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Fence Calculator

Calculate fence materials including posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for footings. Get complete material lists for privacy, picket, or rail fences.

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How to Use This Calculator

Plan your fence project with accurate material estimates for posts, rails, and pickets:

  1. Enter the total linear feet of fence you need to build.
  2. Select your fence style (privacy, picket, rail) and height.
  3. Choose post spacing (typically 6-8 feet between posts).
  4. Click 'Calculate' to see posts, rails, pickets, and concrete needed.

Why This Matters

Fencing materials add up quickly, and fence projects have many components - posts, rails, pickets, fasteners, and concrete for post holes. Running short means project delays, while over-ordering means returning heavy materials or wasting money. Accurate calculations also help you compare quotes from contractors and ensure you're being charged fairly for materials.

  • Get complete material lists including often-forgotten items like concrete
  • Compare costs between different fence styles and materials
  • Verify contractor quotes for materials
  • Plan post hole digging with accurate counts
  • Budget accurately for the complete project

Worked Examples

Privacy Fence

100 linear feet of 6-foot privacy fence, posts 8 feet apart.

Calculation: 13 posts + 26 rails (2 per section) + ~200 pickets (6" width with gap)
Result: Need 13 bags of concrete for post holes plus fasteners. Budget $2,000-3,500 for materials.

Backyard Enclosure

Fencing three sides of a 50' × 80' backyard (160 total feet), 4-foot picket fence.

Calculation: 21 posts (8' spacing) + 42 rails + ~270 pickets
Result: Smaller scale project - approximately $1,200-2,000 in materials.

Split Rail Fence

200 feet of 3-rail split rail fence for property line, 10-foot spans.

Calculation: 21 posts + 60 rails (3 per section × 20 sections)
Result: Rustic fencing is economical - around $1,000-1,500 in materials.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting corner and end posts need extra concrete and may need larger posts.
  • Not accounting for gates - gates require special hardware and affect post placement.
  • Using 10-foot spacing for privacy fences - 6-8 feet is more appropriate for structural integrity.
  • Underestimating concrete needs - each post typically needs 1-2 bags depending on depth.
  • Not checking property lines before building - fences built on neighbor's property create legal issues.

Frequently Asked Questions