Fence Calculator
Pricing a fence means counting pickets by the hundred. This fence calculator estimates individual pickets for board-on-board privacy and spaced picket styles, or 8-ft panels for the pre-built route. It also counts line and gate posts, rail lumber, and the concrete bags needed to set every post — just enter your total linear footage and gate count for a complete shopping list.
Total linear feet, including gates.
Panel style counts panels instead of pickets.
Actual width — “1×6” pickets are 5.5″.
Horizontal rails each section needs.
8 ft is standard for wood fences.
Each gate needs its own posts and hardware.
Pickets needed
274
- Fence posts
- 15
- Rail lumber
- 240ft
- Concrete (50-lb bags)≈0.375 ft³ per bag (rule of thumb)
- 15
- GatesAllow one hinge + latch hardware kit per gate
- 1
How it was calculated
- Pickets = ⌈(100 × 12) ÷ 5.5⌉ × 1.25 = 219 × 1.25 → 274 (rounded up)
- The ×1.25 factor is an overlap allowance for board-on-board privacy (rule of thumb).
- Posts = ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 + 1 (gates) = 15
- Rail lumber = 15 × 2 × 8 ft = 240 linear ft
- Concrete = 15 posts × 1 bag = 15 fifty-pound bags (rule of thumb)
- Allow one hinge + latch hardware kit per gate (not counted above).
How it works
Pickets: fence length in inches ÷ picket width, rounded up. Board-on-board privacy gets a ×1.25 overlap allowance (rule of thumb); spaced pickets use ×1.0 because the gaps are intentional. The panel style skips pickets entirely: panels = ⌈length ÷ 8⌉.
Posts: ⌈length ÷ post spacing⌉ + 1 + gates — one post per section, plus the end post, plus one extra post per gate.
Rails: posts × rails per section × 8 ft of rail lumber (one 8-ft rail run per post position). Concrete: 1 fifty-pound bag per post, about 0.375 ft³ each (rule of thumb).
Worked examples
100-ft privacy fence, board-on-board, 5.5″ pickets
Pickets: ⌈1200 ÷ 5.5⌉ = 219 single-layer, × 1.25 overlap = 273.75 → 274. Posts: ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 + 1 gate = 15. Rails: 15 × 2 × 8 = 240 linear ft. Concrete: 15 fifty-pound bags.
64-ft run with pre-built 8-ft panels, one gate
Panels: ⌈64 ÷ 8⌉ = 8. Posts: ⌈64 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 + 1 = 10. Rails: 10 × 2 × 8 = 160 linear ft (panels still need rails or mount to posts per the panel design). Concrete: 10 bags — plus a hinge and latch kit for the gate.
How to measure
- Walk the fence line with a tape or measuring wheel and record the total linear feet, including gates.
- Mark gate locations first — each gate needs its own posts and hardware.
- Measure picket width at the store; “1×6” pickets are actually 5.5 inches wide.
- Check for slope: stepped fences need slightly longer pickets on the downhill runs.
- Call 811 (US) before you dig — post holes and buried utilities do not mix.
Assumptions & limitations
Planning estimate
- Board-on-board overlap at ×1.25 and one 50-lb concrete bag per post (≈0.375 ft³) are rules of thumb; rocky or sandy soil changes concrete needs.
- Rail math assumes 8-ft sections between posts; wider post spacing needs longer rails.
- Gate frames, hinges, and latches are not counted — allow one hardware kit per gate.
- This is a planning estimate only — not a substitute for code compliance or professional design. Check local fence height limits, setback rules, and HOA requirements before building.
Frequently asked questions
With standard 5.5″ pickets: ⌈1200 ÷ 5.5⌉ = 219 pickets for a single layer. Board-on-board privacy needs about 25% more for the overlap — roughly 274. Spaced picket styles use the base 219. Enter your exact length above.
Divide the fence length by the post spacing, round up, add 1 for the end post, and add 1 per gate. A 100-ft fence with 8-ft spacing and one gate needs ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 + 1 = 15 posts. Corner and gate posts should be set deeper with more concrete.
One 50-lb bag (about 0.375 ft³) per post is the standard rule of thumb for a typical 8–10″ hole. Corner, gate, and end posts take more — use two bags there. In loose or sandy soil, dig a bigger hole rather than skimping on concrete.
Eight feet on center is the standard for wood privacy fences — it matches 8-ft rails and pre-built panels with no cutting. In high-wind areas, 6-ft spacing makes a sturdier fence. Spacing wider than 8 ft lets the rails sag.
Concrete is the default for gate, corner, and end posts, which take the most stress. For line posts in well-drained soil, tamped gravel or packed soil works fine and makes future post replacement easier. Either way, keep the post base below the frost line.