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Fence Calculator

Estimate fence materials including posts, rails, and pickets for wood, vinyl, or chain-link fencing.

Fence Layout

Standard is 3.5 in (1x4) or 5.5 in (1x6).
0 in for solid privacy fence.

Fencing Materials Results

Total Pickets Needed (with waste)

454pickets

Fence Posts Needed

16posts
Detailed Material Breakdown
Horizontal 2×4 Rails Needed
45rails
Total Fence Sections
15sections
Concrete Bags for Posts (60 lb)
32bags (~2 per post)

Calculation Formula & Assumptions

Calculates the number of fence posts, horizontal structural rails, and vertical pickets needed for a given perimeter fence length.

Posts = ⌈Length ÷ Spacing⌉ + 1 | Rails = Sections × Rails/Section

Step-by-step breakdown:

  • Sections = Total Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing (typically 6 or 8 feet)
  • Posts = ⌈Sections⌉ + 1 (plus 1 extra post per corner/gate)
  • Rails = Sections × Rails Per Section (2 rails for 4' fence; 3 rails for 6' fence)
  • Pickets = ⌈Total Length in inches ÷ (Picket Width + Picket Spacing)⌉ × (1 + Waste %)

Note: Posts must be set in concrete footings dug below the local frost line (typically 24 to 36 inches deep).

Worked Calculation Example

Backyard Privacy Fence (120 linear feet, 6 ft tall)

Installing 120 ft of 6-foot dog-ear privacy fence with 8-foot post spacing and 3.5" pickets with 0" gap (solid board).

Fence Length:120 feet
Post Spacing:8 feet
Height:6 feet (3 rails per section)
Picket:3.5 inches wide, 0" gap
Waste Factor:10%
Calculation Steps:
  1. Sections = 120 ÷ 8 = 15 sections
  2. Posts needed = 15 + 1 = 16 posts
  3. Horizontal 2×4 rails = 15 sections × 3 rails = 45 rails
  4. Raw pickets = (120 × 12) ÷ 3.5 = 411.4 => 412 pickets
  5. With 10% waste: 412 × 1.10 = 454 pickets
Order 16 posts, 45 rails (8 ft length), and 455 pickets.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter total fence perimeter length in feet or meters.
  2. Select fence height (4 ft, 6 ft, or 8 ft).
  3. Select post spacing (6 ft or 8 ft on-center).
  4. Select picket width (standard is 3.5" or 5.5") and spacing between pickets.

Common Estimation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Placing posts more than 8 feet apart (causes sagging rails under wind and weight).
  • Forgetting to dig post holes below the frost line in cold climates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Budget 1 to 2 sixty-pound bags of fast-setting concrete per post hole for standard 6-foot fences.

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