Build Your Fence Plan
Start with one run. Add more runs when your fence changes direction or has separate straight sections.
Fence Material Calculator
Plan a fence project with posts, rails, pickets or panels, concrete and an optional material-cost estimate — with support for multiple runs and gates.
Built for project planning, not just a single lengthEnter each fence run, account for gates and shared corners, choose your construction style, and get a practical material takeoff. Final quantities should be checked against your fence design, site conditions, local requirements and product instructions.
What this fence calculator estimates
Use it as a planning worksheet for a wood fence project. It turns the fence runs you enter into a practical material takeoff, then separates the effect of gate openings from the covered fence length.
LayoutMultiple runs + corners
CoverageGates removed from cladding
MaterialsPosts, rails, pickets/panels
FoundationsHole-volume concrete estimate
Why the project view matters: a fence is rarely just one uninterrupted line. Stronger planning tools account for runs, corners, gates and the physical post-hole geometry instead of returning only a single picket count. Current fence calculators show this broader direction, including multiple runs and concrete calculations based on hole geometry.
How the calculation works
Posts = sum(ceil(run length ÷ max post spacing) + 1) − shared corners
Covered fence length = total run length − (gate count × gate width)
Material sections = ceil(covered fence length ÷ max post spacing)
Rails = material sections × rails per section
Pickets = ceil(covered length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap))
Concrete = (hole volume − post displacement) × total posts
Covered fence length = total run length − (gate count × gate width)
Material sections = ceil(covered fence length ÷ max post spacing)
Rails = material sections × rails per section
Pickets = ceil(covered length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap))
Concrete = (hole volume − post displacement) × total posts
The formulas are intentionally visible so you can audit the result. Rounding, the exact position of gates, slopes, cut-down panels and local installation requirements can change the final purchase quantity.
Fence planning notes
- For common wood fence layouts, post spacing is often planned in the 6–8 ft range, but the specific fence system and local requirements should take priority.
- Concrete quantity is based on the geometry you enter. Published product data gives different bag yields; this calculator uses selectable reference yields of 0.375 ft³ for 50 lb, 0.45 ft³ for 60 lb and 0.60 ft³ for 80 lb bags. Always verify the exact product label.
- A gate opening needs its own framing and hardware. This calculator identifies the two gate-post positions per gate but does not price hinges, latches, gate frames or specialty hardware.
- Fence posts and holes are site-dependent. Soil, wind exposure, frost depth, drainage and the fence system can require different dimensions. Treat these results as a planning estimate, not an installation specification.
Before you buy: confirm the exact panel/picket dimensions, post dimensions, gate design, hole depth and concrete product yield with the manufacturer's instructions and your local requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence posts do I need for a 100 ft fence?
At an 8 ft maximum spacing, one straight 100 ft run produces 13 sections after rounding up and 14 post positions. The actual layout can require shorter bays at gates, corners or obstacles, so use the calculator with your individual runs for a more practical estimate.
How does adding a second fence run affect posts?
Each run has its own end positions, so the calculator adds the post requirement for each run and then subtracts shared corners that represent one physical post used by two connected runs.
How does a gate affect pickets or panels?
The gate opening is removed from the covered fence length before the calculator estimates rails, pickets or panels. Gate hardware and the exact gate-frame material are outside the material takeoff.
How is concrete estimated?
The tool calculates the volume of the cylindrical hole, subtracts the volume occupied by the post within the concrete depth, multiplies by the number of posts and divides by the selected bag yield. It then rounds up to whole bags.
Can I use this for chain-link or metal fencing?
This version is intended for common wood picket/privacy layouts and pre-made fence panels. Chain-link and metal systems use different components and installation rules, so they are not treated as interchangeable with this material model.
Sources & methodology
The calculator is a planning model. Source material is used for general installation and concrete-yield references; the calculator does not claim a single universal fence standard.