Fence Calculator
Calculate exactly how many posts, rails, pickets, and bags of concrete you need for your fence project. Supports privacy, semi-privacy, and shadowbox styles.
Fence Length
Fence Height
Fence Style
Post Spacing
Gates
3-4 ft for walk gates, 10-16 ft for drive gates
Your Results Will Appear Here
Enter your fence length, choose a height and style, then click “Calculate” to see materials needed.
Top-Rated Fencing Materials & Supplies
Hand-picked products to help you get the best results on your project.
Severe Weather
Severe Weather 4x4x8 Pressure-Treated Post
- ✓Pressure-treated lumber
- ✓Ground contact rated
- ✓8 ft length
Severe Weather
Severe Weather 6ft Dog-Ear Cedar Fence Picket
- ✓Western red cedar
- ✓Dog-ear top
- ✓Naturally rot resistant
Quikrete
Quikrete Fast-Setting Concrete Mix, 50 lb
- ✓Sets in 20-40 min
- ✓No mixing needed
- ✓Perfect for posts
Simpson Strong-Tie
Simpson Strong-Tie Post Base, ABU44Z
- ✓Galvanized steel
- ✓Adjustable 4x4 base
- ✓Keeps post off ground
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How to Use This Fence Calculator
Step 1: Enter Fence Length
Measure the total linear feet of fencing needed. Walk your property line with a measuring wheel or use your property survey for accurate measurements.
Step 2: Choose Height & Style
Select 4, 6, or 8 ft height. Choose privacy (no gaps), semi-privacy (1” gaps), or shadowbox (alternating boards on both sides) style.
Step 3: Set Post Spacing
Choose 6 ft (standard, strongest) or 8 ft (maximum, fewer posts). Wind-exposed areas should use 6-foot spacing.
Step 4: Add Gates
Enter the number and width of gates. Walk gates are typically 3–4 ft wide. Drive gates are 10–16 ft wide. The calculator subtracts gate openings from fence length.
Step 5: Get Materials List
Click Calculate to see your complete materials list: posts, rails, pickets, concrete bags, and hardware estimates with cost range.
Understanding Fence Styles
Fence Style Comparison
| Style | Privacy | Pickets/100ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Full privacy | ~220 | Backyards, pools |
| Semi-Privacy | Partial | ~185 | Side yards, gardens |
| Shadowbox | Angled privacy | ~330 | Neighbor-friendly look |
Post Depth & Concrete
Set posts 1/3 of their total length in the ground (minimum 2 feet). Plan on about two 50 lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post. Dig holes 3 times the post width (about 12 inches for 4×4 posts). Let concrete cure 24 hours before attaching rails and pickets.
Wood Types for Fencing
Pressure-treated pine: Most affordable, lasts 15–20 years, requires staining. Cedar: Naturally rot-resistant, lasts 10–15 years, beautiful appearance. Redwood: Premium option, lasts 15–20 years, naturally insect-resistant.
Pro Tips for Fence Building
Call 811 Before Digging
This is the most important step. Call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to have underground utilities (gas, electric, water, cable) marked for free. Hitting a buried line is dangerous and expensive.
Set Posts 1/3 in Ground
For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts set 2 feet deep. This provides the stability needed to resist wind loads. In areas with heavy frost, set posts below the frost line (typically 36–42 inches) to prevent heaving.
Use Pressure-Treated Lumber for Ground Contact
Only use lumber rated for ground contact on posts and bottom rails. Regular lumber rots quickly underground. Look for “Ground Contact” or “UC4A” stamps on treated lumber.
Check Local Building Codes
Most municipalities require fences to be 6 inches inside the property line. Many require permits for fences over 6 feet. HOAs often restrict height, style, and materials. Check all requirements before buying materials.
Install Posts First, Then Wait
Set all posts and let concrete cure for 24 hours before attaching rails and pickets. This gives you time to verify post alignment and spacing. Use a string line to keep posts straight.
Frequently Asked Questions
For a standard privacy fence (no gaps), you need about 220 pickets for 100 linear feet. Each picket is 5.5 inches wide, so you get about 2.18 pickets per foot. For semi-privacy fencing with 1-inch gaps, you need fewer—about 185 pickets. Shadowbox style alternates boards on both sides with some overlap, so it takes about 1.5 times as many—about 330 pickets.
The general rule is to bury 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence using 8-foot posts, set them 2 feet deep. The minimum depth should be 2 feet for any fence. In frost-prone areas, set posts below the frost line (typically 36–42 inches) to prevent heaving.
Standard post spacing is 6–8 feet on center. Six feet is the most common and provides the strongest fence. Eight feet is the maximum for most fence styles—farther apart and the rails can sag. Wind-exposed areas should use 6-foot spacing for better stability.
DIY wood fence materials cost $15–$30 per linear foot depending on wood type and height. Cedar costs more than pressure-treated pine but lasts longer. For professional installation, expect $25–$50 per linear foot. A typical 150-foot fence costs $2,250–$4,500 for materials.
Most municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall, and some require them for any fence. Check with your local building department before starting. You’ll also need to verify your property lines—most codes require fences to be built 6 inches inside the property boundary. HOA neighborhoods may have additional restrictions.
Pressure-treated pine posts last 15–20 years in ground contact. Cedar posts last 10–15 years naturally, longer with sealant. Redwood lasts 15–20 years. Steel post brackets that keep wood off the ground can extend post life significantly. The post is always the first component to fail, so quality posts are worth the investment.