Imperial worked example
- Fence length
- 65.6168 ft
- Picket width
- 3.5433 in
- Gap between pickets
- 0.3937 in
- Waste allowance
- 10 %
Pickets to buy: 222
Follow the calculation
Lengths in this working are in metres.
- Pickets before waste = (20 + 0.01) ÷ (0.09 + 0.01), rounded up.
- Multiply that whole count by 1.1 and round up again.
Reviewed 19 October 2026. How calculations are checked · Report a correction