Fence Calculator
Estimate posts, pickets, and rails for a straight fence. Gates and corners need extras this count does not add.
Use it when you know the run length and post spacing and need posts, rails, and pickets.
Compare scenarios
How we calculated this
Sections are the fence length divided by post spacing, rounded up. Posts are one more than the number of sections. Pickets are the length in inches divided by the picket width plus the gap, rounded up. Rails are sections times rails per section.
What does this mean?
Plan for 11 posts, 167 pickets, and 30 rail boards. Gates and corners need extra posts this count does not add.
Your assumptions
Edit assumptions- Length
- 80.0 ft
- Post spacing
- 8.0 ft
- Picket
- 5.50 in with a 0.25 in gap
This calculator provides an estimate for planning. Material yield, waste, prices, and local requirements may vary.
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How the estimate is calculated
Sections are the length divided by post spacing, rounded up. Posts are one more than the sections.
Pickets fill the length using the board width plus the gap. Rails are sections times rails per section.
Fence counts
Posts = ceiling(length ÷ spacing) + 1. Pickets = ceiling(length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap)).
Example
- Measure the run in feet, not the property line if the fence is set in.
- Eight feet is a common post spacing.
- A 5.5 inch picket with a small gap is a privacy-fence starting point.
With the numbers filled in on this page, the estimate is 11 posts.
What changes the result
Gates
A gate replaces a section and needs its own posts and hardware. Add them.
Corners
A corner in the middle of a run can need an extra post beyond this straight-line count.
Concrete
Post holes are not calculated. A bag or two of concrete per post is a separate estimate.
Questions
Why is there one more post than sections?
Each section sits between two posts, and the ends need posts too.
What spacing should I use?
Eight feet is typical for many wood fences. Follow the rail span the lumber can handle.
Does this include a gate?
No.