Fence Calculator

Estimate posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and total materials cost. Results update instantly.

Last reviewed: June 2026
Built and maintained by · Last updated June 2026
ft
ft
ft

Perimeter = 2 × (Length + Width)

Fence Specifications

ft
in
in
bags

Unit Prices (optional - for cost estimate)

$
$
$
$
$

Materials Needed

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Posts
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Rails
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Pickets
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Concrete Bags
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Gate Sets
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Sections

Cost Breakdown

Item Qty Unit $ Subtotal
Posts - - -
Rails - - -
Pickets - - -
Concrete - - -
Gate hardware - - -
Total materials cost -
Total Estimated Cost
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Fence estimate: This calculator estimates common residential fence materials and cost. It does not confirm property lines, easements, HOA rules, wind loads, pool-barrier rules, permits, or underground utility locations.

How the Fence Calculator Works

The fence calculator estimates materials for a straight or rectangular residential fence. In linear mode, the total fence length is the linear footage you enter. In yard mode, the calculator uses the yard rectangle perimeter. It then estimates posts, rails, pickets, concrete bags, gates, and total material cost from your spacing and unit-price inputs.

The key formulas are simple. Posts = ceiling(linear feet / post spacing) + 1. Rails = fence sections x rails per section. Pickets = ceiling(linear feet x 12 / (picket width + picket gap)). The cost table multiplies each quantity by the unit price you enter, then adds gate hardware.

Worked Example

With 150 linear feet, 8 ft post spacing, 2 rails per section, 5.5 inch pickets, a 1 inch gap, two concrete bags per post, and one gate, the default estimate is 22 posts, 38 rails, 532 pickets, 44 concrete bags, and a $2,361 material total. That is $15.74 per linear foot before labor, demolition, stain, delivery, taxes, and permit fees.

Layout Checks Before Buying

Fence estimates can change after the layout is staked. Corners, slopes, retaining walls, existing pavement, tree roots, gate openings, and panel direction can all change material count. Walk the proposed line, mark gates, measure slope breaks, and decide whether the fence will step or rack on grade before ordering.

Project Notes

Planning notes for this calculator
Input or outputHow to use itCommon adjustment
Linear feetUse the actual fence line, including turns.Subtract wide gate openings only if the material list handles gates separately.
Post spacingUse the spacing your panel or rail design can support.Shorten spacing for heavy gates, corners, and exposed wind locations.
PicketsUse actual board width and intended gap.Privacy, board-on-board, and shadowbox styles need different counts.
ConcreteUse bags per post as a rough allowance.Hole depth, diameter, frost line, and soil control the real volume.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the utility locate: fence posts are excavation work and can hit buried utilities.
  • Ignoring corners and gates: terminal and hinge posts may need heavier material.
  • Using nominal lumber width: a nominal board name may not match actual picket width.
  • Forgetting rules: pool barriers, front-yard height limits, property-line setbacks, and HOA requirements can change the design.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

It divides total linear feet by post spacing, rounds up, and adds one end post. Gate posts, corner bracing, terminal posts, and terrain changes may increase the real count.
The calculator divides fence length by picket width plus gap, then rounds up. Board overlap, shadowbox layouts, privacy panels, and terrain steps can change the count.
The concrete result estimates bags per post hole from the selected setting. Actual bags depend on hole diameter, depth, soil, frost requirements, and whether posts are driven or set in concrete.
Confirm property lines, setbacks, easements, HOA rules, utility locates, gate swing, drainage, and local permit requirements before excavating.