The short answer
Divide 96 inches by the picket width plus the gap and round up. A privacy fence with 5.5 in wide pickets (a nominal 1 × 6) and no gap needs 96 ÷ 5.5 = 17.5, so 18 pickets per 8 ft section. With a 2.5 in gap between pickets, it needs 96 ÷ 8 = 12.
The formula
Pickets per section = section length (in) ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up
An 8 ft section is 96 inches. Use the actual picket width, not the name on the label: a 1 × 6 picket is about 5.5 in wide and a 1 × 4 picket is about 3.5 in wide. For a solid privacy fence the gap is 0, although boards are often butted tight and still shrink a little as they dry.
Pickets per 8 ft section chart
| Picket width | Gap | Pickets per 8 ft | Pickets per 100 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 in (1 × 6) | None (privacy) | 18 | 219 |
| 5.5 in (1 × 6) | 0.5 in | 16 | 200 |
| 5.5 in (1 × 6) | 1 in | 15 | 185 |
| 5.5 in (1 × 6) | 2.5 in | 12 | 150 |
| 3.5 in (1 × 4) | None (privacy) | 28 | 343 |
| 3.5 in (1 × 4) | 1.5 in | 20 | 240 |
| 3.5 in (1 × 4) | 2.5 in | 16 | 200 |
The 100 ft column is worked out from the total length, not by multiplying sections, so it does not stack up a rounded-up picket from every section.
Worked example: a 100 ft privacy fence
- Fence length: 100 ft = 1,200 in.
- Pickets: 1,200 ÷ 5.5 = 218.2, so 219 pickets.
- Sections: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, rounded up to 13 sections.
- Posts: 13 sections + 1 = 14 posts for a straight run.
- Rails: 13 sections × 3 rails = 39 rails.
The fence calculator does the same count for any length, post spacing and picket size. Add a post for every corner and gate, and a few spare pickets for warped or split boards.
Choosing the gap
- Many local codes limit the gap on pool barriers so a child cannot climb through or squeeze between pickets. Check pool fence rules before you choose a spaced design.
- A spacer block cut to your gap width keeps every picket evenly spaced along the section.
- Measure the real width of a few pickets before you buy. Rough-sawn and pressure-treated boards vary.
- For a section that does not come out even, split the leftover space between the two end gaps rather than ripping one narrow picket.
Calculators for this job
These calculators do the arithmetic from this guide. Each card shows the result for a typical project; open one to enter your own measurements.
Frequently asked questions
How many 6 inch pickets are in an 8 foot section?
A nominal 6 in picket is about 5.5 in wide, so an 8 ft section takes 18 pickets with no gap, or 16 with a 0.5 in gap.
How many 4 inch pickets per 8 foot section?
A nominal 4 in picket is about 3.5 in wide: 28 per 8 ft section with no gap, 20 with a 1.5 in gap and 16 with a 2.5 in gap.
How many pickets do I need for 100 feet of fence?
About 219 pickets of 5.5 in for a privacy fence with no gaps, or 150 with a 2.5 in gap.
Should I buy extra pickets?
Yes, a few. Some boards arrive warped, split or with large knots, and you may need spares for repairs later.
Sources
- Decks.com, How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?