Fence Calculator — Posts, Panels & Cost
Estimate posts, panels, gates, rails, pickets, concrete for footings, and cost for any wood, vinyl, or chain-link fence. Enter the total perimeter, gate count, panel width, and fence height to get an instant materials list.
Fence Calculator
Fence Types and Materials
| Type | Material Cost (per ft) | Installed (per ft) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (cedar/PT) | $15–$35 ($49–$115/m) | $25–$55 ($82–$180/m) | 15–25 yrs |
| Vinyl/PVC | $20–$40 ($66–$131/m) | $30–$60 ($98–$197/m) | 25–30 yrs |
| Chain link (galvanized) | $8–$20 ($26–$66/m) | $14–$30 ($46–$98/m) | 20–30 yrs |
| Wood picket | $10–$25 ($33–$82/m) | $20–$45 ($66–$148/m) | 10–20 yrs |
| Aluminum (decorative) | $25–$50 ($82–$164/m) | $40–$80 ($131–$262/m) | 30+ yrs |
| Wrought iron | $30–$60 ($98–$197/m) | $50–$120 ($164–$394/m) | 50+ yrs |
Post Spacing and Depth Guide
- Wood panel fences: 8 ft (2.4 m) on center is the standard — matches 8-ft prefab panels.
- Chain-link: up to 10 ft (3 m) on center; line posts can be lighter than terminal posts.
- Picket fences: 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) depending on picket length and span.
- Hole depth: at least 1/3 of total post length, typically 24–36 in (60–90 cm) for residential. Below the frost line in cold climates.
- Hole diameter: 3× the post width — e.g., 12 in (30 cm) for a 4×4 (10×10 cm) post.
- Concrete per post: ~0.33 cu ft (9.3 L) for an 8 in × 24 in (20×60 cm) hole. One 50-lb (23 kg) bag of fast-setting concrete fills about one hole.
How to Calculate Fence Materials
- Measure the perimeter in feet (or meters). Walk it with a measuring wheel for accuracy.
- Subtract gate width from the total length:
fenceLength = total − (gates × gateWidth). - Panels: ceil(fenceLength ÷ panelWidth). Standard panel = 8 ft (2.4 m).
- Posts: panels + 1 (one extra at the start), plus 2 jamb posts per gate.
- Rails: 2 per panel (top and bottom). Add a third center rail for fences over 5 ft (1.5 m).
- Pickets: panel width ÷ picket width (typical: 5.5 in or 14 cm). E.g., 8-ft panel needs 18 pickets.
- Concrete: 0.33 cu ft (9.3 L) per post for an 8″ × 24″ (20×60 cm) footing.
Imperial example: 100 ft fence, 1 gate (4 ft), 8-ft panels → 100 − 4 = 96 ft. Panels: 96 ÷ 8 = 12. Posts: 12 + 1 + 2 = 15. Rails: 24. Concrete: 15 × 0.33 = 5 cu ft.
Metric example: 30 m fence, 1 gate (1.2 m), 2.4-m panels → 30 − 1.2 = 28.8 m. Panels: 28.8 ÷ 2.4 = 12. Posts: 12 + 1 + 2 = 15. Concrete: 15 × 9.3 L = ~140 L (0.14 m³).
Fence Cost Breakdown
For a typical 100-ft (30 m) wood privacy fence with one gate:
- Posts (15): $15–$30 each → $225–$450
- Panels (12) or pickets: $30–$80 per 8-ft panel → $360–$960
- Rails: included with panels or $5–$10 per 8-ft 2×4
- Concrete: 5 cu ft = ~9 bags 50-lb fast-set → $50–$80
- Hardware (screws, brackets, gate hinges): $50–$150
- Gate (4-ft prefab): $80–$200
- Materials total: ~$800–$1,800 ($26–$59/m)
- Professional install labor: $1,500–$3,500 ($49–$115/m) — doubles the total
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
For 100 ft of fence with 8-ft panel spacing: 100 ÷ 8 + 1 = 14 posts (plus 2 extra per gate). With one gate, that’s 16 posts total. Always order one or two spares for breakage during install.
How deep should fence posts be?
Bury at least 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-ft (1.8 m) fence, use 8-ft (2.4 m) posts buried 2 ft (60 cm) deep. In frost-prone areas, dig below the frost line (typically 36–48 in / 90–120 cm) to prevent heaving.
How much does a fence cost per foot?
Wood privacy: $15–$35 per linear foot ($49–$115/m), materials only. Vinyl: $20–$40/ft ($66–$131/m). Chain link: $8–$20/ft ($26–$66/m). Add 50–100% for professional labor.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard spacing is 8 ft (2.4 m) for wood panel fences and 10 ft (3 m) for chain-link. Never exceed the panel width — posts must support both ends of each panel. Closer spacing (6 ft / 1.8 m) gives more rigidity in windy areas.
Related Calculators
- Concrete Calculator — for post hole footings
- Paver Calculator — building a patio or walkway alongside the fence?
- Decking Calculator — adding a deck behind the fence?
- Board Foot Calculator — pricing rough lumber for custom-built fence
- Wire Size Calculator — size wiring for electric fence circuits
- All Construction Calculators
Post and panel counts assume straight runs — corners and slopes may require extra posts. Concrete estimate uses 0.33 cu ft (9.3 L) per 8″ × 24″ (20×60 cm) footing. Prices are 2026 US national averages and will vary by region and material grade. Check local zoning, HOA rules, and call 811 (US) or your country’s utility-locate service before digging.
