Calculate fence posts and rails for a board fence run.
Cost breakdown
Usage Tip
Set the end and corner posts first and run a string line between them, then space the line posts evenly so the panels come out equal.
rails = (posts − 1) × rails per section
Post count rounds up.
How much fencing material do I need?
A fence estimate is really four estimates in one: posts, boards or pickets, concrete for the post holes, and gates. Measure the run, pick a style and post spacing, and the rest follows. This calculator gives all four at once — post count, board count, concrete in yards and bags, and a full cost breakdown — so you can budget the whole project on one page instead of bouncing between four.
Fence post calculator
Posts are spaced evenly along the run, with one at each end. The count is the length divided by the spacing, rounded up, plus one — then add a post for each gate. Closer spacing means a stiffer fence and more posts.
| Fence length | Posts at 8 ft spacing |
|---|---|
| 50 ft | 8 |
| 100 ft | 14 |
| 150 ft | 20 |
| 200 ft | 26 |
Fence concrete requirements
Each post is set in a concrete footing. A common rule is a hole about three times the post width and a third to a half of the post height deep. For a 6 ft fence that is roughly a 10 in hole, 30 in deep — about 1.4 cubic feet of concrete per hole before subtracting the post.
| Fence height | Typical hole depth | Hole diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 24 in | 8 in |
| 6 ft | 30 in | 10 in |
| 8 ft | 36 in | 12 in |
Fence cost breakdown
One total hides where the money goes. A realistic fence estimate splits into posts, boards, concrete, hardware and gates — and gates, with their hinges and latches, surprise people more than the fence itself.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Posts | Most expensive single board, set in concrete |
| Boards / pickets | Varies hugely by style |
| Rails | Usually two or three per section |
| Concrete | Bags or bulk for the footings |
| Hardware and gates | Screws, brackets, hinges, latches |
Privacy fence calculator
A privacy fence uses solid vertical boards with no gaps, so it needs the most pickets of any common style — about 2.2 boards per linear foot at 6 ft tall. Board-on-board and shadow box use even more because the boards overlap. Picket fences use far fewer thanks to the gaps, and rail styles like ranch and split rail use none at all.
Fence styles
| Style | Board use |
|---|---|
| Privacy | High — solid coverage |
| Board-on-board / shadow box | Highest — overlapping |
| Picket | Low — spaced gaps |
| Horizontal | Similar to privacy |
| Ranch / split rail | None — rails only |
Frequently asked questions
How many posts for a 100 ft fence?
About 14 at 8 ft spacing (13 sections plus one), more if you add gates or use closer spacing.
How deep should fence posts be?
Roughly a third of the post height, commonly 24 in for a 4 ft fence and 30 in for a 6 ft fence, below the frost line where that applies.
How much concrete per fence post?
About 1 to 2 cubic feet for a typical residential post, or one to two 80 lb bags each depending on hole size.
How many boards for a privacy fence?
Around 2.2 per linear foot of 6 ft fence using nominal 1x6 boards. Overlapping styles use more, pickets fewer.
What is the best post spacing?
Six to eight feet is standard. Eight is common for wood; closer spacing stiffens the fence and suits heavier panels.
Do gates change the material count?
Yes. Each gate replaces a section of boards but needs an extra post and its own hinges and latch.
Concrete Calculator · Gravel Calculator · Deck Cost Calculator · Fence Board Calculator · Post Hole Calculator
Coming soon: Fence Gate Calculator
Estimates are for planning and use typical residential assumptions; actual material varies with board dimensions, terrain, gate sizes, local frost depth and code. Confirm post depth and spacing against your local building requirements and add a waste margin before buying.