Fence Stain Calculator
Quick answer: Gallons of fence stain = (fence length × fence height × sides) × coats ÷ the coverage rate printed on your stain's label, rounded up to the next whole gallon. For example, a 100-ft × 6-ft fence stained on both sides with 2 coats at 300 sq ft per gallon needs 8.0 gallons — so you buy 8 gallons.
Figure out how much stain your fence needs before you shop. Enter the fence length, height, number of sides, coats, and coverage rate, and this fence stain calculator shows the exact gallons needed plus the whole gallons to buy.
Enter your numbers
The 300 sq ft/gal default is only a starting point — always use the coverage printed on your product label.
Your results
Estimate only. Actual coverage depends on your stain's labeled rate, wood porosity, and application method.
How to use this calculator
Measure the total fence length in feet and the fence height (the standard 6-ft privacy fence is the default). Choose whether you are staining one side or both sides, pick 1 or 2 coats, and enter the coverage rate from your stain's label. The gallons update instantly as you change any value.
How it works
Paintable area = fence length × fence height × sides. Total coverage needed = paintable area × coats. Exact gallons = total coverage needed ÷ coverage rate. Gallons to buy = exact gallons rounded up to the next whole gallon, since stain is sold by the gallon.
This calculator makes no coverage claims of its own. The 300 sq ft/gal default is a starting point; coverage varies by product formulation and by how porous the wood is — weathered, rough-sawn wood drinks more stain than smooth, new wood. For the most accurate result, always use the coverage printed on your product label.
Worked example
A 100-ft long, 6-ft tall fence, stained on both sides, 2 coats, at 300 sq ft per gallon: 100 × 6 × 2 = 1,200 sq ft of fence. Times 2 coats = 2,400 sq ft of coverage needed. 2,400 ÷ 300 = 8.0 gallons exact → buy 8 gallons.
Reference data
This tool is formula-based and consumes no external data table. The only external figure it uses is the coverage rate you enter from your stain's product label — the calculator does not assume any universal coverage value, because coverage varies by product and wood porosity.
Method & sources
Method: gallons = (length × height × sides × coats) ÷ coverage rate; result rounded up to the next whole gallon. All inputs are supplied by the user; no external authoritative figures are used.
- Coverage rate — from your stain product's label (user-entered).
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate how much fence stain to buy?
Multiply fence length × height × sides to get the paintable area, multiply by the number of coats, then divide by the coverage rate on your stain's label and round up. For example: 100 ft × 6 ft × 2 sides × 2 coats ÷ 300 sq ft per gallon = 8 gallons to buy.
What coverage rate should I use for fence stain?
Use the coverage printed on your stain's product label. The calculator's 300 sq ft per gallon default is only a starting point — coverage varies by product and by how porous the wood is, so always check the label before buying.
Should I stain one side of a fence or both sides?
Staining both sides protects the wood longer, and it roughly doubles the stain you need. Use the calculator's 'sides' option to switch between one side and both sides and see the difference.
How many coats of fence stain do I need?
Two thin coats protect and color better than one thick coat on most fences. The calculator supports 1 or 2 coats so you can compare the gallons needed for each.
Why does the calculator round up to whole gallons?
Stain is sold in whole gallons, so the exact gallons are rounded up to the next full gallon. Rounding up also keeps a little extra on hand for touch-ups so you do not run short mid-project.