Standard: 6-8 feet for wood fences
Average: $20-$40 per ft installed
How to Calculate Fence Materials
Posts
Formula: Posts = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1
Panels
Formula: Panels = Fence Length ÷ 8 (standard 8' panels)
Common Fence Spacings
- Privacy Fences: 6-8 feet post spacing
- Picket Fences: 8 feet post spacing
- Chain Link: 10 feet post spacing
Cost Considerations
- Wood Privacy: $20-$40 per linear foot
- Vinyl Privacy: $25-$45 per linear foot
- Chain Link: $15-$30 per linear foot
- Aluminum/Steel: $30-$50 per linear foot
Installation Tips
- Call 811 before digging to mark utilities
- Set posts in concrete for durability
- Use treated lumber for ground contact
- Stain or seal wood fences regularly
About This Calculator
Fence Calculator - Estimate Fence Materials & Cost
Calculate the materials needed to build a fence including posts, panels, pickets, rails, and concrete. Get estimates for privacy fences, picket fences, chain link, and more.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Fence Style: Privacy, picket, shadowbox, chain link
- Total Length: Total linear feet of fencing needed
- Post Spacing: Standard 6-8 feet for most fences
- Add Gates: Number and width of gates
- Get Results: Complete material list
Fence Material Calculations
Posts
Formula:
Posts = (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1Panels
Formula:
Panels = Fence Length ÷ 8 (for standard 8' panels)Pickets
Varies by fence style:
- Privacy Fence: ~2.2 pickets per linear foot
- Picket Fence: ~2 pickets per linear foot
- Shadowbox: ~4.4 pickets per linear foot (both sides)
Fence Styles & Materials
| Style | Height | Posts Needed | Pickets Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy Fence | 6' | Every 6-8' | ~2.2 per ft |
| Picket Fence | 4' | Every 8' | ~2 per ft |
| Shadowbox | 6' | Every 6-8' | ~4.4 per ft |
| Chain Link | 4-6' | Every 10' | N/A |
Concrete Requirements
- Post Hole Size: 12" diameter × 24" deep (typical)
- Volume Per Post: ~1.57 cubic feet (0.06 cubic yards)
- 80lb Bags Per Post: ~2 bags
- Total Concrete: Posts × 1.57 cubic feet
Cost Per Linear Foot
| Fence Type | Material Only | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | $10-$20/ft | $20-$40/ft |
| Vinyl Privacy | $15-$25/ft | $25-$45/ft |
| Wood Picket | $8-$15/ft | $15-$30/ft |
| Chain Link | $8-$15/ft | $15-$30/ft |
| Aluminum | $20-$30/ft | $30-$50/ft |
Additional Materials Needed
- Post Caps: 1 per post (decorative)
- Gate Hardware: Hinges, latches for each gate
- Rails: 2-3 horizontal rails per panel
- Concrete: For setting posts
- Nails/Screws: For attaching pickets
- Fence Staples: For attaching wire (chain link)
Installation Tips
- Call 811: Mark utilities before digging
- Post Depth: Bury 1/3 of post height minimum
- Concrete: Set posts in concrete for durability
- Treated Lumber: Use pressure-treated for ground contact
- Grading: Follow property line and maintain slope
- Finishing: Stain or seal wood fences regularly
Post Spacing Guidelines
| Fence TypeRecommended Spacing | Reason | |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | 6-8 feet | Prevent sagging |
| Picket | 8 feet | Adequate support |
| Vinyl | 6-8 feet | Manufacturer spec |
| Chain Link | 10 feet | Tension wire support |
Frequently Asked Questions
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