Fence Calculator
Every post, picket, rail, and bag of concrete — counted. Free, instant, and private — everything runs on your device.
Measure the full run including gate openings
Each gate is figured at 4 ft wide
Adjust local prices
Your bill of materials
- 4x4 posts (8' spacing) × 21
- $378
- Pickets × 328
- $1,394
- 2x4 rails (3/section) × 60
- $540
- Concrete bags (50 lb) × 43
- $280
- Gate hardware kits × 1
- $75
- Cost per linear foot
- $17.78/ft
Counts include one extra post and a bag of concrete per gate, plus rails for each gate's Z-frame. Add ~5% spare pickets for splits and future repairs, and stain/sealer once the lumber dries.
A fence is just arithmetic repeated forty times — which is exactly why small estimating errors get expensive. Miss one post per hundred feet and you're fine; forget that every gate needs its own framing and extra concrete, and Saturday's build slides into next weekend. This calculator turns your total fence length into a complete bill of materials: line posts, pickets, rails, concrete bags, and gate hardware, each priced.
It supports 6-foot privacy and 4-foot picket styles, 6- or 8-foot post spacing, and any number of gates.
How it works
No black box — this is the exact math the calculator runs.
- Fence sections = fence length (minus gate openings) ÷ post spacing, rounded up.
- Posts = sections + 1, plus one extra post per gate for solid hanging.
- Rails = 2 per section for 4-ft fences, 3 per section for 6-ft privacy fences.
- Pickets = fenced length ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up — privacy fences use no gap.
- Concrete = 2 × 50-lb bags per post (3 for gate posts, which take more strain).
- The itemized list multiplies each count by your local unit prices for a real total.
Last reviewed July 24, 2026 · Fences & Outdoor Structures
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
6 or 8 feet on center. Use 6-foot spacing for 6-foot privacy fences and windy sites — the shorter span resists racking. 8-foot spacing saves posts and concrete on 4-foot picket fences with pre-built panels.
How many bags of concrete do I need per fence post?
Two 50-lb bags per line post is typical for a 24-inch-deep hole around a 4x4 post. Gate posts should get three — gates constantly load the post sideways, and a loose gate post is the most common fence failure.
How deep should fence posts be set?
One-third of the post's above-ground height, with a 24-inch minimum — so a 6-foot fence needs holes about 24–30 inches deep, below your local frost line. In cold climates the frost line requirement usually governs; check your local code.
How much does a wood fence cost per foot?
DIY material costs typically run $15–$30 per linear foot for a 6-foot pressure-treated privacy fence, depending on lumber prices and gates. Contractors charge $35–$60+ per foot installed — which is why fencing is one of the highest-saving DIY projects there is.