Fence Calculator
Estimate fence materials for wood privacy, chain link, split rail, farm, decorative panel, or custom fence projects by length, posts, panels, gates, concrete, waste, and cost.
Fence material calculator
Estimate posts, panels or sections, gate width, concrete bags, waste, and material cost for common fence projects.
Fence layout and materials
Results
| Adjusted fence length | 0 |
| Posts | 0 |
| Panels / sections | 0 |
| Total gate width | 0 |
| Concrete bags | 0 |
| Panel cost | $0 |
| Post cost | $0 |
| Gate cost | $0 |
| Concrete cost | $0 |
| Material cost before waste | $0 |
| Cost with waste | $0 |
Cost estimator
Edit the panel, post, gate, and concrete bag prices in the calculator above. The estimate separates each material category first, then applies the waste percentage to the material total so you can compare base cost and extra allowance.
Waste allowance
Default 10%. Fencing usually needs less waste than mulch or gravel, but extra material helps cover cuts, corners, damaged boards, layout mistakes, and uneven property lines. For simple straight runs, 5% may be enough; for privacy fences with corners or slopes, 10% is safer.
Common post spacing assumptions
| Fence type | Common post spacing |
|---|---|
| Wood privacy fence | 6 to 8 ft |
| Chain link fence | 6 to 10 ft |
| Split rail fence | 8 to 10 ft |
| Farm fence | 8 to 12+ ft |
| Decorative panel fence | Based on panel width |
Plain-English guide
Start with the total fence length in feet. Choose straight run for a line of fence with end posts, or closed perimeter for a loop around a yard or enclosure. Gates are subtracted from the panel length because they replace part of the fence run, but gate costs are still counted separately. Panel counts are rounded up because partial sections usually still require a full panel or section.
Fence calculator FAQ
How far apart should fence posts be?
Many wood privacy fences use posts every 6 to 8 feet. Chain link, split rail, farm, and decorative panel fences vary by product, soil, wind, terrain, and local requirements.
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
For a straight 100 ft run with 8 ft spacing, use ceiling(100 / 8) + 1, or 14 posts. For a closed perimeter, use ceiling(100 / 8), or 13 posts.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
Small posts may use about one bag per post, while larger posts, deeper holes, loose soil, or gate posts may need more. This calculator leaves bags per post editable.
Should gates count in fence length?
Measure the full fence layout including gate openings, then enter the number and width of gates. The calculator subtracts gate width from panel length while still counting gate cost.
How much extra fence material should I buy?
A 5% to 10% extra allowance is common. Corners, slopes, cuts, damaged boards, and layout changes can push the safer estimate toward 10%.
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