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Calculators/Fence

Fence Calculator

Plan panels, posts, gates, caps, concrete and a full material cost for straight runs.

Free · No signup · Reviewed August 22, 2026
Step 1
Set your project size

Use the finished area you plan to cover, then refine the assumptions below.

Step 2 · Visual referenceCheck the active area
Residential timber fence installation
Material run40 ft total
8 ft
8 ft
8 ft
8 ft
8 ft

5 panels cover 40 ft; no gate opening is reserved.

Full panels5Gate opening0 ftPanel width8 ft

Why it mattersSee the total run split into panels and reserved gate openings.

Reference image; figures update from your measurements.

You’ll need

5 fence panels
Shopping list
5fence panels
6posts
6post caps
12concrete bags
1 run$715.00 primary material estimate

Project shopping list

Use your result as a starting point, then confirm package coverage, product instructions and local requirements before purchasing.

MaterialFencePackage8 ft panelAllowanceIncluded

How the calculation works

(run length − gate openings) ÷ panel width

Enter each project area, choose the measurement system, then adjust waste and real package coverage. Packaged materials round up so the shopping list never suggests part of a box, sheet or panel.

MEASURE WITH CONFIDENCE

How to use the fence calculator

Enter each straight fence run, manufactured panel width and gate openings. The calculator estimates panels, posts, gates, caps, concrete bags and an editable primary-material total.

Formula and guidance reviewed August 22, 2026. Always confirm the final order with product instructions and project requirements.
STEP BY STEP

What to measure

  1. 01

    Measure each straight run

    Measure along the proposed fence line between end, corner or gate locations. Add direction changes as separate runs.

  2. 02

    Confirm actual panel width

    Use the manufactured panel width, not only the nominal product name. Custom picket layouts require a different board-and-rail takeoff.

  3. 03

    Enter gates before panels

    Gate openings are subtracted from the run before panel quantities are rounded. Each gate also affects the post count.

  4. 04

    Verify post-hole requirements

    Concrete bags per post remain editable because hole diameter, depth, soil, frost line and local requirements vary.

WORKED EXAMPLE

40 ft straight run with 8 ft panels

  • No gate openings
  • 2 concrete bags per post
  • No extra panel allowance
Calculated result

The base shopping list is 5 panels, 6 posts, 6 post caps and 12 concrete bags. With the default editable prices, the primary-material estimate is $715.

Try your own measurements ↑
AVOID COSTLY REWORK

Common mistakes before you buy

  • Locate property lines, setbacks and underground utilities before digging.
  • Corners, slopes and stepped layouts need site-specific post and panel planning.
  • Confirm wind, frost, footing and permit requirements with the relevant local authority.
FROM QUANTITY TO BUDGET

Compare the complete project cost

Your material quantity is only one part of a quote. Preparation, removal, access, finishing and local labour can change the installed total.

Install a fence$1,860–$4,842Budget a US fence by linear foot while accounting for material, gates, terrain, removal and permits.Read cost guide →Install chain-link fencing$1,298–$3,588Budget chain-link fencing by run length, height, wire gauge, coating, mesh, gates, terrain and removal.Read cost guide →
MEASURE BEFORE YOU ORDER

Planning guides for this calculator

Use the live model for feedback, then use these guides to verify the dimensions and material assumptions behind the result.

Measure & estimateHow to Measure a Fence RunLay out fence runs, corners and gates so panel and post counts match the real property rather than a rough perimeter.Read guide →Choose & planFence Post Spacing and Gate PlanningCoordinate panel width, post centres, gate hardware and ground conditions before digging fence holes.Read guide →Compare materialsWood vs Vinyl vs Aluminum FenceCompare common fence materials by privacy, maintenance, terrain, repair, wind exposure and installed system cost.Read guide →Specify & buyFence Panels vs Site-Built BoardsChoose prefabricated panels or site-built rails and boards from slope, bay width, access, repair and appearance.Read guide →Plan a projectHow to Plan a Fence on a SlopeChoose stepped, racked or site-built fence geometry and calculate each sloped run without losing gate or ground clearance.Read guide →Avoid failuresHow to Prevent Leaning Fence Posts and Sagging GatesReduce post movement and gate drop through drainage, footing, bracing, hardware and service-clearance planning.Read guide →Time the workBest Time of Year to Install a FenceSchedule utility locating, excavation, concrete and access around real ground conditions.Read guide →Protect & maintainWood Fence Staining and Cure TimingDecide when new or weathered wood is ready for cleaning, coating and rain exposure.Read guide →Manage the projectFence installation: Budget, Quotes, Safety and CloseoutManage a complete fence installation project from measured quantity and comparable bids through safety checks, maintenance records and final acceptance.Read guide →Worked exampleFence Panels for 100 Ft with a GateEstimate eight-foot fence bays across a 100 ft straight run containing one 4 ft gate opening.Read guide →Worked exampleFence Panels for 150 FtCalculate six-foot panels and straight-run posts for a 150 ft fence with no gates or corners.Read guide →Worked exampleFence Layout on a SlopeUse horizontal run measurements to compare stepped, racked and custom fence layouts before counting panels.Read guide →
TAKE THE PLAN TO THE SITE

Interactive project checklists

Use the pre-order list before material arrives, then save the inspection and maintenance list for closeout and future care.

FENCE · READYFence Installation Readiness ChecklistLock boundary, utilities, runs, gate hardware, posts and slope treatment before digging begins.Open 12-task checklist →FENCE · CAREFence and Gate Maintenance ChecklistInspect posts, rails, panels, hardware and grade before movement becomes a larger repair.Open 12-task checklist →
COMMON QUESTIONS

Fence calculator FAQ

How many fence posts do I need?

A single straight run with no gates usually needs one more post than panels. This calculator adds an end post for each run and additional posts for entered gates.

Does gate width reduce the number of panels?

Yes. Total gate-opening width is subtracted from the fence run before the panel quantity is divided and rounded up.

How much concrete is needed per fence post?

It depends on post size, hole diameter, depth, soil and local frost or wind requirements. Enter the number of bags per post from the approved installation plan or product instructions.

KEEP PLANNING
Decking CalculatorEstimate deck boards from platform size, actual board width, installation gap, stock length and waste.Siding CalculatorEstimate vinyl siding squares for straight exterior walls after door and window deductions.Concrete CalculatorPlan slab volume in cubic yards or cubic metres, plus common bag quantities.

Plan accurately. Build safely.

This calculator is a planning estimate, not engineering or code approval. Follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified professional for structural, electrical, gas or permit-sensitive work.