Fence Calculator
Estimate materials for one straight fence line with optional internal gates. Review each solid run so gate openings and whole sections are counted separately.
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How to Use the Fence Calculator
Enter total line length including gate openings, height, maximum post spacing or panel width, and construction type. Enter equal-width internal gates if present. Blank run lengths assume equal solid runs between gates; for a real layout, enter the measured runs in order, separated by commas. Add waste and any unit prices. For rails and pickets, set rails per section, actual picket width and gap.
Formula and Explanation
Net solid length = total length − gate quantity × gate width Sections in each solid run = ceil(run length / maximum spacing) Posts = Σ(sections in each run + 1) Rails = sections × rails per section Pickets per section = ceil((section length × 12 + gap) / (picket width + gap)) Purchase panels / rails / pickets = ceil(base quantity × (1 + waste / 100))
All gates are internal, separated by positive solid runs. There are two terminal posts and two distinct posts per gate; line posts fill the remaining section boundaries. Posts are never shared across a gate or between disconnected runs. Each run is divided into equal sections no longer than the chosen spacing. Fence height identifies the panel/picket size to source; it does not determine structural spacing or rail count. Waste increases panels, rails and pickets only; posts and gates retain their layout count.
One straight line only: no corners, shared existing posts, end-position gates or adjacent gates without a solid run. Gate widths are equal in this interface. Real terrain, panel trimming, slopes, post depth, foundations, fasteners, gate hardware and local construction requirements are not included. Rails are counted as one stock rail per section at each rail level; picket counts round each section independently. Confirm stock lengths and layout. This is a materials estimate, not structural engineering advice.
Worked Example
A 100 ft line with one internal 4 ft gate leaves 96 ft of fence. Assuming 48 ft on each side and 8 ft sections gives 6 + 6 = 12 sections and 7 + 7 = 14 posts: 2 terminal, 2 gate and 10 line posts. With 10% waste, buy 14 panels. At $25 per post, $60 per panel and $150 per gate, the priced-material subtotal is $1,340. If actual solid runs are 9 ft and 87 ft, the same line instead needs 13 sections and 15 posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does gate placement affect posts and sections?
Each internal gate splits the solid fence into another run. Every run rounds its sections independently and needs posts at both ends. Use actual solid-run lengths when placement is known instead of relying on the equal-run assumption.
Are corner posts included?
No corners are modeled. The straight-line estimate includes two terminal posts, two gate posts per internal gate and the remaining line posts. A fence that turns or joins other fences needs a separate post plan.
Does waste increase posts or gates?
No. Waste applies to panel, rail and picket purchase quantities. Posts and gates follow the entered layout. Buy any spare posts or hardware separately if your project needs them.
How does height affect the estimate?
Height specifies the size of panels or pickets to buy, not the number of sections or a safe structural design. Choose rails per section and spacing from your product and project requirements; unit prices must match that height.
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