Fence Calculator: Posts, Pickets and Rails

How to do it

1. 1
   Step 1: Open Fence Calculator: Posts, Pickets and Rails and add your input

   Type your numbers or text, add your file, or pick the options you need. Nothing is uploaded: everything stays in your browser.

2. 2
   Step 2: What Fence Calculator: Posts, Pickets and Rails does

   Count the posts, pickets, rails and concrete bags for a fence run.

3. 3
   Step 3: Read the result and compare

   The result appears at once. Change one value to see how the answer moves, then keep the figure that fits your case.

4. 4
   Step 4: Copy or save it

   Copy the result or download it. For an important decision, confirm it with the official source or an adviser.

About this tool

Enter the fence length, the post spacing, the picket width and gap, the rails per section and the number of gates. The calculator gives the sections, posts, pickets, rails and the bags of concrete for the post holes.

Counting

Sections = fence length ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Posts = sections + 1, plus an extra post for each gate. Pickets = length in inches ÷ (picket width + gap), rounded up. Rails = sections × rails per section.

Concrete

About two 50 lb bags per post for a typical post hole. Set posts below the frost line where the ground freezes.

Tips

Post spacing is usually 6 to 8 feet. Add 5% for cuts. Corner and gate posts need extra bracing.

Worked example

120 feet of fence with 8 foot spacing, 5.5 inch pickets with a 0.5 inch gap, two rails and one gate needs 15 sections, 17 posts, 240 pickets, 30 rails and 34 bags of concrete.

Tips for best results

Check every box before you rely on a result, because one wrong digit changes the whole answer. Use the exact figures from your payslip, bill, certificate or contract, and keep a note of the date you calculated. Rates, thresholds and rules change from time to time, so for tax, fees and legal matters treat the output as an estimate and confirm with the official source named on this page. You can run as many scenarios as you like; nothing is saved or sent, and refreshing the page clears the boxes.