Fence Calculator

Building a fence starts with knowing exactly how much material you'll need — and how much it'll cost. Enter your fence length, height, post spacing, picket width and spacing, rails per section, and material type into the Fence Calculator to get your total material cost. Secondary outputs include the number of 4x4 posts, 2x4 rails, pickets, concrete bags, and screws needed for the job.

ft
ft

Standard spacing is 6-8 feet

ft

Typically 2-3 rails for most fences

in
in

Gap between pickets

Results

Total Material Cost

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4x4 Posts Needed

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2x4 Rails Needed

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Pickets Needed

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Concrete Bags

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Screws Needed

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

Standard fence post spacing is typically 6-8 feet apart. For heavier fences or windy areas, consider 6 feet spacing for better stability. For lighter fences, 8 feet spacing is usually sufficient.

How do you calculate fence post spacing?

Divide your total fence length by your desired post spacing, then add 1. For example, a 100-foot fence with 8-foot spacing needs (100 ÷ 8) + 1 = 13.5, rounded up to 14 posts.

How many fence rails do I need?

Multiply the number of fence sections by rails per section. For a 100-foot fence with 8-foot spacing, you have 13 sections. With 3 rails per section, you need 39 rails total.

How much concrete do I need for fence posts?

Typically, you'll need 1-2 bags of concrete per post, depending on post size and soil conditions. For a 4x4 post in normal soil, one 50-pound bag of fast-setting concrete is usually sufficient.

What is the standard fence height?

Common residential fence heights are 6 feet for privacy fences, 4 feet for front yards, and 3-4 feet for decorative fencing. Check local building codes as height restrictions may apply.

How many pickets do I need for my fence?

Calculate by dividing total fence length in inches by the combined width of picket plus spacing. For 5.5-inch pickets with 2-inch spacing (7.5 inches total), a 100-foot fence needs 1,200 ÷ 7.5 = 160 pickets.

What's the difference between pressure treated, cedar, and redwood?

Pressure treated lumber is chemically treated for durability and is the most economical option. Cedar naturally resists insects and decay with moderate cost. Redwood offers superior durability and appearance but is the most expensive.