Fence Calculator
Calculate fence materials: posts, rails, pickets, and concrete. Enter total length, height, and gate count for a complete material list with cost estimate.
Quick Answer
A 100-foot, 6-foot-tall fence with 1 gate needs about 14 posts, 26 rails, 220 pickets, and 28 bags of concrete. Material cost runs approximately $725. Posts are set 8 feet apart, each with 2 bags of 50-lb concrete.
Standard gate width: 4 ft. Each gate adds 2 extra posts.
Material Estimate
Cost Estimate
About This Tool
The Fence Calculator computes all materials needed for a standard wood privacy or picket fence: posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for post footings. It accounts for gate openings and provides a cost estimate for materials. Whether you are getting quotes from contractors or planning a DIY fence project, having an accurate material list prevents costly mid-project hardware store runs and helps you budget realistically.
How the Calculation Works
The calculator divides your total fence length (minus gate openings) by the standard 8-foot post spacing to determine the number of sections. Each section gets two horizontal rails (or three for fences taller than 6 feet). Pickets are calculated using standard 3.5-inch picket width with 1.75-inch gaps. Each post requires two bags of 50-lb concrete for a solid footing. Gate openings each add two flanking posts and subtract their width from the fencing length. Cost estimates use average prices for pressure-treated pine lumber.
Choosing Fence Height
The most common residential fence heights are 4 feet and 6 feet. A 4-foot fence works for front yards, garden borders, and decorative purposes. A 6-foot fence is the standard for privacy fencing and backyard boundaries. Some municipalities restrict front-yard fences to 3 or 4 feet and side/back fences to 6 feet, so check your local zoning ordinances before building. Fences taller than 6 feet may require a building permit and must use three horizontal rails instead of two for structural stability.
Post Setting
Posts are the backbone of any fence. They should be set in holes at least 24 inches deep (deeper in areas with frost heave). Each hole should be about 10-12 inches in diameter. Set the post plumb, fill the hole with concrete mix, and add water per package directions. The post should be braced for at least 24 hours while the concrete sets. For the strongest fence, use 4x4 posts for fences up to 6 feet tall and 6x6 posts for taller fences. Always use ground-contact-rated pressure-treated lumber for posts, regardless of what wood you choose for the rest of the fence.
DIY vs Professional Installation
A fence is one of the more accessible DIY projects for homeowners with basic tools. The most time-consuming part is digging post holes, which a power auger (rentable for $50-$75/day) makes much faster. A handy homeowner can typically install 20-30 linear feet of fence per day working alone, or 40-60 feet with a helper. Professional installation costs $15-$35 per linear foot for labor on top of materials. For a 100-foot fence, that is $1,500-$3,500 in labor. DIY saves this entirely but requires a weekend or two of solid work.
Maintenance and Longevity
Pressure-treated pine fences last 15-20 years with minimal maintenance. Cedar lasts 15-25 years naturally but can last 30+ years with periodic sealing. Apply a water-repellent stain or sealant every 2-3 years to maximize lifespan. Inspect annually for loose boards, leaning posts, and rot at the base of posts (the most common failure point). Replace individual components as they fail rather than waiting until the entire fence needs replacement.