Fence Material Calculator
✓ Your estimate
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Posts
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Sections
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Panels
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Rails
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Concrete Bags
⚠ This estimate assumes a straight fence line. Corner posts, sloped yards, custom gates, and local code may change quantities. Verify with your supplier.
How to Use This Calculator
Select your fence style first. Panel fence uses pre-built panels (typically 6 or 8 ft wide) dropped between posts. Picket fence uses individual boards nailed to rails between posts. Both styles share the same post and rail logic -- the difference is in how the infill is estimated.
For concrete quantities per hole, the estimate here is a rough guide. For exact concrete bags based on your actual hole size and depth, use the post hole concrete calculator. For concrete bag yield reference, see the concrete slab calculator. All outdoor tools are at the outdoor calculators page.
How the Calculation Works
Sections = ceil(Length / Post Spacing)
Posts = Sections + 1 + (Gates x 2)
End posts + gate posts added separately
Panels = ceil(Length / Panel Width) x (1 + Waste %)
Pickets = ceil(Length x 12 / (Picket Width + Gap)) x (1 + Waste %)
Rails = Sections x Rails Per Section
Concrete Bags = Posts x Bags Per Post
Worked Example
Example: 100 ft panel fence, 8 ft post spacing, 8 ft panels, 3 rails, 1 gate
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Sections: ceil(100 / 8) = 13 sections
2
Posts: 13 + 1 + (1 gate x 2) = 16 posts
3
Panels: ceil(100 / 8) x 1.10 = 13 x 1.10 = 15 panels (with 10% waste)
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Rails: 13 x 3 = 39 rails
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Concrete: 16 posts x 2 bags = 32 bags of 80 lb
Ordering Notes
Assumptions Used by This Calculator
- Fence line is straight with no corners or curves.
- Posts include two end posts plus line posts at the selected spacing.
- Gate posts (2 per gate) are added on top of line posts.
- Sloped yards, curved fences, and custom gates will change material quantities.
- Picket spacing and actual board width vary by supplier and lumber species.
- Concrete per post is a rough estimate -- use the post hole concrete calculator for accurate quantities based on hole size.
- Rails are estimated per section (between posts), not including overlap or connector hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
With 8-foot post spacing, a 100 ft fence needs 13 line posts plus 2 end posts = 15 posts total (before gate posts). With 6-foot spacing, that rises to 17 line posts plus 2 end posts = 19 posts. Gate posts are extra.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard residential fence posts are spaced 6 or 8 feet apart center-to-center. Six feet is more common for privacy fences -- it provides better panel support. Eight feet works for agricultural fencing and some ranch styles.
How many panels do I need for a fence?
Divide total fence length by panel width. For 100 feet of fence with 8-foot panels, you need 13 panels (round up). For 6-foot panels, 17 panels. Always round up -- partial sections still need a full panel.
How many pickets do I need for a wood fence?
Divide the fence length in inches by (picket width + gap width). For 100 ft of fence with 3.5-inch pickets and 0.5-inch gaps, that is 1,200 / 4 = 300 pickets. Add 10% for waste and off-cuts.
How many rails does a fence need?
A 6-foot privacy fence typically uses 3 horizontal rails per section (top, middle, bottom). A 4-foot fence typically uses 2 rails. Rails run the full length of each section between posts.
How much concrete do I need for fence posts?
A standard 6-inch hole at 24 inches deep takes about 1 bag of 80 lb concrete. Use the post hole concrete calculator for exact quantities based on your hole size and depth.
Should I add extra materials for waste?
Yes -- always add 5-10% for a straight fence, and 10-15% for fences with gates, corners, slopes, or irregular shapes. Picket cuts and panel trims at ends generate waste that is not reusable.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual material needs depend on fence line shape, slope, soil conditions, local code, and supplier specifications. Always verify quantities with your lumber yard and check local permit requirements before installation. See all outdoor calculators.