BuildingMath

Decking & Fencing

Fence Calculator

Plan a straight vertical-picket fence run from post spacing through rails, pickets, and post-hole concrete.

  • Posts & rail sections
  • Pickets with waste
  • Post-hole concrete

Enter your fence layout

This estimate covers one straight vertical-picket run without gates. Post count includes both end posts.

Measurement system
ft
Measure the full straight fence run.

ft
Sections round up so no span exceeds this spacing.

ft
Up to 4 ft uses two rails; taller fences use three.

in
Enter the actual face width of one vertical picket.

in
The clear spacing between neighbouring pickets.

in
Confirm diameter for the post size and local soil.

in
Use the required embedment and frost depth for your location.

%
Applied to pickets for selection, cuts, and damage.

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How this estimate is calculated

The calculator rounds fence sections up so no section exceeds the maximum post spacing, then adds one end post. It uses two rails per section up to 4 feet high and three rails for taller fences.

Posts = ceiling(fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1; pickets = length ÷ (width + gap)

Post-hole concrete uses cylindrical volume, adds 10%, and rounds to whole bags. Hole size, embedment, footings, wind exposure, gates, bracing, and structural requirements must follow local code and manufacturer guidance.

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Fence Calculator FAQs

How many fence posts do I need?

The length is divided by maximum spacing and rounded up to sections, then one post is added so both ends are supported.

How many rails are used per fence section?

This planning estimate uses two rails per section for fences up to 4 feet high and three for taller fences.

How is post-hole concrete calculated?

Each hole is treated as a cylinder using the entered diameter and depth. The total adds 10% and divides by the published approximate yield per bag.

Does this fence estimate include gates?

No. Calculate straight runs separately and add gate posts, framing, hardware, bracing, and clearances for the selected gate system.

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Related project calculators

Continue planning with another calculator from the same BuildingMath site.

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