Posts + panels + pickets + rails
Fence Calculator
Map a wood or preassembled-panel fence, including gates. Get a practical material list from the lengths you measure, with optional pricing and post concrete.
Example only
- Fence runs
- 96 linear ft
- 8 ft panels
- 12 panels
- Gate
- 1 opening
Your result uses your own measurements, not this example.
Measuring guide
Sketch the line before counting materials
Mark ends, turns, and gates. Enter each fence run and gate opening in order so short sections are counted where they occur.
Measure each run
Measure between planned posts. Start a new run at a gate or a turn.
Add each gate
Enter its opening width as its own segment. Check the chosen gate’s required clearance.
Check the product
Use the panel’s usable span or the actual picket width printed by its supplier.
The math
Count sections before posts
Each run rounds up separately. A connected gate needs its own span between posts, while adjacent runs share a junction post.
Example: 48 ft of fence, a 4 ft gate, then 48 ft of fence
- Each fence run uses 48 ÷ 8 = 6 spans; together they use 12 spans.
- With one gate, posts = 12 spans + 1 gate + 1 end post = 14.
- Using preassembled 8 ft panels, buy 12 panels.
- For a 6 ft wood privacy fence: 3 rails × 12 spans = 36 rails before extra material.
Preassembled panels already contain their pickets and rails. Check product span, cut options, post size, hardware, slope, and local requirements before ordering.
FAQ
Fence calculator questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Count the sections in each uninterrupted fence run, add one span for each gate, then add one end post for a continuous fence line. Measure each side of a gate separately so both sides round up correctly.
How many panels do I need?
For each run, divide its length by the usable width of your chosen panel and round up. Add the run counts. Confirm the real width between posts and whether the panel can be cut to fit a short end section.
How many pickets do I need for a wood fence?
The calculator divides each run into spans, counts pickets across each span using actual picket width and your chosen gap, then adds your waste allowance. A nominal 1 × 6 board commonly has a smaller actual width, so measure the product.
Why does adding a gate change the post count?
A gate is a separate opening between posts. It also splits the fence into runs, which may each require a shorter last panel or span.
Does the estimate include concrete for the posts?
If you enter a hole diameter and depth, the result shows the full cylindrical volume for every post. Enter the yield printed on your chosen mix to see whole bags. The volume does not subtract the space occupied by a post.
Is the price an installed fence quote?
No. It only adds items for which you supplied a unit price. It excludes unpriced parts, delivery, tax, labor, site work, and installation hardware.
References
Sources behind this calculator
These guides inform the starting assumptions. Your chosen products and site conditions determine the final layout.
Wood fence materials
Home Depot lists an 8 ft maximum post spacing and example rails, pickets, and fasteners for a wood fence.
Home Depot fence guide ↗Example of actual 5.5 in picket width ↗Preassembled panels
Lowe’s worksheet explains panel, post, and gate counts from measured linear feet.
Lowe’s panel worksheet ↗Layout and product fit
An installation guide explains gate post placement and why some panels cannot be cut for odd lengths.
Fence installation guide ↗More tools