Project Inputs
White theme • Client-side only
Results
Posts: -
Total posts
Total posts
Rails: -
Total rails
Total rails
Pickets: -
Total pickets
Total pickets
Concrete bags: -
@ 0.6 cu ft
@ 0.6 cu ft
Screws: -
Estimated
Estimated
Bays: -
Number of spans
Number of spans
Waste applied: -
Percent
Percent
Example Data
| Label | Length (ft) | Height (ft) | Spacing (ft) | Rails/bay | Picket W (in) | Picket Gap (in) | Gates | Gate W (in) | Posts | Rails | Pickets | Bags | Screws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy 6ft 100ft | 100 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5.5 | 0.5 | 1 | 36 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
| Ranch 4ft 200ft | 200 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ? | ? | 0 | ? | ? |
| Garden 5ft 60ft | 60 | 5 | 7.5 | 2 | 3.5 | 1 | 1 | 36 | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Formula Used
- Bays = ceil( Length(ft) ÷ PostSpacing(ft) )
- Posts = Bays + 1 + 2 × GateCount assumes 2 gate posts per gate
- Rails = RailsPerBay × Bays
- Picket pitch = PicketWidth(in) + PicketGap(in)
- Total pickets = ceil( ( Length(ft)×12 − GateCount×GateWidth(in) ) ÷ Pitch )
- Concrete per hole = π × (Dia/24)2 × (Depth/12) cu ft
- Concrete bags = ceil( Posts × HoleVolume ÷ BagYield )
- Screws ≈ Pickets × RailsPerBay × 2 + Rails × 4
- Waste: multiply material counts by (1 + Waste%/100) then round up.
How to Use
- Enter project dimensions including length and height, post spacing, and rails per bay.
- For picket styles, set picket width and spacing. For rail or ranch styles, leave both at 0.
- Add gates if needed and set width per gate.
- Adjust hole size and bag yield to match local materials.
- Pick a waste factor to cover cuts, defects, and breakage.
- Click Calculate to see results and the materials chart.
- Click Add to Example Table to store the current scenario.
- Use Export Table CSV or Export Table PDF to download.
FAQs
Does the calculator handle non-picket styles?
Yes. Set picket width and spacing to 0 to model rail-only designs where boards are not used.
How accurate are the concrete estimates?
They use cylindrical hole volume and a bag yield value. Actual yield depends on compaction, gravel base, and moisture.
Are gate posts counted twice?
Gate posts are added in addition to the run to be conservative. If your design reuses run posts, you can reduce the count manually.
What waste factor should I use?
Common values are 5–15% depending on wood quality, cutting patterns, and complexity. Increase for tricky layouts.
Can I estimate cost?
Export CSV and join with your price list in a spreadsheet to compute budgets per material type.