Fence calculator
Enter the total length of your fence and how it's built. You'll get the number of posts, rails and pickets, and the concrete to set the posts.
- Sections
- –
- Rails
- –
- Pickets
- –
- Concrete, 50 lb bags
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- Concrete, 80 lb bags
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Add one extra post for each corner and each side of a gate. Concrete assumes 4×4 posts.
Typical fence layouts
| Fence height | Rails per section | Post hole depth |
|---|---|---|
| 3–4 ft | 2 | 24 in |
| 6 ft | 3 | 30–36 in |
A common rule is to bury about a third of the post's above-ground height. In cold climates, holes need to go below the frost line, so check your local building code.
How the math works
Divide the fence length by the post spacing to get sections, and add one post to close the last section. A 100 foot fence with posts every 8 feet has 13 sections and 14 posts. With 5.5 inch pickets and no gaps, it needs 219 pickets.
Common questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Six to eight feet is standard for wood fences. Eight feet is the most common because rails come in 8 foot lengths.
Do I have to use concrete?
Concrete is the most common way to set posts, but some builders use compacted gravel instead, which drains better around wood. Fast-setting concrete mixes can be poured dry into the hole and then soaked with water.
Do I need a permit?
Many towns limit fence height and require a permit or a set distance from the property line. Call your local building department, and call 811 before digging so buried utility lines get marked.
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