Fence Calculator

Divide the effective fence length (total length minus any gate openings) by post spacing and round up to get the number of sections. Posts equal sections plus one for the start of the run, plus an extra post for each gate opening (each gate needs its own post at each side). Corners, slope changes, and irregular property lines may add more posts in practice.

Six to eight feet is standard for most residential fences. Six-foot spacing is sturdier for tall privacy fences and windy sites. Eight-foot spacing uses fewer posts and works well with 8 ft prefab panels. Local code may set a maximum.

Two rails (one near the top, one near the bottom) is the common minimum for a 4 to 6 ft fence. Use three rails for taller fences (over 6 ft) or for heavier panels. The calculator multiplies rails per section by the section count to estimate the rail order.

Panel mode uses a prefab panel width (commonly 6 or 8 ft) and counts how many panels span the run. Picket mode uses a picket width plus a gap to count individual pickets. Choose panel for a fast prefab install and picket for a built-on-site board fence with custom spacing.

A common rule of thumb is two 60 lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post hole for a 6 ft wood fence on standard 4×4 posts. Heavier fences, taller fences, sandy soil, or corner posts may need three or more bags per hole. Enter your bag count per post in the optional concrete field and the calculator multiplies it by total posts.

Yes, partially. Gate count and gate width subtract from the effective fence length, which lowers the section count, and each gate adds an extra post to the post total to support the gate hardware. The calculator does not estimate gate hardware (hinges, latch, drop rod) or specialized gate posts. Order those separately.