Prices last reviewed: October 2026
How many pickets do I need?
Divide the fence length in inches by the width of one picket plus one gap. A standard 1x4 picket is 3.5 in wide.
pickets = fence length (in) / (picket width + gap)
| Gap between pickets | Per 8 ft section | Per foot | For 100 ft, with 10% extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 in | 17.5 | 2.2 | 240 |
| 2.5 in | 16 | 2.0 | 220 |
| 3 in | 14.8 | 1.8 | 204 |
Change the gap under Advanced settings in the calculator. The extra 10 percent covers cuts, end pieces and boards with defects.
How much does a picket fence cost?
With the calculator's default prices, a wood picket fence costs about $11 to $14 per foot in materials and a vinyl picket fence about $17 to $19 per foot. These examples are for a straight 100 ft fence with no gate.
| Picket fence | Height | Pickets or panels | Posts | DIY total | DIY per ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood, 2.5 in gap | 3 ft | 220 pickets | 14 | $1,072 | $10.72 |
| Wood, 2.5 in gap | 4 ft | 220 pickets | 14 | $1,160 | $11.60 |
| Wood, 2.5 in gap | 5 ft | 220 pickets | 14 | $1,414 | $14.14 |
| Vinyl picket panels | 3 ft | 13 panels | 14 | $1,732 | $17.32 |
| Vinyl picket panels | 4 ft | 13 panels | 14 | $1,927 | $19.27 |
The 5 ft wood fence costs more because it needs a third rail and longer posts. Switch to Hire a pro in the calculator to add labor, which typically adds about $10 to $11 per foot for picket fences.
Wood or vinyl picket fence?
Wood is cheaper up front and easy to cut, paint and repair. A classic white picket fence in wood needs repainting every few years. Vinyl costs about 60 to 70 percent more in our examples, but it stays white without paint and does not rot. If you want the look without the upkeep, vinyl is worth pricing.
Choosing the gap
- 2 in: a fuller look, better at keeping small pets in, more pickets.
- 2.5 in: a common middle ground and the calculator's default.
- 3 in or more: fewer pickets and a more open look.
To space pickets evenly, cut a scrap board to the gap width and use it as a spacer. Start at the center of each section and work out, so the end pieces match.
Picket fence height and rules
Most picket fences are 3 to 4 ft tall. Many towns limit front yard fences to about 3 or 4 ft, and some HOAs set the style and color too. Check before you build, and call 811 before you dig post holes.
More fence calculators
- Wood fence calculator for every wood fence style
- Vinyl fence calculator for vinyl picket and privacy fences
- Fence post calculator for posts and concrete
Frequently asked questions
How many pickets are in an 8 ft section of picket fence?
With 3.5 in wide pickets and a 2.5 in gap, 16 pickets. With a 2 in gap, about 17.5, and with a 3 in gap, about 15.
How many pickets do I need for a 100 ft fence?
About 200 pickets with a 2.5 in gap, or 220 with 10 percent extra for waste. With a 2 in gap you need about 240 including waste.
How far apart should fence pickets be?
Most picket fences use a gap of 2 to 3 in. Use a smaller gap if you need to keep small dogs in. Keep the gap the same along the whole fence by using a spacer block.
How much does a picket fence cost per foot?
Using the calculator's default prices, a 4 ft wood picket fence costs about $11.60 per foot in materials, and a 4 ft vinyl picket fence about $19.30 per foot. Professional installation adds roughly $10 to $11 per foot.
How many rails does a picket fence need?
Two rails per section for fences up to 4 ft tall, and three rails for 5 ft fences. Rails usually run between posts set 8 ft apart.
How tall should a picket fence be?
3 to 4 ft is the most common height and fits most front yard rules. Check your local code and HOA before you build.