Free estimate — verify against local code before building
Fence Calculator
See the net fence run, every allowance, and each whole item behind the shopping list.
What this calculator includes
Build a wood-fence shopping estimate from the full run, gate openings, approved post spacing, stock sizes, picket layout, post holes, product yield, waste and current prices. The result keeps net fence geometry, allowances and whole-package rounding separate. It does not determine safe post spacing, embedment, gate support, wind resistance, setbacks or code compliance.
How to use this fence calculator
- 01
Measure the complete route and openings
Add every straight fence leg, then count gates and enter their actual rough-opening widths. Confirm the property line, easements, setbacks and gate locations before ordering.
- 02
Enter the approved fence layout
Use the post spacing, exposed height, embedment, rails and hole dimensions from the selected system, local requirements or a qualified design. These values are quantity inputs, not recommendations.
- 03
Match stock and package labels
Enter rail length, picket face and gap, concrete yield, fasteners per package and current unit prices from the exact products you plan to buy.
- 04
Review the breakdown before purchase
Check the net run after gates, layout quantities, waste, concrete displacement and every whole-item rounding step. Add gate framing, delivery, tax, tools and site-specific work not included here.
Calculation sources and review
Primary references and formula assumptions are linked so you can verify them against the selected product, supplier, and adopted local requirements.
Internal formula review completed July 13, 2026. What this review covers
- 811 - Call Before You Dig (opens in a new tab)
Official state one-call routing and safe-digging information for utility-location requests before excavation.
- American Wood Protection Association - Information for Homeowners (opens in a new tab)
Treated-wood use categories, product end tags and ground-contact exposure guidance.
- American Wood Council - 2024 National Design Specification (opens in a new tab)
Code-recognized wood-member and connection design reference; a qualified design is outside this quantity calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How does the calculator count fence posts?
It divides the net picketed run by your entered maximum section length, rounds up to sections, then adds one boundary post and one additional boundary for each grouped gate opening. Corners, elevation changes and independently placed gate assemblies may need additional posts.
How many pickets should I buy?
The exact layout count is net run in inches divided by picket face plus gap, rounded up. The calculator then applies your editable waste percentage and rounds again to whole pickets.
How is concrete calculated?
Each post hole is modeled as a cylinder. The entered square-post displacement is subtracted through the embedment depth, then the concrete waste allowance is applied and the result is rounded to whole bags using the yield you enter from the product label.
Does this calculator tell me how deep or far apart posts should be?
No. Soil, frost, wind, fence height and porosity, terrain, gate loads, material system and local requirements all matter. Enter dimensions from your approved plan or selected system instructions.
What should I do before digging fence holes?
Contact 811 and follow your state one-call process, verify property boundaries and easements, and check local permit, height, setback, sight-line and pool-barrier rules before excavation.