Fence Calculator

Number and height of posts needed:

Fence Length

 

Post Space

 

Fence Length

 

Number of pickets needed:

Picket width

 

Picket Spacing

 

Number of rails needed:

Rails per Section

 

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+

Concrete for post footing:

Post Width

 

Post Thickness

 

Planning to start a fence project but don't know how much material to buy? Don freet! The fence calculator can help a lot in this regard. Simply, enter your fence length, number of rails, and picket dimensions and determine how much materials (fence posts, rails, pickets) you will need to buy to build a fence along with the estimated cost of pressure-treated wood, cedar, and redwood.

Why Do I Need a Fence For My House?

The common reason is to provide security. Whether it's a wooden fence or chainlink fence serves as a buried between you and the outside World. There are many reasons for installing a fence, including:

  • Decoration
  • Protection
  • Privacy
  • Decoration
  • Tradition
  • Noise Isolation

How Do I Calculate How Much Fencing I Need?

Calculate the number of panels by dividing the perimeter by the size of the panels which usually come in six to eight feet. Here are the steps: 

Measure Your Property Lines:

Determining the boundaries of your property is the first step towards answering the question of how much fencing I need. Before starting the fencing project, it's necessary to be aware of the limits of your property. 

Mark Corner Points:

Use a measuring tape to locate the exact corner points of your property and mark them clearly by setting flags, or stakes. When you start measuring the area of your property will serve as a reference marker when installing the fence. 

Measure Each Side:

Use a measuring tape to measure the length from one point to the other so that you can have an accurate measurement of each side of your yard. 

Consider Obstacles:

Write down any obstacles that are present in your yard such as trees, bushes, hills, or structures that can impact the layout of the fence. This information will help you to adjust the measurements while installing the fence. 

Account for Gates:

If you want to install gates after installing the fence, then don't forget to include the dimensions for opening the gates. This way, you can ensure a perfect opening and fitting of your fence.  

Calculating Fence Posts, Rails, and Pickets

Determining how many fence posts, rails, and pickets you need requires doing some math. So let's start:

Fence Posts:

Number of Posts = (Fence Length / Post Spacing) + 1 (Round The Result Up)

Number of Sections = Number of Posts – 1

Post Length = Fence Height * 1.5

Number of Rails:


Number of Rails = Number of Rails Per Section * Number of Sections

Number of The Pickets:

Number of Pickets = Fence Length in Inches / (Picket Width + Picket Spacing) (Round The Result Up)

Dealing With Slopes And Obstructions:

If you are working on uneven ground then it's necessary to make alterations according to the degree of gradient and any object lying in your way. If it's sharp then you may have to add set up extra posts or use other types of fence. Whenever obstacles or trees are available you must make changes in the fencing line. 

Calculate Concrete Volume:

Volume of Concrete = (Hole Volume – Post Volume) * Number of Posts

Cuboid post:

Cuboid Volume = Post Width *  Post Thickness * Post Depth
Cuboid Hole Volume = (3 * Post Width) * (3 * Post Thickness) * Post Depth in Inches

Cylindrical post:

Cylindrical Hole Volume = (3 * Post Radius)² * Post Depth in Inches * π
Cylindrical Post Volume = Post Radius² * Height of The Buried Part of Post * π

Multiply the number of posts by the concrete volume above to get the total concrete volume.

The above-written formulas are integrated into our fence calculator to deliver accurate estimates of the materials needed for your fence project. So that you can buy the precise quantity required for your fencing needs.

Example:

Suppose your goal is to build a 1,000-foot fence with 6 feet between each post, standing at a height of 8 feet. You aim for each fence section to consist of 4 rails, constructed with 5-inch-wide pickets spaced 1 inch apart. The cuboid posts are 5 inches wide and 4 inches thick. Now how many fence posts do I need?, how many fence boards do I need? And how much concrete volume is required for the fence project?

