Fence Estimate Calculator
Calculate fence materials including posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for post footing
Calculate Fence Materials
Fence Dimensions
Typically 6-8 ft (2-2.5 m)
Rails Configuration
Typically 2-3 rails per section
Picket Configuration
Common: 3.5", 5.5", 11.5" (9, 14, 29 cm)
Typically 2.5" (6.4 cm), range 1-6"
Post Footing (Concrete Calculation)
Common post sizes: 4x4" (10x10 cm), 6x6" (15x15 cm), 4" diameter (10 cm)
Fence Material Estimate
Calculation Notes:
- • Posts = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1
- • Post Length = Fence Height × 1.5 (1/3 buried underground)
- • Concrete hole = 3× post dimension, depth = ½ fence height
- • Add 10-15% extra materials for waste and adjustments
Material Analysis
Example Calculation
Residential Backyard Fence
Fence Length: 30 meters (98.4 ft)
Post Spacing: 2.5 meters (8.2 ft)
Fence Height: 1.8 meters (5.9 ft)
Post Size: 10×10 cm (4×4 inches) cuboid
Rails: 2 per section
Pickets: 9 cm wide, 2.5 cm spacing
Material Requirements
Posts needed: (30 ÷ 2.5) + 1 = 13 posts
Post length: 1.8 × 1.5 = 2.7 meters each
Sections: 13 - 1 = 12 sections
Rails: 12 × 2 = 24 rails
Pickets per section: 2.5 ÷ (0.09 + 0.025) = 21 pickets
Total pickets: 12 × 21 = 252 pickets
Concrete: ~0.78 m³ (27.5 ft³)
Fence Components
Posts
Vertical support structures
1/3 buried in concrete footing
Rails
Horizontal support beams
Connect posts, support pickets
Pickets
Vertical fence boards
Provide privacy and appearance
Concrete
Post footing material
Secures posts in ground
Construction Tips
Mark utility lines before digging post holes
Set corner and end posts first for alignment
Allow concrete to cure 24-48 hours before attaching rails
Order 10-15% extra materials for cuts and waste
Consider local building codes and property lines
Understanding Fence Estimation
Planning Your Fence Project
Proper fence estimation ensures you have all necessary materials before starting construction. Accurate calculations prevent project delays and help manage costs effectively.
Key Measurements
- •Fence Length: Total linear distance to be fenced
- •Post Spacing: Distance between fence posts (typically 6-8 ft)
- •Fence Height: Desired height above ground level
- •Post Length: Total post length including underground portion
Calculation Formulas
Posts: (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1
Sections: Number of Posts - 1
Post Length: Fence Height × 1.5
Rails: Sections × Rails per Section
Pickets: Section Length ÷ (Picket Width + Spacing)
Concrete Volume Formula
Hole Volume = (3 × Post Dimension)² × (Fence Height × 0.5)
Post Volume = Post Dimension² × (Fence Height × 0.5)
Concrete = (Hole Volume - Post Volume) × Number of Posts
Important Considerations
- • Check local building codes for fence height restrictions and setback requirements
- • Contact utility companies to mark underground lines before digging
- • Consider drainage and grade changes along the fence line
- • Factor in gates, corners, and slope adjustments to material calculations
- • Allow for 10-15% waste factor when ordering materials