Fence Calculator — Estimate Materials & Cost
Select your fence type, enter dimensions, and instantly get posts, rails, pickets, concrete bags, and total cost — for any material.
🛠️ Fence Calculator
💡 8-foot post spacing is the most common for privacy fences. Use 3 rails for fences taller than 6 feet for added rigidity.
💡 Equal picket width and gap (e.g. 3.5″ picket / 3.5″ gap) is the classic picket fence look. Reduce gap for more privacy.
💡 Chain link uses 10-foot post spacing. Corner, gate, and end posts (tension posts) are larger diameter — add those separately.
💡 Use this tab if you already know your post count and layout. Posts = sections + 1 for a straight run.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Estimating fence materials starts with a few key measurements: total linear footage, desired height, post spacing, and fence style. This calculator handles all four fence types — privacy, picket, chain link, and custom — and returns every component you need to place an order. Here's how to use it:
- Choose your fence type. Select Privacy Fence for solid board-on-board or dog-ear fencing. Select Picket Fence for decorative open-style fencing with pointed tops. Choose Chain Link for wire mesh fencing. Use Custom for any layout where you already know post count and section configuration.
- Enter total linear footage. Measure the perimeter of the area to be fenced. For irregularly shaped lots, measure each run separately and add them up. Don't subtract gate openings — you'll still need posts on both sides of every gate.
- Set post spacing. 8-foot spacing is standard for most residential wood fences. 6-foot spacing provides more rigidity for taller fences (7–8 ft) or in high-wind areas. Chain link uses 10-foot spacing as the industry standard.
- Select your material. Each material has different installed cost, lifespan, and maintenance requirements. The calculator applies mid-range material pricing for accurate estimates.
- Click Calculate. Results include post count, rail count, picket/board count, concrete bags for post holes, and a full cost breakdown.
Worked example (Privacy Fence): 100 lf fence, 6 ft tall, pressure-treated wood, 8 ft post spacing, 2 rails.
Sections = ceil(100 ÷ 8) = 13 sections. Posts = 13 + 1 = 14 posts. Rails = 13 × 2 = 26 rails.
Boards = ceil(100 × 12 ÷ 5.5) = 219 fence boards (solid 6-inch privacy boards, zero gap).
Concrete = 14 posts × 2 bags = 28 bags (80 lb). Material cost (PT wood at $15/lf) = 100 × $15 = $1,500.
Labor at $22/lf = $2,200. Total estimate: ~$3,700.
Need to size the post hole concrete more precisely? Our Concrete Calculator handles cylindrical holes — input diameter and depth for exact cubic yards. Planning landscape borders around your new fence? Check the Mulch Calculator for edging and bed fill.
Post Spacing Guide
Post spacing is the single biggest driver of how much material you use — and how strong your fence will be. Here's how to choose the right spacing for your project:
| Spacing | Best For | Posts per 100 lf | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | Tall fences (7–8 ft), high-wind areas, heavy gate spans | 18 | More posts = stronger fence, higher material cost |
| 8 ft | Standard 6-ft privacy fence, most residential wood fencing | 14 | Most common. Balances strength and material cost |
| 10 ft | Chain link fencing standard | 11 | Industry standard for chain link — wider spacing is code-permitted |
ℹ️ These are line-post spacings. Corner posts, end posts, and gate posts are always additional — always plan for those separately.
Post depth rule of thumb: Set posts to one-third of the total post length below grade. A 6-ft above-grade fence uses an 8-ft post set 2 ft deep. In frost-prone climates, posts must be set below the frost line — typically 36–42 inches in the northern US. Deeper settings require more concrete per hole.
Rail count: Use 2 rails for fences up to 6 ft tall. Add a third rail for 7–8 ft fences or any fence carrying heavy boards (cedar, composite). Three rails significantly reduce racking and board warp over time.
Fence Material Comparison
The right fencing material depends on your budget, maintenance tolerance, privacy needs, and local climate. Here's how the most common options compare:
| Material | Cost Range (installed) | Lifespan | Maintenance | Privacy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $12–$18/lf | 15–20 yrs | Medium — seal or stain every 2–3 yrs | Full (solid) | Budget-conscious residential fencing; most versatile |
| Cedar | $15–$25/lf | 20–30 yrs | Low — naturally rot-resistant; optional stain | Full (solid) | Premium wood look; naturally insect and rot resistant |
| Vinyl / PVC | $20–$35/lf | 25–40 yrs | Very low — hosing down; no painting or staining | Full (solid) | Low-maintenance; HOA-friendly; coastal climates |
| Chain Link | $8–$15/lf | 20–25 yrs | Very low — occasional rust treatment | None (open mesh) | Pet containment, security perimeters, commercial |
ℹ️ Installed costs include materials and typical contractor labor. DIY saves $8–$15/lf on most fence types. Vinyl fencing requires manufacturer-specific post and rail systems — you cannot mix vinyl boards with standard wood framing.
Fence Cost Guide
For a typical 150-linear-foot residential fence, here's what you can expect to pay:
- Pressure-Treated Wood (6 ft privacy): $2,500–$4,500 installed — the most affordable solid-privacy option
- Cedar (6 ft privacy): $3,500–$6,000 installed — premium look, naturally rot-resistant
- Vinyl/PVC (6 ft privacy): $4,500–$8,000 installed — highest upfront cost, lowest long-term maintenance
- Chain Link (4 ft): $1,800–$3,500 installed — the most cost-effective enclosure option
Labor cost breakdown: Professional fence installation typically runs $15–$30 per linear foot in labor, depending on:
- Site preparation: Rocky soil, roots, or slopes add $2–$5/lf and require powered augers or hand-digging
- Post setting method: Concrete-set posts (standard) vs. gravel-set vs. drive posts (no concrete) affect both time and cost
- Terrain: Level lots are the cheapest; sloped lots require step-down or racked fence panels
- Gates: Single walk gates add $150–$400; double drive gates add $400–$1,200 per opening
- Demolition: Removing an existing fence adds $3–$8/lf
Always get three bids from licensed fence contractors. Ask specifically about: post depth, concrete mix, rail attachment method (screws vs. nails), and what's included in the quote (gates, post caps, concrete backfill).
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Fencing is one of the more accessible DIY projects for homeowners with basic tool skills. Here's how to decide:
DIY is a good fit if: you have a relatively level lot, no large trees or rock near the fence line, you own or can rent a post-hole digger/auger, and you're comfortable with a circular saw and basic framing. A 100-lf privacy fence typically takes a two-person crew 2–3 weekends. DIY savings: $1,500–$3,000 on a typical project.
Hire a pro if: your lot has significant slope (more than 1 ft over 8 ft), you have hard clay or rocky soil, you need permits pulled and inspections (most contractors handle this), or you're installing vinyl (requires specific manufacturer training for proper post and rail alignment).
Permits: Most municipalities require a fence permit for privacy fences over 4 ft tall (front yard) or 6 ft tall (rear yard). Permit fees are typically $50–$200. Skipping a permit can require removal and re-installation if caught during a property sale inspection.
Our Concrete Calculator is the companion tool for any fence project — size your post holes precisely and order the right number of bags. For gravel backfill under fence lines, see the Gravel Calculator.