Inputs
Provide dimensions per section or total run.
Results
Fill inputs and press Calculate.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total paintable area | — |
| Area incl. coats + overage | — |
| Paint needed (metric) | — |
| Paint needed (US) | — |
| Containers to buy | — |
| Estimated material cost | — |
| Component | Area |
|---|---|
| Fence panels/boards | — |
| Posts | — |
| Rails | — |
| Gates (subtract) | — |
Values auto-convert between meters/feet and liters/gallons.
Formula used
Area (panels)=length × height × sides × typeFactor.typeFactor: Solid = 1.0; Picket =picketWidth/(picketWidth+gap); Board‑on‑board ≈ user factor (typ. 1.5–1.9).Area (posts)≈count × (2×(postW+postD)) × height × sides.Area (rails)≈railsCount × railFace × length × sides.Area (gates)=gatesCount × gateW × gateH × gateSides(subtract).Total area= panels + posts + rails − gates.Effective area=Total × coats × (1 + overage%/100).Paint (metric)=Effective / coverage(m²/L);Paint (US)=Effective / coverage(ft²/gal).
How to use this calculator
- Select units and fence type.
- Enter total run length and average height.
- Choose sides and coats. Add posts, rails, and gates if needed.
- Set product coverage and texture/overage percentage.
- Optionally set container size and price for cost estimation.
- Click Calculate, then export your results as CSV or PDF.
Example data
| Units | Type | Length | Height | Sides | Coats | Coverage | Overage % | Posts | Rails | Gates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Solid | 30 m | 1.8 m | 2 | 2 | 10 m²/L | 10 | 16 (90×90 mm) | 3 (100 mm face) | 1 (1.0×1.8 m, 2 sides) |
| US | Picket | 100 ft | 6 ft | 2 | 2 | 350 ft²/gal | 10 | 16 (4×4 in) | 3 (4 in face) | 1 (3×6 ft, 2 sides) |
Click “Load example” to populate the form with the first row.
Notes
- Coverage varies by product, wood species, porosity, and application method.
- Board-on-board factor approximates additional overlapping faces; adjust for your design.
- Posts and rails are modeled with simple rectangular prisms for accessible estimation.
Fence style multipliers — quick reference
| Style / Feature | Typical assumption | Surface multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Solid boards / panels | No gaps, flat face | 1.00 |
| Picket fence | 100 mm picket, 40 mm gap (≈71%) | 0.71 |
| Picket fence | 90 mm picket, 60 mm gap (≈60%) | 0.60 |
| Board‑on‑board / shadowbox | Alternating overlap | 1.50–1.90 |
| Lattice/topper section | Open pattern topper | +0.20–0.35 |
| Rough‑sawn timber | Extra porosity/texture | +10–25% overage |
| Heavy weathering | Dry, cracked, unsealed | +15–40% overage |
Use these as starting points. Confirm with on‑site test patches and the product’s datasheet.
Coverage and container planning guide
| Product type | Typical coverage (m²/L) | Typical coverage (ft²/gal) | Example can size | Approx. area per can (one coat) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transparent oil stain | 8–12 | 325–475 | 4 L / 1 gal | 32–48 m² / 325–475 ft² |
| Semi‑transparent stain | 6–10 | 250–400 | 4 L / 1 gal | 24–40 m² / 250–400 ft² |
| Solid color stain | 5–8 | 200–325 | 4 L / 1 gal | 20–32 m² / 200–325 ft² |
| Exterior acrylic paint | 8–12 | 325–475 | 4 L / 1 gal | 32–48 m² / 325–475 ft² |
| Primer/sealer (wood) | 7–10 | 275–400 | 4 L / 1 gal | 28–40 m² / 275–400 ft² |
- Real coverage depends on wood species, age, moisture, tool, and weather.
- Plan for two coats on new or unsealed timber for durability.