Posts & pickets
Fence Calculator
Lay out a straight fence run with evenly spaced sections and a realistic count for posts, rails, and pickets.
How to calculate it
- Enter the total fence run excluding gates.
- Set maximum post spacing and rails per section.
- Enter board face width, gap, and material prices.
What the calculator is doing
Sections = ceil(run length ÷ maximum spacing); posts = sections + 1; boards = ceil[{run length ÷ (board width + gap)} × (1 + waste %)]; rails = sections × rails per section.
- A straight run has a post at both ends, which is why posts exceed sections by one.
- Sections are made equal or shorter than the selected maximum spacing.
- The estimate excludes gates, corners shared with another run, concrete, fasteners, caps, and special terminal posts.
Buying checklist
- Mark boundaries, setbacks, utilities, corners, slopes, and gates.
- Confirm permitted height, post size, footing, and wind requirements.
- Lay out sections so the last bay is not unexpectedly narrow.
- List gate frames, hinges, latches, caps, concrete, and fasteners separately.
Common mistakes
Using maximum spacing as exact spacing
Divide the run into equal bays no longer than the limit; do not leave a short remainder at one end.
Counting gates as ordinary fence
Gate posts and framing carry different loads and need a separate material schedule.
Starting before boundary and utility checks
A correct material count does not prevent unsafe digging or a fence in the wrong location.
Frequently asked questions
Why is there one more post than section?+
A straight run needs a post at both ends. Four fence sections therefore require five posts.
Does this include gates?+
No. Subtract gate openings from the fence length and add gate posts, framing, hinges, and hardware separately.