Part of the Construction collection — 4 tools available
Fence Calculator — Estimate Fencing Materials
Plan your fence project with precise counts for posts, rails, pickets, and total cost. Works for wood privacy fences, split rail, and ornamental styles.
About This Calculator
Building a wood privacy fence means juggling multiple material counts — posts set in concrete, horizontal rails, vertical pickets, nails, and gate hardware. Miss one item and you're making extra trips to the lumber yard mid-project. A 100-foot fence at 8-foot post spacing needs 14 posts, 26 rails, and over 170 pickets — numbers that are easy to miscalculate on the back of an envelope. Our fence calculator breaks down every component based on your fence length, post spacing, picket dimensions, and gap preference, giving you a complete shopping list and cost estimate in seconds.
The Formula Behind This Calculator
Posts = Floor(Length / Spacing) + 1 Rails = (Posts - 1) * Rail lines Pickets = Length / (Width + Gap) Concrete = Posts * 2 bags
Understanding the math helps you verify results and make better decisions for your project.
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How to Use
- 1Enter total fence length in feet.
- 2Set post spacing (8 ft is standard for wood fences).
- 3Choose fence height.
- 4Enter picket width and gap between pickets.
- 5Enter prices for pickets and posts.
- 6Click Calculate for a complete material breakdown.
When to Use
- →Building a privacy fence and needing a complete shopping list before heading to the lumber yard
- →Comparing material costs between different fence styles (privacy, semi-private, picket)
- →Estimating DIY fence costs vs hiring a fencing contractor for the same project
Tips
- ✓Set posts in concrete and let them cure at least 24 hours before attaching rails and pickets
- ✓Use pressure-treated posts rated for ground contact (UC4A or higher) to prevent premature rot
- ✓Space posts no more than 8 feet apart — wider spacing causes sagging rails and waving fences over time
FAQ
How deep should fence posts be set?
At least 1/3 of the above-ground height, plus 6" of gravel at the bottom for drainage. A 6ft fence needs 2ft deep post holes.
Should I use concrete for fence posts?
Yes for privacy fences. One 50-lb bag of concrete per post hole is standard. Concrete-set posts last significantly longer.
What is the best wood for a privacy fence?
Cedar resists rot naturally but costs more. Pressure-treated pine is cheaper and widely available but may warp over time.
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