How many fence pickets for 100 feet of fence?
Quick Answer
For a privacy fence (no gaps) using standard 3.5-inch wide pickets, 100 linear feet requires approximately 343 pickets. For a standard 6-foot privacy fence with 5.5-inch wide (1×6) pickets touching: 218 pickets. For a picket fence with 3.5-inch pickets and 3.5-inch gaps: 171 pickets.
Quick Reference Table
| Picket width / gap | Pickets for 100 linear feet |
|---|---|
| 1×4 (3.5") no gap | 343 pickets |
| 1×6 (5.5") no gap | 218 pickets |
| 1×4 with 1.5" gap | 240 pickets |
| 1×4 with 3.5" gap | 171 pickets |
| Dog-ear 5.5" no gap | 218 pickets |
| Shadowbox (alternating) | 218 + 218 = 436 (both sides) |
How to Calculate It Yourself
- 1
Convert total fence length to inches: 100 ft × 12 = 1,200 inches.
- 2
Add picket width + gap: for 1×6 (5.5") touching: 5.5" per picket.
- 3
Divide: 1,200 ÷ 5.5 = 218 pickets.
- 4
Add 5% waste for cuts at gates and corners: 218 × 1.05 = 229 → buy 230 pickets.
Pro Tip
Buy all pickets from one delivery if possible — wood grain, color, and moisture content vary between loads. Wet pickets will shrink as they dry, creating gaps; dry pickets installed in winter may cup in summer humidity. Acclimate boards to local conditions for a week before installation.
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