Short answer
A 200-foot privacy fence using 5.5-inch-wide pickets with a 0.5-inch gap requires 400 pickets. You'll also need 26 posts, 25 sixteen-foot rails, and 52 bags of 60-lb concrete to complete the job. Those are the numbers for a straight run — add a 5% waste factor (20 extra pickets) before you head to the lumberyard.
How this calculator works
The core question for any fence project is simple: how many pickets fit in the run? The answer depends on three numbers — total fence length, picket width, and the gap you leave between each board.
The formula
Every picket occupies a slot equal to its actual face width plus the gap. For a standard dog-ear cedar board sold as a "6-inch" picket, the actual width is 5.5 inches. Add a 0.5-inch gap and each picket claims exactly 6 inches of fence line.
Convert your total fence length to inches (200 ft × 12 = 2,400 in), then divide by the slot width (6 in):
2,400 ÷ 6 = 400 pickets
That number is exact for a 200-foot straight run with these dimensions. The calculator uses ceil() so any remainder rounds up to the next whole picket — you'll never be short by a fraction.
Secondary outputs
The calculator also estimates the structural materials most people forget to price until they're standing in the lumber aisle.
Posts: At 8-foot spacing — the industry standard for 4×4 posts supporting a privacy fence — a 200-foot run needs 25 sections. Add one endpoint post: 26 posts total. Post spacing beyond 8 feet increases rail sag and wind load risk; closer spacing is fine but adds cost.
Rails: A standard privacy fence runs two horizontal rails (top and bottom) per section. At 8-foot sections × 25 sections × 2 rails = 400 linear feet of rail. Sixteen-foot stock is the common retail length, so 400 ÷ 16 = 25 boards. If you add a mid-rail for a tall fence, multiply the board count by 1.5.
Concrete: Two 60-lb bags per post hole is the standard rate for 4×4 posts in most soil types. Multiply 26 posts × 2 bags = 52 bags. In sandy or loose soil, bump to 3 bags per hole; in clay that holds its shape, 2 bags is usually enough.
Linear footage of pickets: The calculator also returns 200.0 linear feet of actual picket coverage. This confirms the math — 400 pickets × 6 inches each = 2,400 inches = 200 feet. Use this number when ordering pre-primed or pre-stained pickets sold by the linear foot.
Adjusting for your project
Change the picket width input if you're using a different board. True 4-inch pickets (3.5-inch actual) with the same 0.5-inch gap would require 533 pickets over 200 feet. Switch the gap to 0 for a fully tight privacy fence; the count rises to 437 pickets because you lose less width to spacing but gain a full board at each measurement division point.
The 5% default waste factor adds 20 pickets to the 400-count base. That covers boards with split ends, crown so severe you can't straighten it onto the rail, and the occasional mis-cut. On a fence with multiple corners or a gate opening, use 7–10% waste instead.
Recommended materials
Cedar is the go-to choice for privacy fence pickets where appearance matters — it's dimensionally stable, takes stain evenly, and won't warp as aggressively as pine in wet climates. Posts and rails should be pressure-treated regardless of what you use for pickets, because they're buried or in direct contact with soil and moisture. For a 200-foot run, fast-setting concrete (rather than standard ready-mix) saves setup time and lets you plumb posts and move on the same day.
- Cedar dog-ear picket 5/8 in x 5-1/2 in x 6 ft
- Pressure-treated 4x4 in x 8 ft fence post
- Pressure-treated 2x4 in x 16 ft fence rail
- Quikrete fast-setting concrete (60 lb bag)
FAQ
How many pickets do I need for a 200-foot fence? With standard 5.5-inch-wide pickets and a 0.5-inch gap, you need exactly 400 pickets. That works out to one picket every 6 inches of fence line. Add 5% (20 pickets) for waste and you should buy 420.
How many fence posts do I need for 200 feet? At 8-foot spacing with one post at each endpoint, you need 26 posts. Space them evenly — 8 feet on center is the standard for 4x4 posts carrying two horizontal rails.
How many rails does a 200-foot fence require? A standard privacy fence uses two horizontal rails per section (top and bottom). For 200 feet using 16-foot rail stock, you need 25 boards. Some installers add a mid rail for 6-foot privacy fences, which would bring that to 38 boards.
How much concrete do I need to set the posts? Plan on 2 bags of 60-lb concrete per post hole, which gives you 52 bags for 26 posts. Fast-setting concrete is the easiest option for DIY — no mixing in the bucket, just pour dry mix into the hole and add water.
What is the standard gap between fence pickets? For a privacy fence, most installers use a 0-inch to 0.5-inch gap. A 0.5-inch gap accounts for wood swelling in humid weather without creating a visible sightline through the fence. Wider gaps (1–2 inches) are common for semi-private styles.
Should I add a waste factor when buying pickets? Yes. A 5% waste factor is standard for a straight fence run. That adds 20 pickets to your 400-count order, bringing the purchase quantity to 420. Add more (7–10%) if your fence has corners, gates, or you're cutting dog-ear tops yourself.
What picket width should I use? The most common picket sold at home centers is a nominal 6-inch board that actually measures 5.5 inches. That's the width this calculator uses by default. True 4-inch pickets and 3.5-inch pickets are also common for semi-privacy styles.
How deep should fence post holes be? A standard rule is one-third of the post length below grade. For a 6-foot privacy fence using 8-foot posts, dig 24–30 inches deep. In frost-prone climates, go below the local frost line — often 36–48 inches in northern states.
Can I use this calculator for a picket-style (non-privacy) fence? Yes. Change the gap input to match the spacing you want. A classic picket fence with 1.5-inch gaps and 3.5-inch-wide pickets will need roughly 480 pickets over 200 feet — fewer boards but more posts and rails than a tight privacy fence.
What type of wood is best for fence pickets? Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the two most practical choices. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects and is lighter to handle. Pressure-treated pine costs less per board and holds up equally well when properly set, but contains preservatives that require gloves during installation.
How long does it take to install a 200-foot fence? Two experienced workers typically complete a 200-foot privacy fence in two to three days: one day for post holes and setting posts, one to two days for rails and pickets. Concrete cure time (at least 4 hours for fast-set) controls the pace.
Do I need a permit for a 200-foot fence? Permit requirements vary by municipality. Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences over 4 feet tall or within a certain setback from the property line. Check with your local building department before digging — calling before you dig (811 in the US) is also required to locate buried utilities.