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Wood Fence Calculator
Planning a privacy fence? Enter the total length — get posts, pickets, rails and concrete in one go.
Fence measurements
Picket width 5.5″ (standard 1×6). 10% extra pickets included. 1 bag (80 lb) concrete per post hole.
How to calculate fence materials by hand
- Posts = (fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1, round up. Add extras for gates and corners.
- Pickets = (fence length × 12) ÷ 5.5, plus 10% waste.
- Rails = sections × rails per section. One 8 ft rail per section per row.
- Concrete = roughly one 80 lb bag per post hole.
Example: 100 ft fence, 8 ft spacing → 14 posts, ~240 pickets, 26 rails, 14 bags of concrete.
Fence FAQs
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 feet is standard — it matches 8 ft rail lumber so there's almost no waste. Drop to 6 ft spacing in high-wind areas.
How deep should fence posts be?
At least 2 feet, or one-third of the above-ground height. For a 6 ft fence, buy 8–9 ft posts and set them 2–3 ft deep in concrete.
How many gates should I plan for?
At least one 4 ft walk gate. Add a wider double gate (8–10 ft) if you need mower or trailer access to the backyard.
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Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Space posts 6 to 8 feet apart. Six-foot spacing gives the strongest fence; 8-foot spacing works for lighter picket fences.
How deep should fence post holes be?
Dig holes one-third as deep as the post is tall, with a minimum of 2 feet. Deeper holes with concrete keep posts stable in wind.
How much concrete does each fence post need?
Most posts need one to two 50 lb bags of concrete mix per hole, depending on hole diameter and depth.
How much space should I leave between pickets?
For a privacy fence, butt pickets tight together. For a spaced picket fence, a 2 to 3 inch gap is typical.