6 ft Fence Calculator — Posts, Rails & Pickets
Estimate materials for a standard 6 ft tall privacy or chain link fence — the most common residential height. Returns posts, rails, pickets, and concrete.
Enter Dimensions
Standard dog-ear picket: 3.5 in
Privacy fence: 0 in · Standard: 0.5 in
Results
Fence Posts
14posts
Rails
26rails
Pickets
330pickets
Sections
13sections
Each section = 8 ft wide
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
6 feet is the residential privacy-fence default — tall enough to block the line of sight from standing adults, short enough to avoid permit requirements in most jurisdictions, and exactly the height that 8 ft fence post stock supports without cutting.
This calculator counts posts, rails, and pickets for a 6 ft tall wood or vinyl privacy fence. Standard layout: 8 ft posts spaced 8 ft on-center, two horizontal rails, butted or shadowbox pickets.
How to Estimate a 6 ft Privacy Fence
Posts = ⌈Length ÷ 8⌉ + 1. Rails = 2 × Length. Pickets = 2.18 × Length × (1 + waste %).
6 ft Fence Quick Reference
- Posts: 8 ft × 4x4 pressure-treated or cedar.
- Rails: 2 × 8 ft × 2x4 per panel section.
- Pickets: 6 ft × 1x6 cedar or pine.
- Concrete: 1-2 bags fast-set per post.
- Gate hardware: 1 kit per gate (hinges + latch).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is a standard residential privacy fence?
6 feet — the most common privacy fence height across the U.S. It blocks sight from standing adults, complies with most municipal codes without a permit, and uses standard 8 ft fence post stock (6 ft above grade + 2 ft below).
How long does an 8 ft post need to be for a 6 ft fence?
For a 6 ft fence, plan 8 ft posts: 6 ft above grade + 2 ft below (1/3 below-grade rule). In cold climates, 9 or 10 ft posts may be needed to meet frost-line depth.
Do I need a permit for a 6 ft fence?
Most U.S. jurisdictions allow 6 ft fences without permit in side and rear yards. Front-yard fences are typically limited to 3-4 ft. Always check with the local building department — and any HOA — before starting.
How many pickets per linear foot of 6 ft fence?
With butted 5-1/2 inch cedar pickets: 2.18 pickets per linear foot. Standard 6 ft fence uses 6 ft tall pickets, with 2 horizontal 2x4 rails.
How much does a 6 ft fence cost per linear foot?
Materials: $12-25 per LF for cedar privacy fence; $20-35 per LF for vinyl. Add $15-30 per LF for installation labor. A 100 ft cedar fence costs $1,200-2,500 in materials.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate fence posts, rails, and pickets for any wood, vinyl, or chain-link fence. Enter total run length and spacing for an instant material takeoff.
Open the Fence Calculator: Posts, Rails & Pickets →