Fence Calculator

Fence Material Calculator

Calculate materials needed for your fence project. This calculator determines posts, panels, rails, and pickets based on fence length, type, and post spacing. Essential for accurate material estimates and cost planning.

Fence Components

Posts

Vertical supports that hold the fence. Typically 6×6 or 4×4 lumber, set in concrete. Spaced 6-8 feet apart.

Rails

Horizontal boards that connect posts. Usually 2×4 or 2×6 lumber. Privacy fences: 3 rails. Picket fences: 2 rails.

Pickets/Boards

Vertical boards that create the fence surface. Privacy: close together (no gaps). Picket: spaced with gaps.

Panels

Sections between posts. Number of panels = Number of posts - 1.

Post Spacing Guidelines

Standard Spacing

• 6 feet: Common for most fences, good strength
• 8 feet: Standard spacing, economical
• 10 feet: Maximum for most fence types

Closer Spacing

• 4-6 feet: Heavy gates, high winds, tall fences
• 6 feet: Standard for privacy fences

Fence Types

Privacy Fence

• Pickets close together (no gaps)
• 3 rails per panel
• ~2.2 pickets per linear foot
• 6×6 posts recommended
• Most material-intensive

Picket Fence

• Pickets with gaps (2-3 inches)
• 2 rails per panel
• ~2 pickets per linear foot
• 4×4 or 6×6 posts
• Classic appearance

Rail Fence

• No pickets, just rails
• 2-3 rails per panel
• Minimal materials
• 4×4 posts sufficient
• Ranch/farm style

Example Calculations

100' Privacy Fence, 8' Post Spacing

Posts: (100 ÷ 8) + 1 = 13-14 posts

Panels: 13 panels

Rails: 13 × 3 = 39 rails (2×4 × 8')

Pickets: 100 × 2.2 = 220 pickets (1×6 × 6')

50' Picket Fence, 6' Post Spacing

Posts: (50 ÷ 6) + 1 = 9-10 posts

Panels: 9 panels

Rails: 9 × 2 = 18 rails

Pickets: 50 × 2 = 100 pickets

Post Installation

Post Holes

• Depth: 1/3 to 1/2 of post height above ground
• Diameter: 3× post width (e.g., 4×4 post = 12" hole)
• Concrete: 1-2 bags per post (50-80lb bags)

Concrete Per Post

• 4×4 post, 2' deep: ~0.5 cubic feet = 1 bag
• 6×6 post, 2.5' deep: ~1 cubic foot = 2 bags
• Always add 10% extra for waste

Material Sizes

Posts

• 4×4: Standard for picket and rail fences
• 6×6: Recommended for privacy fences, gates
• Length: Height + 2-3 feet (for buried portion)

Rails

• 2×4: Standard rail size
• 2×6: Heavier duty, better for tall fences
• Length: Match post spacing (6', 8', etc.)

Pickets

• 1×6: Standard privacy fence picket (5.5" wide)
• 1×4: Narrower picket option
• Height: Match desired fence height

Cost Estimates

Materials Only

• Privacy fence: $15-25 per linear foot
• Picket fence: $10-20 per linear foot
• Rail fence: $5-15 per linear foot

With Installation

• Privacy fence: $25-40 per linear foot
• Picket fence: $20-35 per linear foot
• Rail fence: $15-25 per linear foot

Additional Materials

• Concrete: 1-2 bags per post
• Hardware: Screws/nails, post caps, gate hardware
• Gates: Gate posts, hinges, latch (if needed)
• Stain/Paint: For finishing (optional)

Installation Tips

1. Check codes: Verify height limits and property line requirements
2. Mark layout: Use string line to mark fence line
3. Dig holes: Use post hole digger or auger
4. Set posts: Use level and temporary braces
5. Pour concrete: Allow 24-48 hours to cure
6. Attach rails: Level and secure to posts
7. Install pickets: Space evenly, use spacer blocks

Common Mistakes

• Wrong post spacing: Too far apart weakens fence
• Insufficient concrete: Posts may shift over time
• Not leveling: Fence will look crooked
• Wrong material sizes: Check actual vs nominal dimensions
• Forgetting gates: Plan gate locations and hardware

Building Code Considerations

• Height limits: Typically 6-8 feet for backyard, 4 feet for front yard
• Property lines: Fence must be on your property
• Permits: May be required for fences over certain height
• Neighbor notification: Some areas require notifying neighbors