Fence Calculator
Estimates posts, rails, pickets, concrete, and hardware needed for any fence length and style
Total linear feet of fencing needed
Width of any gate openings (optional)
Distance between fence posts
Height of the fence (affects number of rails)
Total fence length minus gate openings
Total fence posts needed
Fence sections between posts
Total horizontal rails required
6-inch wide pickets for full coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard post spacing is 6 to 8 feet for most residential fences. Six-foot spacing is stronger and better for privacy fences or areas with high winds. Eight-foot spacing works for most suburban applications and uses fewer posts.
How many rails do I need per fence section?
Fences 4 feet tall or shorter need 2 horizontal rails per section. Fences over 4 feet should have 3 rails for adequate support. Some tall privacy fences use a fourth rail for extra rigidity.
How deep should fence posts be set?
A general rule is to bury one-third of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence using 8-foot posts, set them 2 feet deep. In areas with frost, posts should extend below the frost line, typically 30-42 inches deep.
How do I calculate pickets for a privacy fence?
For a standard privacy fence with no gaps, divide the total fence length in inches by the picket width. Standard pickets are 5.5 inches wide. For a 100-foot fence, that is 1,200 inches divided by 5.5, or about 218 pickets.
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