Fence material planning
Fence Calculator
Estimate fence posts, sections, rails, pickets or panels, gate openings, post-hole concrete, fasteners, waste, and material cost using editable layout and supplier assumptions.
Fence systems
Pickets + panels
Material planning
Posts + concrete
Project estimate
Cost + tax
Inputs
Fence project details
Estimate posts, rails, pickets or panels, gates, concrete, fasteners, waste, and material cost.
Fence layout
Pickets and rails
Post holes, concrete and fasteners
Supplier pricing
Planning and safety
Confirm property lines, easements, permits, fence height, post depth, frost depth, wind design and utility locations before digging. Call 811 before excavation. Gate, corner and bracing requirements vary by system.
Results
Fence material estimate
Estimated material total
$2,105.50
Posts to purchase
21 posts
Pickets to purchase
232 pickets
Concrete bags
37 bags
Fastener boxes
2 boxes
Cost per linear foot
$21.06
Fence layout
Material list
Material cost
How to use the fence calculator
Measure the complete fence line, identify corners and gates, then choose individual pickets or prebuilt panels. Enter the spacing and coverage assumptions for the exact system being purchased.
Step 1
Measure the fence line
Record each run, corner, direction change and gate opening.
Step 2
Choose the system
Enter post spacing, rails and pickets, or the manufactured panel width.
Step 3
Verify the order
Confirm package coverage, concrete yield, pricing, code and utility locations.
Fence material formulas
Fence sections
Net fence length ÷ maximum post spacing
Pickets
Net length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap)
Panels
Net fence length ÷ panel width
Concrete per hole
Hole-cylinder volume − embedded post volume
Calculated purchase quantities are rounded up to whole items. Waste is applied to posts, rails, pickets or panels; concrete and fasteners are rounded to whole packages.
Fence planning FAQs
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide each fence run by the selected maximum post spacing, round up to whole sections, and include end, corner and gate posts. Terrain and bracing can add posts.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Many wood fences use posts about 6 to 8 feet apart, but spacing depends on fence type, height, wind exposure, post size, soil, panels and local requirements.
How many pickets do I need?
Convert the net fence length to inches and divide by the combined picket width and gap. Add waste and round up to a whole picket.
How much concrete is needed for fence posts?
Concrete depends on post-hole diameter and depth, post size and post count. Product yield varies, so verify the bag label before purchasing.
Does this fence estimate include labor?
No. The primary estimate covers editable material pricing, tax, delivery and additional fees. Installation labor, permits, demolition and site work should be priced separately.