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Fence Calculator

Calculate fence materials including posts, rails, pickets, and concrete. Estimate costs for privacy, picket, and ranch-style fences.

Yard Perimeter Worksheet

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How to Calculate Fence Materials

Measure your yard perimeter or the total linear feet you need to fence. The calculator determines posts, rails, pickets, and concrete based on your fence style and dimensions.

Fence Styles & Cost

  • Privacy (6ft wood): Solid boards with no gaps. $20-35/linear foot installed. Most popular for backyards
  • Picket (3-4ft): Classic style with spacing between boards. $15-25/ft. Good for front yards and decorative borders
  • Ranch/split rail: Open horizontal rails. $10-18/ft. Best for large properties and rural settings
  • Vinyl privacy: No painting or staining ever. $30-45/ft. Higher upfront cost but near-zero maintenance
  • Chain link: Most affordable. $8-15/ft. Functional but limited aesthetics

Material Quantities per 8-Foot Section

  • Posts: 1 per section (4×4 for most fences, 6×6 for gates and heavy panels)
  • Rails: 2 for fences under 5 feet, 3 for 6-foot and taller
  • Pickets: 16 for privacy (no gap), 10-12 for picket style (with gaps)
  • Concrete: 2 bags of 60-lb quick-set per post hole

Post Depth & Spacing

  • Bury 1/3 of the total post length: a 6-foot fence needs posts 9 feet long, buried 3 feet deep
  • Standard post spacing: 8 feet on center
  • Use 6-foot spacing in high-wind areas or for added rigidity
  • Gate posts should be 6×6 and set deeper (3.5-4 feet) to handle the extra stress

Before You Build

  • Call 811 at least 3 days before digging — it's free and locates underground utilities
  • Check local regulations: Most areas limit fence height to 6 feet in backyards and 4 feet in front yards. Some HOAs have additional rules
  • Get a survey: Build on your property line, not your neighbor's. Disputes are expensive
  • Talk to neighbors: Fence placement and style can affect their property value and sunlight

Installation Tips

  • Set corner, end, and gate posts first, then string a line between them for the rest
  • Let concrete cure 24-48 hours before attaching rails and pickets
  • Leave a 2-inch gap between the bottom of the fence and ground to prevent rot
  • Apply wood stain or sealant within 6 months of installation — untreated wood warps and grays
  • For wood fences, use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact (UC4A or UC4B) for posts

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

Fence posts are usually set 8 feet apart, or 6 feet apart for extra strength in windy areas. For a straight run, divide the length by the spacing and add one: a 160 ft run at 8 ft spacing needs 21 posts. Subtract gate openings from the total length first and add a post on each side of every gate.

How deep should fence posts be?

Bury about one third of the post length in the ground. For a 6-foot fence, dig holes 2 feet deep, using posts long enough to leave 6 feet above grade. A standard 4x4 post takes about 2 bags of 60 lb concrete to set. Deeper holes help in windy areas and where the ground freezes.

How many pickets do I need per foot of fence?

A privacy fence uses about 2 pickets per linear foot, so 100 feet of privacy fence needs about 200 pickets. A spaced picket fence uses about 1.5 pickets per foot. A 6-foot fence needs 3 horizontal rails per section, while fences under 5 feet usually need 2 rails per section.

How do I calculate fencing for a rectangular yard?

Fencing for a rectangular yard equals the perimeter: (length + width) x 2. A 60 by 80 ft yard needs (60 + 80) x 2 = 280 linear feet. Subtract gate widths before counting posts and pickets. A single walk gate is typically 4 feet wide, and a double drive gate is 10 to 12 feet wide.