Advanced Calculators
Fence Calculator - Calculate Posts, Panels & Cost
Calculate fence materials including posts, panels, rails, pickets, and total cost. Supports wood, vinyl, chain link, and custom fencing. Get accurate estimates with detailed material breakdown.
Use Fence Calculator - Calculate Posts, Panels & Cost to get instant results without uploads or sign-ups. Everything runs securely in your browser for fast, reliable output.
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About this tool
Our Fence Calculator is the most comprehensive free tool for estimating materials and costs for any fencing project. Whether you're installing a privacy fence, decorative picket fence, chain link security fence, or vinyl maintenance-free fence, this calculator provides accurate estimates for all materials needed: posts, panels, rails, pickets, hardware, and concrete. Understanding your material needs before starting prevents costly mid-project trips to the store and helps you negotiate better prices with suppliers by ordering all materials at once.
The calculator supports multiple fence types with different structural requirements. Wood fences typically use 4×4 posts with horizontal rails and vertical pickets. Vinyl fences use reinforced posts with interlocking panels. Chain link fences require terminal posts, line posts, and tension wire. For each type, the calculator determines the correct number of posts based on your specified spacing (6-8 feet is standard), calculates corner and gate posts separately (which are usually larger and require more concrete), and estimates all supporting materials like rails, brackets, caps, and fasteners.
Post foundation requirements are critical for fence longevity. The calculator estimates concrete needed for post holes, typically requiring 50-80 pounds per post depending on height and soil conditions. It accounts for the standard rule that one-third of post length should be underground - a 6-foot tall fence needs 8-foot posts with 2 feet buried. The tool also calculates paint or stain coverage for wood fences, helping you estimate finishing costs. For chain link, it includes fabric, top rail, bottom tension wire, and all necessary fittings.
All calculations follow building codes and industry best practices used by professional fence contractors. The cost estimation feature breaks down material costs by category, making it easy to see where your budget goes and identify opportunities to save. The tool is completely free, requires no registration, and works entirely in your browser. Perfect for homeowners planning DIY fence projects, contractors estimating jobs, and property managers maintaining existing fences.
Usage examples
Backyard Privacy Fence
150 ft long × 6 ft tall, wood, 8 ft post spacing
Posts: 20, Rails: 40, Pickets: ~600, Concrete: ~20 bags
Front Yard Picket Fence
80 ft long × 4 ft tall, wood, 6 ft post spacing
Posts: 15, Rails: 30, Pickets: ~320, Concrete: ~15 bags
Vinyl Privacy Fence
200 ft long × 6 ft tall, vinyl panels, 8 ft spacing
Posts: 26, Panels: 25, Concrete: ~26 bags
Chain Link Perimeter
300 ft long × 4 ft tall, chain link, 10 ft spacing
Posts: 31, Fabric: 300 ft roll, Rails: 300 ft
How to use
- Select your fence type (Wood, Vinyl, Chain Link, or Custom)
- Enter the total fence length in feet
- Specify the fence height in feet
- Choose post spacing (typically 6-8 feet)
- Enter material prices per unit
- View instant results with complete material list and costs
Benefits
- Complete material list for any fence type
- Accurate post count based on spacing and corners
- Concrete calculation for post foundations
- Support for wood, vinyl, and chain link fences
- Separate calculations for corner and gate posts
- Cost breakdown by material category
- Paint and stain coverage for wood fences
- Instant results as you adjust dimensions
- Mobile-friendly for on-site estimates
- No registration or account required
- Based on professional fencing standards
- Includes waste factor for realistic estimates
FAQs
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard spacing is 6-8 feet between posts for most residential fences. Use 6 feet for privacy fences or areas with high winds. Use 8 feet for picket fences or lighter loads. Chain link fences can use 10-foot spacing on flat terrain. Always place posts at corners, gates, and elevation changes regardless of spacing.
How deep should fence posts be buried?
The standard rule is to bury one-third of the post length, with a minimum of 2 feet deep. For a 6-foot tall fence, use 8-foot posts with 2 feet underground. In cold climates, bury posts below the frost line (typically 3-4 feet) to prevent heaving. Use 50-80 pounds of concrete per post for stability.
What size posts do I need?
For most residential fences up to 6 feet tall, use 4×4 posts. For fences 6-8 feet tall or in high-wind areas, use 6×6 posts. Corner posts and gate posts should be one size larger than line posts (6×6 if using 4×4 line posts). Vinyl fence posts are typically 5×5 for standard applications.
How much does it cost to build a fence?
Costs vary widely by material and height. DIY wood fences cost $10-20 per linear foot for materials. Vinyl fences cost $20-40 per foot. Chain link costs $8-15 per foot. Professional installation adds $10-30 per foot. A typical 150-foot privacy fence costs $1,500-$3,000 for DIY or $3,000-$7,500 professionally installed.
How many pickets do I need for a wood fence?
For standard privacy fences with 5.5" wide pickets placed edge-to-edge, you need about 2.2 pickets per linear foot (22 per 10 feet). For spaced pickets with gaps, calculate based on picket width plus gap. A 6-foot tall fence uses 6-foot pickets, though 6.5-foot pickets are common to allow trimming for level tops.
Should I use gravel in post holes?
Best practice is to place 4-6 inches of gravel at the bottom of post holes for drainage, then set the post and fill with concrete. This prevents water from pooling at the post base, which causes rot in wood posts and corrosion in metal posts. Always slope concrete away from the post top to shed water.
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