Fence Calculator

Use this fence calculator to estimate the posts, panels, and pickets you need for a fence project. Enter your total fence length, post spacing, panels per section, and picket width and gap, and the calculator returns the exact material counts to order. It's built for contractors pricing a job and homeowners planning a backyard privacy fence, picket fence, or similar run-and-post layout.

How to use this calculator.

1. Enter fence length. The total linear feet the fence will run.
2. Enter post spacing. Typically 6–8 ft on center; check your fence style's requirements.
3. Enter panels per section. How many pre-built panels sit between each pair of posts, if you're building with panel-style construction.
4. Enter picket width and gap. The actual face width of one picket and the gap you'll leave between pickets, both in inches.
5. Review your results. Posts, panels, and pickets needed update instantly.

How do you calculate A fence calculator helps you determine the number of posts, panels, and pickets required for your fence project based on total fence length, post spacing, and picket dimensions.?

The calculator finds post count from total length and spacing, panel count from the number of post-to-post sections, and picket count from how many picket-plus-gap widths fit along the fence line.

Posts Needed = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1

Panels Needed = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) × Panels per Section

Pickets Needed = (Fence Length × 12) ÷ (Picket Width + Gap Width)

Where:

• Fence Length: total linear feet of fence.
• Post Spacing: center-to-center distance between posts, in feet.
• Panels per Section: the number of panels mounted between adjacent posts — 1 for standard single-panel bays, higher for layered or multi-rail designs.
• Picket Width / Gap Width: the face width of one picket and the spacing left between pickets, both in inches.

Note that the panel count formula multiplies the number of post sections by your panels-per-section value, so it's meant for layouts where each bay between posts holds more than one panel (double-rail or layered designs) — for a standard single-panel-per-bay fence, set panels per section to 1.

Example calculation.

Scenario: An 80 ft fence with posts every 8 ft, 3 panels per section, and 5.5 in. pickets with 1.5 in. gaps.

1. Posts: (80 ÷ 8) + 1 = 10 + 1 = 11 posts.
2. Panels: (80 ÷ 8) × 3 = 10 × 3 = 30 panels.
3. Pickets: (80 × 12) ÷ (5.5 + 1.5) = 960 ÷ 7 = 137.1, rounded up to 138 pickets.

Result: order 11 posts, 30 panels, and about138 pickets for this fence run.

If this fence has a single 4-ft walk gate, add one extra post pair for the gate frame and subtract the gate width from your usable picket run when ordering — this calculator totals the full run length and doesn't account for gate openings automatically.

Tips from the field.

• Round every count up. Partial posts, panels, and pickets aren't sellable — the leftover fraction becomes a full unit on the order.
• Set posts below the frost line. In cold climates, post holes must extend below the frost line (typically 36–48 inches) to prevent frost heave from pushing posts out of the ground.
• Use ground-contact rated posts. Pressure-treated posts rated UC4A or UC4B are required for anything set in soil or concrete. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant alternatives.
• Call 811 before digging. Underground utility lines can run anywhere along a property line — get your utilities marked at least 48 hours before digging.
• Budget separately for gates. Gate posts are usually set deeper and in more concrete than standard line posts, and this calculator doesn't add extra posts for gate openings automatically.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Actual material requirements vary with terrain, soil conditions, local building codes, and fence design. Always check property lines and HOA regulations, and contact 811 before digging. PavementCalculator.com assumes no liability for material overages or shortages.