Fence Calculator
Calculate fence materials, posts, rails, pickets, and concrete requirements with precision
Calculate Fence Materials
1. Fence Dimensions
Typically 6-8 feet or 2-3 meters
2. Fence Height
Height above ground level
Required Post Length:
9.0 feet
Buried depth: 3.0 feet (⅓ of post length)
3. Rails
2 rails per section is most common
4. Pickets
Gap between pickets
5. Post Specifications & Concrete
6. Waste Factor (Optional)
Recommended: 10% for mistakes and waste
Example Calculation
Backyard Privacy Fence Example
Fence specifications: 100 feet long, 6 feet high
Post spacing: 8 feet apart
Configuration: 2 rails per section, 5" wide pickets with 1" spacing
Posts: 4×4 inch rectangular posts
Calculation Results
Posts needed: ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 = 13 + 1 = 14 posts
Post length: 1.5 × 6 = 9 feet long
Rails needed: 2 × 13 sections = 26 rails
Pickets needed: ⌈1200" ÷ (5" + 1")⌉ = 200 pickets
Concrete: 8 × 4 × 4 × 36 = 4,608 in³ per post = 2.31 yd³ total
Fence Installation Steps
Plan & Measure
Determine fence line and measure total length
Mark Post Locations
Mark where each post will be installed
Dig Post Holes
Dig holes ⅓ the length of your posts
Set Posts
Place posts and secure with concrete
Install Rails & Pickets
Attach horizontal rails and vertical pickets
Professional Tips
Standard post spacing is 6-8 feet for optimal strength
Bury ⅓ of post length underground for stability
Add 10% waste factor for materials
Check local building codes and permits
Call utility companies before digging
Understanding Fence Calculations
Material Calculation Formulas
Number of Posts
Posts = ⌈Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing⌉ + 1
Round up the division result and add 1 for the final post
Post Length
Post Length = 1.5 × Fence Height
Ensures ⅓ of post is buried for proper stability
Number of Pickets
Pickets = ⌈Fence Length ÷ (Picket Width + Spacing)⌉
Based on picket width plus spacing between pickets
Concrete Calculations
Rectangular Posts
Volume = 8 × Width × Thickness × Depth
Hole is 3× wider than post dimensions
Round Posts
Volume = 2 × π × Diameter² × Depth
Hole diameter is 3× the post diameter
Total Concrete
Total = Volume per Post × Number of Posts
Usually measured in cubic yards for ordering
Important Notes
- • Post depth should be ⅓ of total post length for proper stability
- • Standard concrete hole is 3× the width/diameter of the post
- • Always add 10% waste factor to account for mistakes and material waste
- • Check local building codes for fence height restrictions and setback requirements
- • Contact utility companies (call 811) before digging to avoid hitting underground lines