Fence Calculator
Calculate fence panels, posts, sections, and rails from total length, panel width, post spacing, and gates. Optional estimated panel cost.
How to use this fence calculator
A fence calculator is a materials takeoff: how many panels, how many posts, and how many rails. Post spacing is usually 6 or 8 ft on center; vinyl kits follow the panel width. Each gate typically needs its own extra post. This is not the installed-price tool — use the Fence Cost Calculator when you want a $/ft budget including labor.
Wood privacy fences often use three rails; ranch rail uses two or three. Corners already sit on the post-spacing math if you measure the actual run. Add a few extra pickets if you are building panels yourself instead of buying pre-made ones.
Formula
Worked example
120 ft of 8 ft panels, 8 ft post spacing, one gate, two rails: 15 panels, 17 posts, 30 rails. At $45/panel, panels alone are $675 (posts, concrete, and gates extra).
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Frequently asked questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Length ÷ spacing, plus one, plus extras at gates and sometimes corners if you measured as one long run around a corner.
How many fence panels for 100 feet?
At 8 ft panels, 13 panels (ceil(100/8)). Confirm the last bay is not a skinny leftover your kit cannot fill.
Does this include concrete for posts?
No. Plan roughly one 50 lb bag per hole in mild climates, more for frost-depth footings.
Wood vs vinyl panel width?
Both are often 6 or 8 ft. Enter the actual kit width.
Where is the cost estimate?
Optional price per panel. For wood/vinyl installed $/ft including gates, open the Fence Cost Calculator.
Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, legal, or professional advice. Last reviewed 2026-08-19.