Fence Calculator

Use it when your task matches one of these common needs: Estimate panels for a backyard fence. Plan post counts from a chosen spacing. It works best when you already know fence perimeter, panel width, post spacing, gate count, and gate width.

In plain language: The calculator uses fence run after gates = perimeter - gate count x gate width, panels needed = ceiling(fence run after gates / panel width), line posts = ceiling(fence run after gates / post spacing) + 1, gate posts = gate count x 2, and total posts = line posts + gate posts. The examples on the page are there so you can compare your inputs with a fence material example before copying the answer.

Perimeter: the total fence path length before gate openings are removed. Panel width: the width of one fence panel or bay before cuts. Post spacing: the maximum distance between line posts based on the material or rail span. Gate count and width: openings that reduce panel run and usually need two gate posts per gate.

Read the headline estimate first, then check the material, waste, coverage, and unit lines. For project tools, the supporting lines are often the difference between a rough idea and a list you can actually shop from.

This is a rough panel-and-post count. Real fences also need corner posts, end posts, brace posts, terminal posts, pickets, rails, concrete, gravel, fasteners, post caps, gate hardware, slope handling, utility marking, permits, setbacks, wind exposure, soil checks, and local code review. Also check corner posts, end posts, brace posts, terminal posts, rails, pickets, concrete, fasteners, gate hardware, utilities, setbacks, and local code before buying.

It estimates fence run after gates, panels needed, line posts, gate posts, and total posts. It does not directly count pickets, rails, concrete bags, screws, brackets, post caps, or gate hardware.

Gate openings are subtracted from the panel run, so fewer panels may be needed. Each gate also adds two gate posts in this simple estimate, because a gate usually needs a post on each side.

Use the spacing allowed by the fence panel, rail, or manufacturer instructions. Eight feet is common for many wood layouts, but heavy gates, wind, slopes, and local rules can require a shorter span.

Not separately. The line-post count is a simple run estimate. Corners, ends, brace assemblies, terminal posts, transitions, and gate loads may require extra or stronger posts.

No. If you are building from loose pickets, use the panel result as a bay count, then calculate pickets from picket width, gap, fence height, rail layout, and waste.

Usually yes for real jobs. Extra material helps with cuts, damaged boards, bad pickets, layout changes, and small measuring mistakes. Keep the calculator result as the clean starting count.

It can. Stepped panels, racked panels, grade changes, short sections, and custom cuts can change panel count and post placement. Mark the real fence line before ordering.

No. The calculator runs in your browser tab. Your recent answers stay only on the page while you use it, and they are not sent to a server.