Fence Calculator
Estimate the posts, rails, pickets, and concrete your fence needs from its length, height, and post spacing.
Results are estimates for planning. Gates, corners, and sloped ground change the counts. Always confirm post depth against your local frost line and code.
How to Measure for a Fence
A fence is counted in sections — the runs of pickets between two posts.
Length and spacing
Measure the total run of the fence in feet. Post spacing is the centre-to-centre distance between posts; 8 ft is typical for wood fences, 6 ft for extra strength.
Height and pickets
Enter the finished fence height. Picket width plus the gap between pickets sets how many boards each foot of fence needs — a gap of 0 gives a solid privacy fence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting the end post. A fence always needs one more post than it has sections.
- Shallow post holes. Posts should go a third of their height underground and below the frost line, or the fence heaves and leans.
- Ignoring the picket gap. Even a small gap changes the picket count noticeably over a long run.
- Skipping corner and gate hardware. This estimate covers the straight runs; budget extra posts and hardware for gates and corners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide the fence length by the post spacing, round up, then add one end post. A 100 ft fence with 8 ft spacing needs 14 posts.
Six to eight feet is standard. Eight feet suits wood privacy fences; six feet adds strength for taller fences or windy sites.
At least a third of the above-ground height, and below the frost line. A 6 ft fence usually needs a hole 2-2.5 ft deep.
Fences up to about 5 ft use two rails per section; 6 ft and taller use three to stop pickets warping.
Roughly two 50 lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post for a standard 6 ft fence. Larger posts or deeper holes need more.