Construction Tool

Fence Material Calculator

Plan your fencing project accurately. Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for Wood, Vinyl, and Chain Link fences.

Project Details

ft
Picket

Individual Boards

Panel

Pre-made Sections

Post & Rail

Ranch Style

ft
in
in
Add Cost Estimate (Optional)
$

Total cost = Length * Cost per ft/m

Estimate Ready?

Enter fence dimensions to see required posts, rails, and boards.

The Complete Fence Calculator Guide (2025)

Building a fence is one of the best ways to improve your home's privacy, security, and curb appeal. Whether you are fencing in a backyard for a new puppy, marking property lines with a ranch-style rail, or installing privacy panels, getting the material count right is crucial. Buying too little stops the project; buying too much wastes money.

Our Fence Calculator eliminates the guesswork. It handles the math for posts, rails, pickets, and concrete, allowing you to toggle between "Stick Built" (individual boards) and "Prefab Panels." It is calibrated for both US (Imperial) and UK (Metric) standards.

Understanding the Components

Before you buy, know what you need:

  • Line Posts: The vertical supports set in the ground. Usually spaced 6 to 8 feet apart.
  • End/Corner Posts: Stronger posts required at the start, end, and corners of the fence line.
  • Rails (Stringers): Horizontal boards connecting the posts. You typically need 2 rails for short fences (4ft) and 3 rails for tall fences (6ft+).
  • Pickets (Slats): The vertical boards that create the face of the fence. Width varies (4", 6") and gaps determine privacy.
  • Concrete: Used to secure posts. A standard rule of thumb is 1.5 to 2 bags (60lb) per post hole.

Fence Types Explained

1. Picket / Privacy Fence

Constructed board-by-board.
Pros: Follows uneven ground (racking) easily. Custom spacing.
Calculation: Total Length ÷ (Picket Width + Gap).

2. Panel Fence

Pre-assembled sections (usually 6ft or 8ft wide in US, 1.8m in UK).
Pros: Faster installation.
Cons: Harder to use on slopes.
Calculation: Total Length ÷ Panel Width.

3. Post & Rail

Open design, often used for farms or large boundaries.
Calculation: Length determines posts; number of rails depends on style (2-rail, 3-rail, 4-rail).

Cost Factors

Material Cost Level Lifespan
Pressure Treated Pine $ 15-20 Years
Cedar / Redwood $$ 20-30 Years
Vinyl (PVC) $$$ Lifetime
Aluminum / Iron $$$$ Lifetime

Installation Tips

  1. Check Property Lines: Always verify boundaries to avoid legal disputes.
  2. Call Before You Dig: In the US, call 811 to mark underground utilities. In the UK, check utility plans.
  3. Post Depth: Posts should be buried at least 1/3 of their total length, or below the frost line in cold climates (usually 24-36 inches deep).
  4. Gate Planning: Don't forget to subtract gate widths from your material run, but add heavy-duty posts for the hinges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far apart should fence posts be? ▼

Standard spacing is 8 feet (2.4m) apart on center. For heavy privacy fences or high wind areas, 6 feet (1.8m) is recommended for stability.

How much concrete do I need per post? ▼

For a standard 4x4 wood post, plan for two 50lb bags or one-and-a-half 80lb bags of concrete mix.

Should I use screws or nails? ▼

Screws (Deck screws) are superior. They hold better over time as wood expands/contracts and allow you to replace boards easily if damaged. Ring-shank nails are a faster alternative but harder to remove.

Plan your boundary

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