Fence Stain Calculator – How Much Do I Need? | CalcLoft
Find out exactly how many gallons of fence stain you need — for a picket or privacy fence, on one or both sides, with one or two coats.
How much fence stain do I need?
Measure the total surface you plan to stain, then multiply by the number of coats. For a straight run of fence:
Fence surface = length × height × number of sides
Gallons of stain = (fence surface × coats) ÷ sq ft per gallon
For example, a 100 ft fence at 6 ft high stained on both sides has 100 × 6 × 2 = 1,200 sq ft of surface. Two coats make 2,400 sq ft of coverage. At 200 sq ft per gallon that is 12 gallons — or three 5-gallon pails. Use the calculator above for your exact fence.
Fence stain coverage at a glance
The examples below assume a double-sided fence, two coats and a conservative 200 sq ft of coverage per gallon:
| Fence length | Height | Surface area | Gallons (2 coats) | 5-gallon pails |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | 6 ft | 1,200 sq ft | 12 gal | 3 |
| 100 ft | 4 ft | 800 sq ft | 8 gal | 2 |
| 150 ft | 6 ft | 1,800 sq ft | 18 gal | 4 |
| 50 ft | 6 ft | 600 sq ft | 6 gal | 2 |
Semi-transparent vs. solid stain
Semi-transparent stains are thin and soak into the wood, so they usually cover more surface per gallon — roughly 300 sq ft per gallon on smooth wood — but they let the grain show and do less to hide old color. Solid-color stains behave more like paint: they are more opaque, hide the old finish better in one coat, and typically cover about 200 sq ft per gallon. When in doubt, pick the lower coverage option and buy about 10% extra stain for touch-ups.
Related guides
Fence stain calculator FAQ
Should I stain one side or both sides of the fence?
Both sides if you can reach them. Staining the back protects the wood from moisture and warping and keeps the color even on both faces. If it is a shared fence, ask your neighbor before working on their side.
Do semi-transparent and solid stains use different amounts?
Yes. Semi-transparent stain soaks into the wood and spreads further, covering about 300 sq ft per gallon on smooth wood. Solid stain is thicker and more opaque — it hides more per coat but only covers about 200 sq ft per gallon, so it usually takes more gallons for the same fence.
How far does one 5-gallon pail of stain go?
At 200 sq ft per gallon, a 5-gallon pail covers about 1,000 sq ft of fence in a single coat — roughly a 100 ft × 5 ft fence with both sides. For two coats you would need about two pails for the same run.
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