Picket Spacing Calculator

Find the picket count and the exact even gap for a fence run, so you do not end up with an awkward sliver of a board at the end.

This free picket spacing calculator finds the picket count and the exact even gap for a fence run, so you never end up with a thin sliver of a board at the end. Enter the run length, picket width and target gap, and it spreads the pickets evenly. It answers how to space fence pickets evenly and how many you need. Runs in your browser, no sign-up.

Read the guide: Picket Spacing Explained (No Awkward Last Board)

Picket spacing

Pickets needed

13

Spaced evenly across the run

Even gap to use
2.04 in
Picket width
5.5 in

Use a 2.04 in gap rather than your exact target and the run divides cleanly, no thin sliver of a board at the end.

Assumes gaps between pickets only. If your design leaves a gap against each end post, add one picket’s worth of gap.

How it works

  1. 1

    Enter the run

    Add the section or fence length you are cladding.

  2. 2

    Set the picket

    Enter the picket width and the gap you are aiming for.

  3. 3

    Get even spacing

    See the picket count and the adjusted gap that spreads them evenly.

Instant & 100% private — nothing is uploaded

Every calculation runs locally in your browser. The income, balances and goals you enter stay on your own device and are never sent to a server — nothing is stored, logged or shared.

Frequently asked questions

How do I avoid a thin last picket?
Rather than forcing a fixed gap, the calculator finds a whole number of pickets and spreads any leftover across every gap. The result is an even fence with no runt board at the end.
What is a normal picket gap?
A spaced picket fence usually uses about 1.75 to 2.5 inches; a privacy fence butts the boards with almost no gap. Enter your target and it adjusts to fit evenly.
Should I measure between the posts or post to post?
Measure the clear cladding width between the posts, since that is the space the pickets fill. If you only have the post-to-post figure, subtract the combined post width first so the even gap comes out right on site.

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