Fence Post & Picket Calculator
Calculate posts, rails and pickets needed for your fence project.
Fence Post & Picket Results
Fence Material Calculator
Calculate all materials needed: concrete, hardware, nails and screws.
Material List
Fence Stain & Paint Calculator
Calculate stain or paint needed for your wood fence.
Stain / Paint Results
Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate total fence project costs including materials, labor and extras.
Fence Cost Estimate
Fence Reference Guide
Post depth, spacing standards, material comparisons and sizing charts.
Post Depth & Sizing
| Fence Height | Post Length | Min. Depth | Post Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 ft | 5 ft | 18-24" | 4×4 |
| 4 ft | 6.5 ft | 24-30" | 4×4 |
| 5 ft | 7 ft | 24-30" | 4×4 |
| 6 ft | 8 ft | 24-30" | 4×4 or 6×6 |
| 8 ft | 11 ft | 36-42" | 6×6 |
Material Comparison
| Material | Cost/ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $15-$30 | 15-20 yrs | Stain every 2-3 yrs | Privacy, aesthetics |
| Pine (PT) | $10-$20 | 10-15 yrs | Stain every 1-2 yrs | Budget privacy |
| Chain Link | $10-$25 | 20-30 yrs | Minimal | Security, pets |
| Vinyl | $20-$40 | 20-30 yrs | Wash only | Low maintenance |
| Wrought Iron | $25-$50 | 50+ yrs | Rust treatment | Decorative, security |
| Composite | $25-$45 | 25-30 yrs | Wash only | Premium, eco |
Picket Spacing Guide
| Style | Picket Width | Gap | Pickets/ft | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 5.5" | 0" | 2.2 | No gaps, full privacy |
| Picket | 3.5" | 3.5" | 1.7 | Classic picket look |
| Board-on-Board | 5.5" | -1" | 2.9 | Overlapping, 30% more |
| Shadow Box | 5.5" | 2.5" | 3.0 | Alternating sides |
Fence Calculator Guide
Our fence calculator helps you determine exactly how many fence posts, pickets, rails, and materials you need. Enter your total linear feet of fence, select your fence height and style, and get an instant material list with quantities.
How to Calculate Fence Posts
Divide your total fence length by post spacing (6-8 feet for wood, 8-10 feet for chain link) and add 1. For a 150ft fence with 8ft spacing: 150 ÷ 8 + 1 = 20 posts. Add extra posts for corners and gates. Each gate needs 2 additional posts.
Fence Post Depth Calculator
The general rule: bury 1/3 of the total post length. For a 6ft fence, use 8ft posts and bury 24-30 inches deep. Gate and corner posts should be 6" deeper. Always dig below your local frost line and set posts in concrete for maximum stability.
Fence Cost Estimator
Wood privacy fence costs $15-$35 per linear foot installed. Chain link: $10-$25/ft. Vinyl: $20-$40/ft. A typical 150ft wood privacy fence costs $2,500-$5,000 for materials and labor. DIY saves 40-60% on labor costs.