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Fence Calculator

Estimate posts, rails, pickets and concrete bags for wood, vinyl or privacy fences.

Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed for typical residential fence material estimating

Please fix the highlighted fields below — fence length and post spacing must be greater than 0.
Fence Size
Pickets (optional)
Concrete & Waste

How to Use This Fence Calculator

  • Enter the total fence length (around the yard or along one side)
  • Set post spacing (usually 6–8 ft)
  • Add number of gates (extra posts are added automatically)
  • Choose rails per section and optional picket width / gap
  • Adjust concrete bags per post and waste, then calculate

Common Fence Examples (8 ft Spacing, 2 Rails, 5.5" Pickets)

Quick reference for popular residential fence lengths. Includes 10% waste on rails and pickets, and ~1.5 concrete bags per post. No gates.

Fence Length Posts Rails Pickets Concrete Bags
50 ft 8 16 ~110 ~12
75 ft 11 22 ~165 ~17
100 ft 14 28 ~220 ~21
150 ft 20 42 ~330 ~30
200 ft 26 55 ~440 ~39

Add 2 posts per gate. Always re-calculate with your exact length, spacing and picket size.

Typical Post Spacing

Fence Type Common Spacing
Wood privacy6 – 8 ft
Picket fence6 – 8 ft
Vinyl6 – 8 ft
High-wind areas4 – 6 ft
Chain-link8 – 10 ft

Formulas Used

Sections = ceil(Fence length ÷ Post spacing)

Posts = Sections + 1 + (Gates × 2)

Rails = Sections × Rails per section × (1 + Waste%)

Pickets = ceil(Fence length ÷ (Picket width + Gap)) × (1 + Waste%)

Concrete bags = Posts × Bags per post

Fence Building Tips

  • Dig post holes below the frost line in cold climates
  • A common depth rule: 1/3 of post length in the ground (or at least 2 ft for a 6-ft fence). For footing volume in bulk, you can also cross-check with the concrete calculator
  • Use gravel at the bottom of holes for drainage — estimate base material with the gravel calculator
  • Set corner and end posts first, then line posts
  • Each gate usually needs two sturdy posts — enter the number of gates so they are included
  • Check local codes for height limits, setbacks, and required post depth

Frequently Asked Questions

Divide total fence length by post spacing, then add 1 for the end post. Example: 100 ft with 8 ft spacing → about 14 posts. Add 2 posts per gate. This calculator includes gate posts automatically.
Most wood privacy and picket fences use 6 to 8 feet between posts. Use closer spacing (4–6 ft) in high-wind areas.
About 1 to 2 bags of 50–60 lb concrete per post is typical for residential fences. Wider or deeper holes need more. Adjust “bags per post” in the calculator.
A common rule is one-third of the post length in the ground, or at least 2 ft for a 6-ft fence. In frost areas, dig below the frost line. Always check local codes.
Divide fence length by (picket width + gap). Example: 100 ft with 5.5" pickets and 0.5" gaps → about 200 pickets before waste. Add 5–10% waste.
Yes. Each gate usually needs two sturdy posts. Enter the number of gates and the calculator adds them to the post count.
Most privacy and picket fences use 2 or 3 rails per section. Taller or heavier fences may use 3–4 rails for strength.

Related measurements

Post concrete volume and bags are included above; for slabs or larger footings use the concrete calculator. Base gravel under the fence line: gravel calculator. Property edge length: square footage calculator. Browse all construction calculators.

Related Construction Calculators

Concrete Calculator Post holes, footings & bags needed Gravel Calculator Volume & tons for base and drainage Square Footage Calculator Area for panels and layouts Paint Calculator Gallons for fence staining or painting Stair Calculator Rise, run, stringers & angle Mulch Calculator Cubic yards & bags for landscaping