Privacy fence calculator
Calculate posts, rails and pickets for a solid privacy fence in any material, with a zero-gap board layout by default.
Fence calculator
Enter your specs. Every result updates live and shows its formula.
Overview
A privacy fence is defined by its layout, not its material: solid boards with no gap between them, tall enough to block sightlines, commonly 6 feet. This calculator defaults to cedar, but every material this site supports can be built in a privacy style; the material dropdown stays fully open.
Because the gap is zero by default, picket count here is simply the usable run divided by board width, before waste.
Common mistakes
- Assuming privacy fencing is one specific material; it is a style available across wood, vinyl and composite alike.
- Leaving a visible gap by mistake, which defeats the purpose of a privacy layout; double check the picket gap field is set to zero.
- Building to a height that trips a local fence-height permit rule without checking the code first; 6 feet is common but not universal.
Related calculators
- Wood fence calculator Calculate posts, rails, pickets and concrete for a pressure-treated pine, cedar or redwood fence. Every formula shown, cost optional.
- Shadowbox fence calculator Calculate materials for a shadowbox fence, which alternates pickets on both sides of the rails for a semi-private, two-sided look.
- Board on board fence calculator Calculate pickets for a board-on-board fence, which overlaps boards for full privacy from both sides, with the overlap built into the formula.
Related reading
In-depth guides
Frequently asked questions
What height is a standard privacy fence?
6 feet is the most common residential privacy fence height in the US, tall enough to block most sightlines while commonly staying under a local fence-height permit threshold; check your local code before finalizing height.
Is a privacy fence always wood?
No. Privacy is a layout, not a material: solid boards with no gaps between them. Vinyl and composite systems also come in privacy styles, and this calculator lets you switch material while keeping the zero-gap layout.
How many pickets do I need for a privacy fence?
With no gap, the count is the usable run divided by your board width, plus waste. For 100 feet with a 5.5 inch board, that is about 219 pickets before waste; the calculator adds its default waste factor on top.
Why does a privacy fence cost more than a picket fence?
A zero-gap privacy layout uses noticeably more boards over the same run than a picket style with a visible gap, and 6 foot privacy boards are usually pricier per board than shorter pickets. The cost difference is material quantity and size, not hidden fees.
How tall can a privacy fence be without a permit?
That is set by local code, and 6 feet is a common ceiling for a rear-yard fence in the US while some areas allow up to 8 feet or require a permit above 4 feet. Confirm with your building department; this calculator does not know your local limit.
What is the difference between privacy and board-on-board?
A standard privacy fence butts each board flush against the next on one face, fully solid from one side. Board-on-board overlaps boards on alternating faces so both sides are fully closed, which uses more boards. Both block sightlines; board-on-board looks the same from both yards.
Do privacy fences need more posts?
No. Post spacing and post count follow the same rules as any other wood style. The extra wind load of a solid 6 foot fence is why tall privacy fences are usually run with 6x6 posts at generous spacing rather than more posts closer together.
How long does a privacy fence last?
Lifespan is dominated by the species and your local climate: pressure-treated pine commonly serves 10 to 15 years, cedar 15 to 20-plus with maintenance, and redwood similar to cedar. Setting posts below the frost line and keeping boards off the soil extends every species.