Solution:

Number of Fence Posts:

Fence length: 1,000 feet
Distance between each post: 6 feet
\( \text {Calculate the number of posts: Number of Posts} = \frac{\text{Fence Length}}{\text{Distance Between Posts}} + 1 \)
\( \text{Number of Sections} = \frac{1,000}{6} = 166.67 = 167 \text{ posts} \)
 \( \text{Number of Posts}  = 167 +1 = 168 \text{ posts} \)

Number of Fence Boards (Pickets):

Each section has 4 rails
The pickets are 5 inches wide with 1 inch of spacing
\( \text{Picket Length} = \text{Fence Height} \times (\text{1.5} \)
\(\text {Number of Pickets Needed} = \dfrac{\text{Fence Length}}{\text{Picket Width + Picked Spacing}} \)
\( \text{Number of Pickets} = \dfrac{12,000}{5+1} = 2,000 \text{ pickets} \)
\(\text {Cuboid Volume} =\ 8 \times (\text {Post Width *  Post Thickness * Post Depth})\)
\(\text {Cuboid Volume} =\ 8 \times (\text {5 inches *  4 inches * Post Depth})\)

Concrete Volume for Posts:

\(\text{ Post Shape = Cuboid}\)
\(\text{ Post Width = 5 inches}\)
\(\text{ Post Thickness = 4 inches}\)

\( \text{Post Length} = \text{Fence Height}\times \ 1.5 \)
\( \text{Post Length} = \ 8 \times \ 1.5=\ 12\ ft = 144\ inches \)
\( \text{Post Depth} = \dfrac{\text{Post Length}}{3}=\dfrac{144}{3} = 48\ inches \)

\( \text{Cuncrete Volume = 8* Post Width *  Post Thickness * Post Depth}\)
\( \text{Concrete Volume = 8* 5 inches *  4 inches * 48 inches = 7680 cubic inches}\)

Total Concrete Volume:

\( \text{Concrete Volume = Concrete Volume} * \text {Total Number of Posts}\)

\( \text{Concrete Volume} = 7680 * 168 =\ 1,290,240\ \text{cubic inches}= 746.67\ \text{cubic feet}\)

Streamline and simplify these fence calculations, facilitated by fence calculator which is specifically tailored for the estimation of fence projects. Use this online fence estimator to enhance precision and ease in planning your fence projects.

Types of Lumber Needed For a Wood Privacy Fence:

The required lumber for a wooden privacy fence depends on its type and style. Various wood fence styles and their measurement are as follows for precise estimations:

Solid Board Privacy Fence Material:

This fence style is very often used, because it helps to control the noise. Consider the following values for estimating the fence:

  • Rails per Section =3 or more
  • Picket Spacing = 0
  • Picket Width = 5.5”

Shadowbox Fence Material:

This is a privacy fence that provides a good look on both sides. Use the following values for the precise estimation:

  • Length = fence length
  • Picket Spacing = -1”
  • Rails per Section = 3 or more
  • Picket Width = 5.5”

Stockade Fence Material:

It is commonly used as garden fencing. Use the following parameters for the estimation of the fence:

  • Length = fence length
  • Rails per Section = 2 or 3
  • Picket Spacing = 0
  • Picket Width = 2.5”

Picket Fence Material:

This type of fence is used for domestic boundaries. Consider the following values while estimating the fence:

  • Length = fence length
  • Rails per Section = 2 or 3
  • Picket Spacing = 3.5”
  • Picket Width = 3.5”

Rail Fence Material:

It is used for boundaries or livestock. Use the following values for the estimation of the fence:

  • Length = fence length
  • Picket Spacing (inches) = 0
  • Rails per Section = 3
  • Picket Width (inches) = 0

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Is A Good Distance Between Fence Posts?

The standard space that is commonly used is 8 to 25 feet apart. It depends upon the type of fence that you are going to install. For instance, A standard wood fence requires posts 8 feet apart, whereas a high-tensile wire will require 25 feet.

How Long Should Fence Posts Be?

The general of thumb is to use a post size of 4x4 inches (100x100mm) for a 6ft (1.83m). It means the post should be two feet (0.6m) longer than your fence height. For instance, if your fence is 6 feet high, then your fence posts must be 8 feet longer. 

How Do I Measure My Yard For A Fence?

  • You need to calculate the length of the fence perimeter
  • Note down any slopes or hills
  • Decide whether the fence will be attached or free-standing
  • Now divide the total linear feet by the size of the panels that you are going to install, usually panels of 6 to 8 feet are used
  • Add one post for every panel of your fence, and add an extra one at the end of the fence