Example material count
For 100 ft of fence with 5.5 in actual board width, zero gap, and a 10% waste allowance, the spacing formula estimates 219 boards before waste and 241 boards to buy after rounding up. At 8 ft maximum spacing, the line divides into 13 sections. Three 8 ft rails per section gives 39 base rails and 43 after the same allowance.
This model does not reuse offcuts. It treats purchase rails as stock lengths and warns when a section exceeds the selected stock length. Gate framing and hardware are separate.
Measure before ordering
Measure the clear straight segments between corners, ends, and gates. Record openings separately, then confirm that the full layout adds up. Board width means the actual face width, not the nominal lumber label; a board's required count changes with its installed gap.
Post placement also depends on corners, gate hardware, soil, and construction details. Use the result as a takeoff starting point and confirm a build plan with a qualified installer.
Included and excluded items
The count covers fence boards, line and gate posts, and rails under the displayed assumptions. It does not automatically count fasteners, concrete, caps, trim, gate lumber, or replacement stock beyond the selected waste allowance. See the formulas and limitations.
Board quantity formula
For each solid segment use ceil((length in ft × 12 + gap in inches) ÷ (actual board width + gap)). Sum those counts, multiply by 1 + waste / 100 and round up. Posts do not receive a waste allowance.
Model version 1.0. Reference content reviewed October 29, 2026; installation sign-off remains pending. See the sources and their limits and complete methodology.