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Foundations of Excellence

Exterior & Fencing

Fence Materials Calculator

This fence calculator lists posts, rails, pickets and concrete for a wood fence; our fence installation guide covers post depth and permits. Plan the materials for a wood picket or privacy fence. Enter the total length, post spacing and gate count, and the calculator returns posts, rails, pickets and the concrete needed to set each post. For prices, use the fence cost calculator.

Post depth should reach below the frost line where required — frost depth is set locally (in New York, by each municipality). Fence height limits come from local zoning.

Results from this fence calculator are planning estimates; confirm quantities and prices with your supplier or contractor before you order.

Enter your project

ft
in
m
ft
in
m

6–8 ft is typical for wood fences.

in
cm
in
cm

0 for a solid privacy fence.

in
cm
in
cm

Often ⅓ of post length or below frost depth — check local rules.

in
cm

3½ in for a 4×4.

Results

Your results will appear here

Enter your measurements and press Calculate. Defaults show a typical example.

How to use the fence calculator

  1. Measure the total run of fence.
  2. Choose post spacing and count gates and extra corner/end posts.
  3. Enter picket width and gap.
  4. Set hole size and depth to your local requirements.

Formula

Sections = ⌈length ÷ spacing⌉; posts = sections + 1 + gates + extras; rails = sections × rails per section; pickets = ⌈length (in) ÷ (picket width + gap)⌉; concrete per hole = π r² × depth − post cross-section × depth.

Worked example

100 ft at 8 ft spacing: 13 sections → 14 posts + 1 gate + 2 extras = 17 posts, 26 rails, 219 pickets (5½ in, no gap), and about 1.15 ft³ of concrete per 10 × 30 in hole — 33 bags of 80 lb for all 17 posts.

Tips for using the fence calculator

  • Confirm your property line before setting posts; a survey costs less than moving a fence.
  • Set posts below the frost line in cold climates so they do not heave.
  • Call 811 before digging to have buried utility lines marked.
Weathered wood privacy fence with vertical boards and ivy along the top

Fence Calculator FAQs

How far apart should fence posts be?

6–8 ft for most wood fences; vinyl and metal panels set their own spacing.

How deep should fence posts be?

A common rule is about one-third of the post length in the ground, and below the local frost depth where frost heave is a concern.

Do I need a permit for a fence?

Many towns regulate height and placement. In NYC, residential fence installers fall under the DCWP home improvement contractor license. See our fence guide.

Estimate before you call a contractor

Run the numbers with our free calculators so you can compare bids with confidence.

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