Fence Calculator
Calculate how many fence posts, rails, pickets, and boards you need for your fencing project. Enter your total fence length, height, and style to get a complete material list.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Estimating fence materials requires calculating posts, rails, and pickets or boards based on your total fence length and chosen style:
- Determine post count: Divide total fence length by post spacing, round up, and add 1 for the end post. Add 2 extra posts for each gate.
- Calculate sections: The number of fence sections equals total posts minus 1 (minus gate posts).
- Count rails per section: Fences 4 feet or shorter need 2 horizontal rails; taller fences need 3 rails for structural support.
- Estimate pickets/boards: For privacy fences, divide section width by picket width (typically 5.5 inches). For picket fences, account for the gap between pickets (typically 2.5 inches between 3.5-inch pickets).
Fence Post Depth Guide
A properly set fence post should have one-third of its total length below ground. This ensures stability and resistance to wind and leaning.
- 4-foot fence: Use 6-foot posts, bury 2 feet deep
- 6-foot fence: Use 9-foot posts, bury 3 feet deep
- 8-foot fence: Use 12-foot posts, bury 4 feet deep
Each post hole typically requires 1-2 bags of concrete (50 lbs each) for a secure setting. For a standard 6-foot privacy fence, plan on about 1.5 bags per post hole.
Fence Styles Comparison
- Privacy fence: Uses 5.5-inch wide boards placed edge-to-edge with no gaps. Provides complete visual screening and wind protection. Requires the most material.
- Picket fence: Uses 3.5-inch wide pickets with 2.5-inch gaps between them. Classic look for front yards. Uses fewer pickets but still requires the same number of posts and rails.
- Split-rail fence: Uses 2-3 horizontal rails between posts with no pickets. Rustic appearance, ideal for property boundaries. Uses the least material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Fence posts should be spaced 6-8 feet apart for most fence types. A spacing of 8 feet is standard for privacy and picket fences, while 6 feet is recommended for areas with high winds or heavy fence panels. Split-rail fences typically use 8-10 foot spacing.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Fence posts should be set so that one-third of the total post length is below ground. For a 6-foot fence, use 9-foot posts and bury 3 feet. The minimum depth should be below the frost line in your area. Each post hole should use 1-2 bags (50 lbs each) of concrete for a secure setting.
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
For a privacy fence with no gaps using standard 5.5-inch wide pickets, you need approximately 2.2 pickets per linear foot. For a picket fence with 2.5-inch gaps between 3.5-inch wide pickets, you need approximately 2 pickets per linear foot. The exact count depends on picket width and desired spacing.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
For a standard 4x4 fence post in an 8-inch diameter hole that is 3 feet deep, you need about 1-2 bags (50 lbs each) of quick-setting concrete. Larger posts (6x6) or deeper holes may require 3-4 bags per post.
What is the best post spacing for a privacy fence?
The standard post spacing for a privacy fence is 8 feet on center. This works well with standard 8-foot rail lengths and provides adequate support. In high-wind areas, reduce spacing to 6 feet for added strength.