Fence Calculator
Posts, rails and pickets needed.
Enter your values
Enter the fence length in ft.
Enter the post spacing in ft.
Enter the picket width in inches.
Enter the rails per section you are working with.
Enter the cost per foot in $.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Posts needed
- 16
- Sections
- 15
- Rails
- 45
- Pickets
- 275
- Concrete bags (1 per post)
- 32
- Estimated cost
- $2,640.00
Quick answer
Fence posts sit at 6–8 ft centres; picket count is fence length divided by picket width plus spacing.
At a glance
| What it does | Posts, rails and pickets needed. |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & DIY |
| Inputs needed | Fence length, Post spacing, Picket width, Rails per section, Cost per foot |
| Main output | Posts needed |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Fence Calculator
- 1Measure the total fence run in feet.
- 2Choose your post spacing (6 or 8 ft).
- 3Enter picket width and rails per section.
Inputs explained
- Fence length(ft)
- Enter the fence length in ft.
- Post spacing(ft)
- Enter the post spacing in ft.
- Picket width(inches)
- Enter the picket width in inches.
- Rails per section
- Enter the rails per section you are working with.
- Cost per foot($)
- Enter the cost per foot in $.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Fence length120 ft
- Post spacing8 ft
- Picket width5.5 inches
- Rails per section3
- Cost per foot22 $
Results
- Posts needed16
- Sections15
- Rails45
- Pickets275
- Concrete bags (1 per post)32
- Estimated cost$2,640.00
Frequently asked questions
How deep should posts go?
One third of post height, minimum 24 inches, below the frost line.
Do gates need extra posts?
Yes, use heavier posts either side of each gate.
What do I need to enter into the Fence Calculator?
Just 5 values: fence length, post spacing, picket width, rails per section, cost per foot. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Fence Calculator work out the answer?
Fence posts sit at 6–8 ft centres; picket count is fence length divided by picket width plus spacing. The working is shown step by step so you can verify the result by hand.
Is the Fence Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.