Fence Calculator
Posts, panels or pickets for a straight fence run.
How it works
The run is divided into sections no longer than the spacing you enter. One straight run needs one more post than sections. Pickets use their width plus the clear gap. Gates, corners and different runs should be calculated separately.
Related calculators
How the Fence Calculator works
Count posts, sections and panels or pickets for one straight uninterrupted fence run. The maximum post spacing and rails per section are supplied by your fence plan.
Sections determine posts
A 100 ft run with a maximum 8 ft spacing needs 13 sections and 14 posts. Equal spacing would be 100/13 = 7.692 ft. Two rails per section mean 26 rails. Check the actual panel system dimensions before setting posts.
Pickets and purchasing allowance
At 5.5 in picket width with a 0.5 in clear gap, the run needs 201 pickets before allowance. Adding 10% and rounding up gives 222 pickets. A final edge may require cutting; this is a single-row estimate.
Overlapping fence sheets use the effective width after overlap; their count is independent of post spacing. Panels use one panel per calculated section before allowance. Gates, corners and changes of direction require separate runs. When combining runs, deduct shared posts once and add the specified gate components. Estimate concrete for known pier sizes in the footing calculator.
FAQ
Can I enter an entire property perimeter? expand_more
Use separate straight runs for post counts, then reconcile shared corner posts and gate openings.
Does it select a safe post spacing? expand_more
No. Spacing is a user input from the selected fence system or plan.
What receives the waste allowance? expand_more
Panels, sheets or pickets. Posts and rails are the net count for the run, so additional spare stock is ordered separately.