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.
Assumptions to Check
Before ordering materials, confirm the dimensions, product coverage, waste factor, and local installation requirements for your project. Manufacturer coverage tables and local code rules can change the final quantity, especially for structural work, exterior projects, and irregular layouts.
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