Fence Calculator

Calculate posts, panels, rails and concrete needed for any fence project.

Number of Posts
Number of Panels/Sections
Number of Rails
Concrete Bags Needed

How the Fence Calculator Works

This fence calculator divides your total fence length by the post spacing to find the number of sections, then adds one post for the final end. The number of panels equals posts minus one. Rails per section depend on fence style — picket fences typically use 3 rails for stability, while privacy and split-rail fences use 2. Concrete bags are estimated at 1.5 bags per post (standard 50-lb bags), rounded up to the nearest whole bag. This accounts for setting posts in typical residential soil. Adjust for extra-large posts, sandy soil, or frost-line requirements in colder climates where deeper posts are needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should fence posts be?
6–8 feet is standard. Privacy fences typically use 6–8 ft panels; split-rail can go up to 10 ft.
How many fence posts do I need per foot?
Divide total fence length by post spacing, then add 1 for the end post.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Set posts 1/3 of their total length in the ground. A 6-ft fence needs posts at least 2 ft deep.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
Plan on 1–2 bags of 50-lb concrete per post, depending on post diameter and soil conditions.