Fence picket calculator
Useful for timber picket fences and metal bar fencing; it gives the count and total board length.
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How to use it
- Enter fence length, picket width, gap between pickets and picket height.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Pickets = (fence length + gap) ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up: the smallest count that covers the full length with a gap between each pair.
Example
Inputs: Fence length = 10 m, Picket width = 9 cm, Gap between pickets = 6 cm, Picket height = 1.2 m. Result: Pickets: 68; Total picket length: 81.6 m; Overhang to trim from the last picket: 14 cm.
Limits and caveats
- Post widths are not subtracted; if pickets fit between posts, take their width off the length.
- Buy a few spares for defects and cutting.
Questions about this tool
What gap is usual?
It depends on the privacy you want, commonly 2 to 8 cm. For child safety barriers, local rules set a maximum gap.
Why can the count run slightly past the length?
It gives the smallest count that covers the whole length; if the last picket overshoots, the tool shows how much to trim.
Can I use it for pool fencing?
Yes for the count, but check your local height and gap rules for pool barriers.