Fence Stain Calculator
Estimate gallons from fence face area, sides, coats and the coverage on your stain label.
Start with the net fence area
Enter the fence length you plan to coat. Subtract open gates if you will not coat their leaves, or include the leaves if you will. Multiply length by height and the number of sides. This is a rectangular face estimate, which can overestimate open picket fences and underestimate textured boards, edges, rails and posts.
Read the coverage label carefully
Coverage can change with wood condition, porosity and application method. Use the coverage for one coat. If the label already states coverage for the full two-coat system, use one coat here to avoid doubling it again.
Example: a 100 ft privacy fence
A 6 ft fence coated on both sides has 1,200 sq ft of face area. Two coats at 200 sq ft per gallon require 12 gallons before allowance, or 13.2 gallons with 10% extra. That rounds to 14 one-gallon cans. Compare actual package sizes and account separately for framing and board edges.