MiniCalci

Calculators & Converters
Construction & DIY

Fence Calculator

Free fence material calculator for wood privacy fences. Estimate total 4x4 posts, 2x4 rails, pickets, gate posts, and post hole concrete bags for any yard boundary.

How many posts, rails, and pickets for this run?

Posts are spaced on center (often 6 or 8 ft for wood privacy). Rails are usually two or three 2×4s per bay. Pickets cover the linear footage minus gates. Post-hole concrete is bagged by hole size — this page estimates bags so you are not mixing 80-lb sacks by guesswork.

Count posts correctly

A 48-ft run at 8-ft centers is not 6 posts — it is 7 (one at each end). Gates need heavier posts. Check local frost-line depth before you pick hole depth; this calculator is a material list, not an engineering spec.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
With standard 8-foot post spacing, 100 feet of fence has 13 sections (100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 → 13 sections). That requires **14 posts** (sections + 1 end post). If adding 1 gate, add 1 additional post for a total of **15 posts**.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
Plan for **two 50-lb or 60-lb bags of fast-setting concrete per 4×4 post hole** (assuming a 10-inch diameter hole dug 24 to 36 inches deep). For heavy gate hinge posts or terminal corner posts, use 3 bags.
How many 1x6 pickets do I need for a 100-foot privacy fence?
A standard 1×6 picket is 5.5 inches wide. 100 linear feet equals 1,200 inches. 1,200 ÷ 5.5 = 218 pickets. Adding a 5% waste and split board allowance gives **230 pickets**.
Should a 6-foot privacy fence have 2 or 3 horizontal rails?
A 6-foot privacy fence should always have **3 horizontal 2×4 rails** (top, middle, and bottom). Using only 2 rails on a 6-foot fence will cause the pickets to warp, cup, and twist in sun and rain.

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About these results: Figures are for planning only. Confirm anything you will buy, bill, or submit (materials, payroll, medical screening) against the label, a quote, or a professional.