Fence Material Calculator
Get a complete bill of materials for your fence project. Enter length, height, picket size and spacing, post spacing, and rail count for a detailed material list with quantities.
Total linear footage of fence
Actual width of each picket board
Standard 3/8" (0.375") for privacy fences
How do I calculate how many fence pickets, posts, and rails I need?
Posts: (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1. Example: 150 ft ÷ 8 ft spacing = 18.75 → 19 posts, plus 1 = 20 posts. Pickets: (Fence Length × 12) ÷ (Picket Width + Picket Gap). Example: 1,800" ÷ 5.875" = 306 pickets + 10% waste = 337. Rails: Posts × Rails per Section. Example: 20 posts × 3 rails = 60 rails (typically 8-12 ft each). Add 2 extra posts for each gate and corner.
What is the best spacing between fence posts?
Standard post spacing is 8 feet on center for most residential wood fences. Six-foot spacing is recommended for: high wind areas, fences over 6 ft tall, heavy privacy fences, and composite fences. Ten-foot spacing works for chain link and light decorative fences but is too wide for wood privacy fences—boards may sag between posts. Closer spacing costs more in posts but allows using lighter rails and reduces picket warping over time.
How much does fence material cost per linear foot?
Material cost per linear foot varies by type: Wood privacy fence (pine): $8-15/ft including posts, pickets, rails, and hardware. Cedar fence: $12-20/ft. Pressure-treated: $10-18/ft. Chain link: $5-10/ft (less material, more hardware). Add 15-20% for gates, corner bracing, and concrete. For a 150 ft wood privacy fence, budget $1,500-2,700 for materials alone, plus $500-800 for concrete, hardware, and gate materials.
How do I account for gates in my fence material calculation?
Each walk-through gate (3-4 ft wide) requires: 2 heavy-duty gate posts (use 6×6 instead of 4×4), gate frame lumber, diagonal cross bracing, hinges (2-3 heavy-duty), latch and handle, and drop rod to hold gate open. Subtract the gate width from your total picket calculation. Double-gate driveways need 10-16 ft openings with larger posts set deeper. Plan gate locations before buying materials—gates affect post spacing and concrete needs.