Fence Calculator
Enter the length of the fence, the spacing between posts and the size of your pickets. The calculator lists the materials to buy.
Type a number and the answer appears straight away.
Posts needed14
- Sections
- 13
- Rails
- 26
- Pickets
- 219
- Bags of concrete (about 2 per post)
- 28
Add two posts for each gate, and buy a few spare pickets. Check your property line and local height rules before you dig.
The math behind it: Fence
sections = length / post spacing, rounded up; posts = sections + 1; pickets = length / (picket width + gap)
A 100 ft fence with posts every 8 ft has 13 sections and needs 14 posts. With two rails per section that is 26 rails, and a solid privacy fence of 5.5 inch boards takes 219 pickets. Add two posts for every gate.
Common questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide the fence length by the post spacing, round up, and add one. A 100 ft fence with 8 ft spacing needs 14 posts.
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 feet is standard for wood fences. Use 6 feet in windy areas or for heavy panels, since closer posts make a stronger fence.
How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?
With 5.5 inch boards and no gaps, just over two per foot: 12 / 5.5 = 2.2. A 100 ft fence needs 219.
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