Fence Calculator

Calculate materials needed for a fence project. Estimate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for wood, vinyl, or chain-link fences.

Unit System

Metric

Imperial

Total Fence Length (ft)

Fence Height

Fence Type

Post Spacing (ft)

Number of Gates

Gate Width (ft)

Number of Corner Posts

Optional: Material Costs

Cost per Post ($)

Cost per Rail ($)

Cost per Picket/Board ($)

Cost per Concrete Bag ($)

About Fence Calculator

Fence Planning Basics

Planning a fence project starts with accurate measurements and a clear understanding of your property boundaries. Before purchasing materials, check local building codes for height restrictions, setback requirements, and permit needs. Mark all corners, gates, and obstacles along the fence line. Knowing the total linear footage, number of corners, and gate locations lets you calculate exactly how many posts, rails, pickets, and bags of concrete you need—reducing waste and saving money.

Fence Types Comparison

Fence Type	Picket Width	Privacy	Cost
Wood Picket	3.5 in	Low	$
Wood Privacy	5.5 in	High	$$
Vinyl	6 in panels	High	$$$
Chain-Link	N/A (mesh)	None	$

Post Spacing and Concrete

Post Spacing

Standard spacing: 8 ft on center
High-wind areas: 6 ft on center
Corner posts at every direction change
Gate posts on each side of opening

Concrete Requirements

1 bag (50 lb) per line post
2 bags per corner post
2 bags per gate post
Hole depth: ⅓ of total post length

Material Estimation

Calculation Guidelines:

→Posts: Divide fence length by spacing, add 1, plus corner and gate posts
→Rails: 2 per section for 4 ft fences, 3 per section for 6 ft and taller
→Pickets: Fence length (minus gates) divided by picket width
→Concrete: 1 bag per line post, 2 bags per corner/gate post

Professional Tips

Before You Build

Call 811 to locate underground utilities
Verify property lines with a survey
Check HOA rules and local codes
Plan for drainage and grade changes

During Installation

Set corner and gate posts first
Use a string line for alignment
Let concrete cure 24–48 hours
Add 5–10% extra materials for waste

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

Fence posts are typically spaced 6 to 8 feet apart on center. For most residential wood fences, 8-foot spacing is standard because it works well with common rail lengths. Shorter spacing (6 feet) provides extra strength in areas with high winds or for taller fences. Always check local building codes, as some jurisdictions require specific post spacing for certain fence heights.

How much concrete do I need for fence posts?

A standard line post typically requires one 50-pound bag of concrete (about 0.375 cubic feet). Corner posts and gate posts bear more stress and should use two bags each. For a 4×4 post, dig a hole 10–12 inches in diameter and one-third the total post length deep (e.g., 2 feet deep for a 6-foot fence). Setting posts in concrete ensures long-term stability and prevents leaning.

What are the differences between fence types?

Wood picket fences use narrow, spaced boards and are ideal for decorative front-yard boundaries. Wood privacy fences use wider boards placed tightly together for full coverage. Vinyl fences are low-maintenance and resist rot but cost more upfront. Chain-link fences are the most affordable and durable option but offer less privacy. Each type has different material requirements for pickets, rails, and posts.

How do I estimate the total materials for my fence?

Start by measuring the total fence length and subtracting gate openings. Divide the remaining length by post spacing to find the number of sections, then add one for the starting post. Multiply sections by the number of rails per section (2 for short fences, 3 for 6-foot or taller). For pickets, divide the fence length (minus gates) by the picket width plus any gap. Always add 5–10% extra materials for waste and cuts.

Additional Resources

Fence - Wikipedia Picket Fence - Wikipedia Chain-Link Fencing - Wikipedia

Share This Calculator

Include calculator values in URL

Embed on Your Website

Add this calculator to your website