Fence Calculator
Posts, rails, pickets, and concrete in one list.
Fence Calculator
Posts = ceil(run / spacing) + 1; pickets = ceil(run in / (width + gap))
Calculated instantly
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What This Calculator Does
The Fence Calculator estimates the main materials for a straight run: posts, sections, rails, pickets, and concrete bags. It works for privacy fences, picket fences, and garden screens where spacing and picket width are known.
How It Works
Divide the run by the post spacing and round up to get sections, then add one for the closing post at the far end. Rails multiply sections by rails per section. Pickets divide the run in inches by the combined picket width and gap, rounded up. Concrete bags multiply the post count by bags per post.
Example
A 100 ft run with posts every 8 ft has 13 sections and 14 posts. With two rails per section that is 26 rails. Using 5.5 inch pickets and a 1/8 inch gap needs 214 pickets, and 28 concrete bags at two per post.
Formula
Posts = ceil(run / post spacing) + 1Rails = sections × rails per sectionPickets = ceil((run × 12) / (picket width + gap))Reading the Results
Posts
Including both end posts. Gate posts are extra and usually need deeper footings.
Pickets
The picket count for a run at the chosen width and gap. It does not include gate framing or spare pickets for damage.
Concrete bags
A planning quantity based on your bags-per-post figure. A 50 lb bag sets roughly 0.375 cubic feet, so check the hole volume.
Sources and References
International Residential Code (IRC) R403 — footings
Footings must extend below the frost line where applicable
Fence height, setback, and footing rules are usually local; check before digging.
References identify the method or data behind this calculator. Where a standard or tariff changes, the current edition applies, and the assumptions stated above take precedence over a remembered figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Eight feet is the most common spacing for wood and vinyl fencing. Six feet is stronger in windy areas or with heavy panels; always follow the manufacturer’s span limit.
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
At 8 ft spacing, divide 100 by 8 to get 12.5 sections, round up to 13, then add one end post: 14 posts in total.
How much concrete per fence post?
A common rule is one to two 50 lb bags per post, depending on hole size and soil. A 10 inch hole 30 inches deep needs about 1.4 cubic feet, or roughly four bags.
Does this calculator include a gate?
No. A gate needs its own posts, usually larger and deeper, plus hinges, latch, and framing. Add those separately to the material list.