Privacy Fence Calculator
Plan your privacy fence project with accurate material estimates. Enter fence dimensions, picket style, and post spacing to get the exact number of posts, boards, rails, and concrete bags needed.
Standard privacy fence height is 6 ft
Standard spacing is 8 ft on center
Standard picket fence board width
0 inches for board-on-board or no gap
Optional: For total cost estimation
Boards = (Length × 12) ÷ (Board Width + Gap)
Board-on-Board: Boards = (Length × 12) ÷ (Board Width ÷ 2)
Rails = Sections × 2
Post Depth = Height > 6ft ? 36 in : 30 in
Concrete (50-lb bags per post):
3×3 posts: 0.67 bags | 4×4 posts: 0.83 bags | 6×6 posts: 1.5 bags
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide your fence length by the post spacing, then add 1. For a 150-ft fence with 8-ft spacing: 150 ÷ 8 = 18.75, rounded down = 18 sections, so you need 19 posts. If you have a gate, subtract the gate width before calculating. Add 2 extra posts for each gate opening.
How deep should fence posts be?
The general rule is that 1/3 of the post length should be buried. For a 6-ft fence (72 inches): bury 24-30 inches deep. For 8-ft fences: bury 30-36 inches deep. The hole should be 3× the post diameter wide. Use gravel at the bottom for drainage and concrete for stability.
How many pickets do I need for a privacy fence?
For 5.5-inch pickets with 0.5-inch gaps: each picket covers 6 inches of fence. For 150 ft = 1800 inches ÷ 6 = 300 pickets. For board-on-board privacy fences, double the number since boards overlap. Always add 5-10% for waste and cutting errors.
What is the best wood for a privacy fence?
Pressure-treated pine is the most popular choice for its affordability and rot resistance. Cedar is premium — naturally rot-resistant, insect-repellent, and ages to a beautiful gray. Redwood is the most expensive but offers the best durability. For low maintenance, consider vinyl or composite fence panels.
🔗 Related Calculators
📐 Formula
Boards = (Length × 12) ÷ (Board Width + Gap)
Board-on-Board: Boards = (Length × 12) ÷ (Board Width ÷ 2)
Rails = Sections × 2
Post Depth = Height > 6ft ? 36 in : 30 in
Concrete (50-lb bags per post):
3×3 posts: 0.67 bags | 4×4 posts: 0.83 bags | 6×6 posts: 1.5 bags