Fence Calculator for Posts, Rails, Pickets & Cost
The fence calculator estimates every material your fencing project needs — posts, rails, pickets, panels, mesh, concrete, and hardware — from a few simple measurements. It is built for homeowners, DIY builders, and contractors who want an accurate shopping list before a single hole is dug.
Switch between four fence types — Wood Fence, Chain Link, Vinyl / PVC, and Metal — and the inputs and calculations adapt automatically. Add gates, set a waste factor, and turn on the cost estimator to budget the whole job, all in metric or imperial units with a live fence section diagram.
How to Use the Fence Calculator
Select your fence type
Pick a tab: Wood Fence, Chain Link, Vinyl / PVC, or Metal. The fields and material list update to match the type you choose.
Enter the dimensions
Set the Total Length and Fence Height (use the height presets for common sizes or type a custom value), then enter the Number of Corners so corner posts are sized correctly.
Configure the materials
Adjust Post Spacing and Rails per Section, plus the type-specific field: picket width and spacing (wood/metal), panel width (vinyl), or roll length (chain link).
Add gates (optional)
Click Add Gate for each opening and set its width. Every gate width is deducted from the total fence length, and the required gate posts are added to your list.
Review the materials
The Materials Needed table lists every component with quantities and a Waste Factor you can tune. For wood fences, the Stain / Paint Estimate shows surface area and how much finish to buy.
Estimate the cost (optional)
Open the Cost Estimator, choose your currency, and enter unit prices. The tool returns a line-by-line breakdown and an estimated total with locale-aware formatting.
Features
Four Fence Types
Calculate materials for Wood, Chain Link, Vinyl / PVC, and Metal fences, each with its own fields and outputs.
Metric & Imperial Units
Switch lengths between meters and feet, and small sizes between centimeters and inches. Results and the diagram follow your choice.
Complete Material Counts
Get posts, rails, and the type-specific fill — pickets, vinyl panels, or chain-link mesh rolls — in one accurate list.
Concrete & Post Holes
See recommended hole diameter and depth and the number of 50 lb concrete bags, with larger holes calculated for corner posts.
Hardware Estimates
Counts the right fasteners per type: screws or bolts, brackets, tension bars and bands, ties, and post caps.
Gate Support
Add or remove any number of gates with custom widths; each width is deducted from the fence and its posts are added in.
Corner Post Handling
Corner posts take larger holes (12″ vs 10″ for line posts) and extra concrete, so quantities reflect a stronger build.
Adjustable Waste Factor
Add a waste allowance (10% by default) so the totals already cover cuts, mistakes, and damaged pieces.
Stain & Paint Estimator
For wood fences, get the total surface area, choose one or two sides to coat, and set a coverage rate to find the gallons (or liters) needed.
Cost Estimator
Enter unit prices for a full cost breakdown. The currency picker covers 40+ currencies with locale-aware formatting and adjusted defaults.
Live Section Diagram
A proportional SVG shows one section — posts, rails, and fill — and updates in real time with labeled measurements in your units.
Height Presets
One-tap buttons set common fence heights, relabeled automatically when you switch between meters and feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence posts do I need?
The calculator divides your fence length by the post spacing to count sections, then adds one for the final post. It also adds extra posts for each corner and for both sides of every gate. Enter your length, spacing, corners, and gates and the total post count appears in the Materials Needed table.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard post spacing is 2.4 meters (8 feet) for most fence types. Closer spacing adds strength but uses more posts and materials; for chain-link fences, 3 meters (10 feet) is also common. Set your value in the Post Spacing field and the counts update instantly.
How deep should fence post holes be?
A common rule is to bury about one-third of the post. For a 6-foot fence, the post sits roughly 2 feet underground, giving an 8-foot post. The calculator applies this one-third depth automatically and uses it to size both the holes and the concrete.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
Concrete is estimated in 50 lb bags based on hole depth, which follows the fence height. Line posts use roughly one bag per 1.5 feet of depth, while corner posts get more concrete because of their wider, deeper holes. The total bag count and the hole dimensions are shown next to the concrete row.
Why do corner posts need bigger holes?
Corner posts carry stress from two directions, so they are usually heavier (6×6 instead of 4×4) and need wider holes — about 12″ versus 10″ for line posts — with extra concrete for stability. Set the Number of Corners and the calculator sizes those holes and bags for you.
What is the waste factor?
The waste factor adds a buffer for material lost to cuts, mistakes, and damaged pieces. A 10% allowance is standard for most fencing projects, but you can raise or lower it. When it is above zero, the quantities in the table already include that extra margin.
Can I mix different fence types in one project?
The calculator handles one fence type at a time. If your project combines types, calculate each run of fence separately by switching tabs and entering the length for that section, then total the results yourself.
How accurate is the cost estimate?
The cost estimate multiplies your entered unit prices by the calculated quantities. Actual spending can vary with local pricing, bulk discounts, delivery fees, and labor, so treat the total as a budgeting guide rather than a firm quote.
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