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Fence Calculator

Estimate fence posts, rails, pickets, and materials needed for your fencing project.

Our free Fence Calculator lets you estimate fence posts, rails, pickets, and materials needed for your fencing project. It is built for contractors, DIY renovators, and homeowners planning building projects who need fast, reliable results without installing software or creating an account.

Fence Calculator runs entirely in your browser on CalculatorsPlus — enter your values, get instant results, and copy or share your output in one click. Your data never leaves your device; we do not store inputs on any server.

Accurate material estimates prevent costly over-ordering and mid-project shortages. Measure carefully, add a waste factor for cuts and breakage, and use the fence calculator output as a shopping list starting point.

Results update in real time as you change inputs, so you can explore "what if" scenarios — adjust one variable at a time to see how it affects the outcome before committing to a purchase, plan, or decision.

This page includes step-by-step instructions, frequently asked questions, and practical tips below the calculator. Bookmark it for repeat use — many construction tasks come up weekly during projects, studies, or financial planning.

Common Uses

  • Estimate materials before visiting the hardware store
  • Compare supplier quotes against independent calculations
  • Budget renovation and landscaping projects
  • Double-check contractor-provided quantities

How to Use the Fence Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter fence length

    Input the total perimeter length of your fence.

  2. 2

    Select fence type

    Choose privacy, picket, or post-and-rail style.

  3. 3

    Enter fence height

    Specify the height of the fence.

  4. 4

    View materials

    See posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags needed.

💡 Tips & Tricks

  • Check property lines and local setback requirements before building.
  • Alternate post positions between facing sides for a balanced look.
  • Use post caps to prevent water damage and extend post life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard post spacing is 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) for most fence types. Shorter spacing (6 ft) provides more stability for tall privacy fences or windy areas.
How deep should fence posts be?
Posts should be buried 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts buried 2 feet deep. In frost-prone areas, go below the frost line.
How many pickets do I need?
Divide total fence length by (picket width + gap width). For a 100 ft fence with 3.5" pickets and 1.5" gaps: 100×12 / 5 = 240 pickets.
How much concrete per fence post?
Each post hole typically needs 1–2 bags (50–80 lbs each) of quick-set concrete. A 10" diameter, 24" deep hole uses about 2 bags of 50-lb concrete.