Fence Calculator
Calculate how many posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags you need for your fence project. Select your fence type and enter dimensions to get a complete materials list.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Planning a fence project requires careful measurement and material estimation:
- Measure the perimeter: Walk and measure the total length of fence needed in feet. Mark corners and gate locations.
- Choose your fence type: Privacy fences use more boards since pickets are tight together. Picket fences have gaps between boards. Chain link uses fabric rolls instead of individual pickets.
- Calculate posts: Divide total fence length by post spacing and add 1. Add 2 extra posts per gate (one on each side).
- Calculate rails: Fences under 5 ft use 2 horizontal rails per section. Fences 5 ft and taller use 3 rails.
- Calculate pickets: For privacy fences, divide total fence length in inches by picket width (5.5 inches). For picket fences, divide by picket width plus gap.
- Add waste factor: Add 10% for cuts, damaged boards, and fitting around irregular terrain.
Fence Post Guidelines
- Post depth: Set posts at least 1/3 of the total post length underground. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts buried 24-30 inches deep.
- Post hole size: Dig holes 3x the post width. For 4x4 posts, dig 12-inch diameter holes.
- Concrete: Use 2 bags (50 lb each) of pre-mixed concrete per post for a solid set.
- Corner and gate posts: Consider using 6x6 posts at corners and gate locations for extra strength.
Fence Type Comparison
- Wood privacy: Boards set tight together with no gaps. Provides maximum privacy and wind resistance. Uses the most materials.
- Wood picket: Boards spaced with gaps (typically 2.5 inches). Classic look, uses fewer boards, allows airflow. Great for front yards.
- Chain link: Metal mesh fabric sold in rolls. Most economical per foot. Posts spaced farther apart (10 ft). Fabric is sold by height and linear feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide the total fence length by the post spacing (typically 6 or 8 feet) and add 1 for the starting post. For example, a 100-foot fence with 8-foot spacing needs 14 posts (100 / 8 = 12.5, rounded up to 13, plus 1 = 14). Add extra posts for corners and gate openings.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard fence post spacing is 6 to 8 feet on center. Use 6-foot spacing for privacy fences and areas with high wind loads, and 8-foot spacing for picket fences and moderate conditions. Chain link fence posts are typically spaced 10 feet apart.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
Most fence posts require 1-2 bags (50 lb each) of pre-mixed concrete. For a standard 4x4 post in a 10-inch diameter hole that is 24-30 inches deep, plan on 2 bags per post. For 6x6 posts or deeper holes, use 3-4 bags per post.
How many pickets do I need for a fence?
For a privacy fence with no gaps, divide the fence length in inches by the picket width (typically 5.5 inches for a standard 1x6 board). For a picket fence with gaps, divide by the picket width plus the gap width. Add 10% for waste. A 100-foot privacy fence needs about 220 standard pickets.