Fence calculator: how many posts, rails and pickets?
Enter the fence length, extra posts for corners and gates, and the post spacing. The calculator works out sections, posts, rails, pickets (or panels) and concrete bags for the posts.
Price this job as an estimate in Quotesprig (free)
Common sizes, worked out
8 ft post spacing, 2 rails per section, 5.5 in pickets with no gap, 2 concrete bags per post, 2 extra posts. Every number below comes from the same calculator code as the tool above.
| Job | Sections | Posts | Rails | Pickets | Post concrete | Labour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft fence | 7 sections | 10 posts | 14 rails | 110 pickets | 20 bags | 10.5 hr |
| 100 ft fence | 13 sections | 16 posts | 26 rails | 219 pickets | 32 bags | 19.5 hr |
| 150 ft fence | 19 sections | 22 posts | 38 rails | 328 pickets | 44 bags | 28.5 hr |
| 200 ft fence | 25 sections | 28 posts | 50 rails | 437 pickets | 56 bags | 37.5 hr |
| 300 ft fence | 38 sections | 41 posts | 76 rails | 655 pickets | 82 bags | 57 hr |
Assumptions you can change
Starting values: post spacing 8 ft, rails per section 2, picket width 5.5 in, gap between pickets 0 in, concrete bags per post 2 bags, hours per section 1.5 hr. They are typical starting points, not rules: use the numbers on your product labels and your own production rate.
FAQ
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
For a 100 ft fence (8 ft post spacing, 2 rails per section, 5.5 in pickets with no gap, 2 concrete bags per post, 2 extra posts): sections 13 sections; posts 16 posts; rails 26 rails; pickets 219 pickets; post concrete 32 bags. Change any input above for your own job.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Eight feet is a common spacing for wood fences, and the calculator starts there; panel fences follow the panel width. Change the spacing in the assumptions.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
It depends on hole size and post depth. The calculator starts at 2 bags per post as an editable assumption; check the bag yield and your local frost depth.
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