Fence Calculator
Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for your fence project — privacy, picket, or board-on-board.
Quick Answer
A 100 ft privacy fence (6 ft tall, posts every 8 ft) needs about 14 posts, 39 rails, 241 pickets (with waste), and 28 bags of concrete — materials typically cost $1,200–$2,500.
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.
Common Fence Projects
How Many Fence Posts Do I Need?
Divide your total fence length by post spacing (typically 8 feet) and add 1 for the end post. A 150 ft fence with 8 ft spacing needs 20 posts.
Add extra posts for each gate opening and corner. Here are estimates for common fence lengths:
| Fence Length | Posts (8 ft spacing) | Concrete Bags | Rails (3 per section) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 8 | 8–16 | 21 |
| 100 ft | 14 | 14–28 | 39 |
| 150 ft | 20 | 20–40 | 57 |
| 200 ft | 26 | 26–52 | 75 |
Use 1–2 bags of concrete per post. Gate posts and corner posts should use 2 bags for extra stability.
How Much Does a Wood Fence Cost?
A wood privacy fence costs $15–$35 per linear foot for materials. Professional installation adds $15–$30 per linear foot. A 150 ft fence costs $2,250–$5,250 for DIY materials.
Cost depends on fence height, style, wood type, and your region.
| Fence Length | DIY Materials | Pro Installed |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $750–$1,750 | $1,500–$3,250 |
| 100 ft | $1,500–$3,500 | $3,000–$6,500 |
| 150 ft | $2,250–$5,250 | $4,500–$9,750 |
| 200 ft (full yard) | $3,000–$7,000 | $6,000–$13,000 |
Fence Styles: Privacy, Picket, and Board-on-Board
Each fence style uses different amounts of material. The calculator above adjusts for your chosen style automatically.
Privacy Fence (6 ft)
Boards placed edge-to-edge with no gaps. Uses the most pickets. Standard for backyard boundaries and pool enclosures. $20–$35/linear ft materials.
Board-on-Board
Overlapping boards on alternating sides of the rail. Looks good from both sides. Uses ~15% more pickets than standard privacy. $25–$40/linear ft.
Picket Fence (3–4 ft)
Evenly spaced boards with gaps. Classic for front yards. Uses fewer pickets and shorter posts. $15–$25/linear ft materials.
Need concrete for fence post holes? Estimate bags of concrete →