Fence Calculator (Panels & Posts)

How to measure your fence line

1. Walk the fence line and measure each straight segment (run) separately.
2. Mark every corner, end, and gate opening on a simple sketch.
3. If the line changes direction slightly, break it into smaller straight runs for a tighter estimate.
4. Confirm your fence style: panels (fixed width) vs pickets (you choose spacing).
5. Confirm local requirements for post depth (frost line) and whether concrete is used for all posts or only gate/end posts (practice varies).
6. For panel fences: confirm actual panel width and the space/bracket allowance between posts. "8 ft panels" can install slightly under 8 ft depending on hardware and layout.
7. For picket fences: confirm picket width, gap, and how you handle slopes (stepped pickets often change count).
8. For gates: measure the clear opening you need, then add room for hinges/latches and confirm the swing path (a gate can change post spacing on both sides).

Assumptions to double-check

• This is a planning estimate; corners, ends, and gates can increase post count and hardware.
• Panel systems vs picket systems differ—confirm how your fence is sold and installed.
• Slope handling (stepped vs racked) changes waste and sometimes section counts.
• Gate posts often need different hardware, spacing, and reinforcement than line posts.
• Post spacing may be fixed by panels (e.g., 6 ft or 8 ft) or chosen for pickets/rails—do not mix these assumptions.
• Gate openings usually need two posts, and the hinge side may need a larger post or additional bracing (project dependent).
• If you are setting posts in concrete, hole diameter and depth change concrete volume more than most people expect; estimate post hole concrete separately for a reliable materials list.

Buying tips

• For panels: confirm actual panel width and plan post spacing to match (account for brackets/clearance).
• For pickets: confirm picket width and gap (or overlap) before you estimate picket count.
• Plan extra posts and concrete for corners, ends, and especially gates (they see higher loads).
• Budget hardware separately: hinges, latches, brackets, screws, and post caps add up.
• If matching stain/color later matters, buy a little extra now (repairs are common with fences).
• If you are mixing materials (wood panels + metal posts, or different post sizes for gates), keep the list separated so you don’t accidentally buy the wrong hardware.
• If posts are set in concrete, confirm bag yield for your product and plan a buffer. Running short mid-set is one of the fastest ways to ruin alignment and schedule.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Counting posts as length / spacing without adding corners, ends, and gates.
• Using panel math for a picket fence (or vice versa).
• Ignoring slope and terrain changes that require stepping/racking and extra cuts.
• Forgetting concrete and hardware (they're often separate cost drivers).
• Placing gates late and then discovering spacing conflicts or the need for heavier posts.
• Not checking gate swing clearance (driveways, steps, and grade changes can block a gate even when the opening width is correct).
• Building to the last inch with no buffer for trimming, out-of-square corners, or the reality that posts are rarely placed perfectly on the first try.