Fence Calculator — How Much Fencing Do I Need?
Calculate how many posts, rails, and pickets you need for your fence project. Enter your fence length and style to get a complete materials list.
Assumptions
- One post at each end and every post-spacing interval along the fence line
- Gate posts are counted separately — add them to the fence post total
- Pickets are only counted for fence sections (gate openings are excluded)
- Rails span between every pair of adjacent posts
- Standard 4×4 posts for most wood fences; 6×6 for gate posts and corners recommended
- Posts should be set at least 2 feet deep (1/3 of total post length underground)
- Does not include corner posts or end posts separately — they are part of the total post count
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Standard fence post spacing is 8 feet for most wood fences. For taller or heavier fences (6–8 ft), 6-foot spacing provides more stability. Vinyl and metal fences may allow up to 8–10 feet between posts.
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
With standard 8-foot post spacing, you need 14 posts for 100 feet of fence (100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, rounded up to 13, plus 1 for the end post). Add 2 extra posts for each gate opening.
How deep should fence posts be?
Fence posts should be buried at least 2 feet deep, or about 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts with 2 feet underground. In cold climates, set posts below the frost line.