Fence Material Calculator
Enter fence length, style, and post spacing to get a complete material list: posts, rails, pickets or panels, and concrete bags.
Also handy: Concrete Calculator, Deck Material Calculator
Calculate fence materials
Enter your fence details to generate a material list.
18 posts needed
For 100 ft of wood picket fence at 6 ft spacing.
How to use this calculator
Enter the total linear feet of fence to install, select your fence style and post spacing, and choose your picket or board dimensions for wood fences. The calculator returns the number of posts, rails, pickets or boards, and bags of concrete needed, with a 10% waste buffer built into the picket count.
Tips for success
- Always add 10% to picket and board counts. Waste from splits, cuts at corners, and gate openings adds up fast.
- Post holes need to be deep. Set posts at least 1/3 of their total length underground. A 6 ft fence needs 8 ft posts set at least 2 ft deep.
- Use two bags of concrete per post. In soft or sandy soil, use three. Gate and corner posts always get extra concrete.
- Upgrade corner and gate posts. Corner posts and gate posts receive more stress. Use 4×6 or 6×6 posts at these locations instead of standard 4×4s.
- Call 811 before digging. US Dig Safe is free and required. Underground utility strikes are expensive and dangerous.
This calculator assumes a straight, level fence line with no unusual corners or grade changes. For fences with multiple corners, slopes, or varied post spacing, adjust quantities accordingly.
Rail counts by fence style
- Wood picket / privacy (6 ft posts): 2 rails per span (top and bottom); 3 rails recommended for 6 ft tall privacy fences.
- Split rail, 2 rail: 2 rails per span.
- Split rail, 3 rail: 3 rails per span.
- Chain link: Top rail only; bottom tension wire not included.
FAQ
How deep should fence posts be set?
A general rule: set posts at least 1/3 of their total length in the ground. For a 6 ft tall fence, use 8 ft posts and set them 2 ft deep. In frost-prone regions, posts must extend below the frost line to prevent heaving, this can be 3–4 feet in northern states. Local building codes may specify minimum depth requirements.
How much concrete do I need per post?
One to two 80 lb bags of concrete per post is standard for residential fences. Gate posts and corner posts under higher stress should get two to three bags. Mix according to package directions, most post-setting concrete (like Quikrete Fast-Setting) can be dry-poured directly into the hole and activated with water, simplifying the process significantly.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
In most US municipalities, fences over a certain height (typically 4–6 feet) require a building permit. Fences on property boundaries may require a survey to confirm the property line. Check with your local building department before starting. HOAs may have additional restrictions on fence style, color, and materials.
What is the best post spacing for a wood privacy fence?
Six feet on center is the standard for wood privacy fences using standard 8-foot fence boards or panels. This spacing provides good structural support while minimizing post count. Going to 8 feet requires beefier rails (2×4 or 2×6) to prevent sagging. For fences in high-wind areas, 4–6 foot spacing is preferred.