Fence Stain Calculator

Written by Great Medico

Updated September 26, 2026 •1 min read

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The Fence Stain Calculator estimates stain volume from the actual surface you plan to coat, then converts that quantity into an optional material cost.

What this calculator does

Choose a picket or box fence, enter its height and length, select one or both sides, choose the stain finish, and enter the product coverage. The calculator returns the total stain needed and an optional cost.

How the calculation works

Measured fence area is length × height. Staining both sides doubles that area. A box fence uses 1.5× the measured face area to account for overlapping boards. Transparent and semi-transparent finishes use one coat in the reference model, while solid color uses two coats. Required stain equals adjusted coated area divided by coverage.

Worked example

A 5 ft × 120 ft picket fence stained on both sides has 1,200 ft² of coated area. At 250 ft² per gallon with a one-coat transparent finish, the requirement is 4.8 gal. At $32 per gallon, the material cost is $153.60.

Practical note

Actual coverage changes with stain formulation, wood age and porosity, surface preparation, and application method. Use the coverage printed on the product container whenever possible.