Fence Calculator
Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for your fence project — privacy, picket, or board-on-board.
Fence Style
Fence Dimensions
Enter fence length and height to see results.
💡 Always call 811 before digging — utility lines may be buried in your yard.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Key Formulas
Posts = (Length ÷ Spacing) + 1
Rails = Sections × Rails per Section
Pickets = (Length in inches) ÷ (Picket + Gap)
Start by measuring your total fence line. Divide by post spacing (typically 6–8 feet) to get the number of sections. Posts should be buried at least 1/3 of the above-ground height, plus a couple inches. Each post hole gets concrete to set it firmly.
Example
For a 100 ft privacy fence, 6 ft tall, posts every 8 ft: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 → 13 sections, 14 posts. 3 rails per section = 39 rails. At 5.5" boards with no gap: 1200" ÷ 5.5 = 219 pickets (241 with waste).
Tips & Best Practices
- •Set posts in concrete, not just dirt. Let cure 24–48 hours before attaching rails.
- •Use pressure-treated lumber or cedar for posts — they'll be in contact with the ground.
- •Set string lines to keep the fence straight. Start with corner and end posts first.
- •Post holes should be 3× the post width (e.g., 12" hole for a 4×4 post) and deep enough to bury 1/3 of the fence height.
- •Check your property survey and local setback requirements before building. Many areas require fences to be 6" inside the property line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?+
A basic privacy fence costs $12–$25 per linear foot in materials. Professional installation adds $10–$20+ per foot. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine but lasts longer without staining.
How far apart should fence posts be?+
Standard spacing is 8 feet for most wood fences. For high-wind areas or fences over 6 feet tall, reduce to 6 feet. Never exceed 8 feet — panels will sag and warp.
How deep should fence post holes be?+
Bury at least 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence, use an 8-foot post and bury 2 feet. In frost-prone areas, go below the frost line (usually 30–48 inches).
How many bags of concrete per fence post?+
For a standard 4×4 post in a 10-inch-wide hole: 1 bag of 50-lb concrete for 4-foot fences, 2 bags for 6-foot fences. Use fast-setting concrete for convenience.