π‘ Fence Calculator
Calculate posts, pickets, rails, and concrete needed for your fence.
Fence Posts Needed
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your total fence run in feet, set the post spacing, and pick your fence height. For picket or privacy style fences, the calculator also figures out how many individual pickets you need based on the picket width and gap setting. You will get posts, rails, pickets, and an estimate for concrete bags.
Walk the property line and measure the total length of fence needed. Add up all sides if it is an enclosed yard.
Choose your post spacing. Eight feet on center is standard for 6-foot privacy fencing. Closer spacing (6 feet) is better in high-wind areas or for 8-foot fences.
Enter fence height and number of gates. Each gate opening requires two additional posts and removes pickets from that section.
For picket fences, set the picket width and gap. Standard dog-ear pickets are 3.5 inches wide. A 1/4-inch gap gives you a traditional look.
Fence Material Formula
A 6-foot privacy fence uses 3 rails per section. An 8-foot fence needs 4 rails to prevent the panels from bowing. For split-rail fencing, each section typically uses 2 rails regardless of height.
Example Projects
Tips for Your Project
Always add 10% to your picket count to cover splits and bad boards. Posts should be buried at least one-third of their total length. For a 6-foot fence use 9-foot posts set 3 feet deep. In climates with frost, posts must go below the frost line or they will heave out of the ground over winter. Check your local code for the required frost depth before you dig.
When buying concrete, use two 50-pound bags of fast-setting mix per post hole in most soils. In loose or sandy soil, step up to three bags. Pour the dry mix into the hole, add water, and let it cure for 24 hours before hanging rails or panels. Trying to rush this step is one of the most common mistakes on fence projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide total fence length by post spacing, then add 1. For corners, add one post per corner. E.g., 100 ft with 8 ft spacing: 100/8 + 1 = 13.5 β 14 posts.
What is standard fence post spacing?
6β8 feet for wood fences. 10 feet for chain-link. Closer spacing (4β6 ft) for taller or heavier privacy fences in windy areas.
How deep should fence posts be?
Bury at least 1/3 of the post length. For a 6 ft fence, use 9 ft posts buried 3 ft deep. Below the frost line in cold climates.
How many pickets per linear foot?
Depends on picket width and gap. 3.5" pickets with 1/4" gap = ~3 pickets per foot. Our calculator handles this automatically.
How much concrete per fence post?
One 50 lb bag of fast-setting concrete fills about a 9β10" diameter Γ 3 ft deep hole β approximately one post. Use 2 bags for large posts.