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.

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.
Is my fence design sent anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser. The layout, lengths and prices you enter stay on your device, nothing is uploaded, logged or stored, and it all clears when you close the tab.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no sign-up, no email and no paywall. Open the tool and start, it is free and unlimited.