Calculate how many posts, rails, and pickets you need for your fence. Works for wood, vinyl, and chain link styles.
Posts: Posts = (Fence length / Post spacing) + 1. Add 1 extra post per gate and 1 for each corner.
Rails: Rails = Number of sections x Rails per section. Each section spans between two posts. Use 2 rails for fences under 5 ft, 3 rails for 5-8 ft fences.
Pickets: Pickets = Fence length / (Picket width + Gap). Standard pickets are 3.5 in (1x4 nominal) or 5.5 in (1x6). For privacy fences, use no gap.
Post length: Posts should be set 1/3 of their total length in the ground, or at least 2 ft deep. For a 6 ft fence, use 8 ft posts (6 ft above + 2 ft below ground).
4 ft fence: Posts should be 6 ft long (2 ft in ground). Set in concrete for best stability.
6 ft fence: Posts should be 8 ft long (2 ft in ground, or 2.5 ft for wind exposure).
8 ft fence: Posts should be 10-12 ft long (2.5-3 ft in ground). May require permits.
Concrete per post hole: A standard 10 in diameter x 24 in deep post hole requires about 1 bag (50 lb) of fast-setting concrete.
The materials for your fence depend on the total length, fence height, post spacing, and style. For a typical 150-foot privacy fence (6 ft tall, 8 ft post spacing), you need approximately 20 posts, 57 rails, and 327 pickets (1x6, no gap). That same fence with 6-foot post spacing requires 26 posts and 75 rails -- more materials but a stronger fence that resists wind better.
To determine your fence length, measure the perimeter of the area you want to fence. For a backyard, this is typically three sides (the house forms the fourth side). A common 50x80 foot backyard with a house spanning the 50-foot side needs about 210 linear feet of fencing (80 + 80 + 50). Subtract 3-4 feet for each gate opening.
Always confirm property boundaries before installing a fence. A survey costs $300-$800 but prevents the costly mistake of building on a neighbor's property. Most jurisdictions require fences to be set 2-6 inches inside the property line.
Let us calculate materials for a 200-foot wood privacy fence, 6 ft tall, 8 ft post spacing, with 2 gates.
Step 1: Subtract gate openings.
2 gates x 3.5 ft each = 7 ftFence length for materials = 200 - 7 = 193 ft
Step 2: Calculate posts.193 / 8 = 24.1 sections -- round up to 25 sections
Posts = 25 + 1 (end post) + 4 (2 extra per gate) = 30 posts
Step 3: Calculate rails (3 per section).25 sections x 3 = 75 rails
Step 4: Calculate pickets (1x6 privacy, no gap).
Picket width = 5.5 inches193 ft x 12 in / 5.5 in = 421 pickets
Step 5: Calculate concrete for post holes.
30 posts x 1 bag (50 lb quick-set) = 30 bags of concrete
Wood privacy fence: The most popular residential fence. Typically 6 ft tall with 1x6 pickets and no gaps. Use 4x4 pressure-treated posts (8 ft long for a 6 ft fence -- 2 ft buried). Rails are 2x4 lumber cut to match post spacing. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant but cost more. Pressure-treated pine is the most affordable option.
Pre-built panels vs. board-by-board: Pre-built 6x8 or 6x6 panels are faster to install and ensure consistent appearance. Board-by-board (picket) construction offers more flexibility on slopes and uneven terrain because each board can be individually adjusted. Panels cannot be racked (angled) on slopes greater than about 2 inches per panel.
Vinyl (PVC) fencing: Maintenance-free, never needs painting or staining. Costs 30-50% more than wood but lasts 20-30 years without rotting. Sold in pre-assembled panels (typically 6x8 ft). Limited color options compared to paintable wood.
Chain link: Most affordable option. Sold in rolls of 50 feet. Requires posts every 10 feet, top rail, tension wire, and hardware. 4-foot residential chain link is the standard for property boundaries. Privacy slats or fabric can be added.
Post spacing: 6-foot spacing creates the strongest fence and is recommended for areas with high winds. 8-foot spacing is standard and uses fewer posts. Never exceed 8 feet between posts for wood fences -- rails will sag.
Wood privacy fence (6 ft): $15-$30 per linear foot for materials. $25-$50 per linear foot installed. A 200-ft fence: $3,000-$6,000 materials, $5,000-$10,000 installed.
Cedar fence (6 ft): $20-$40 per linear foot for materials. $35-$60 per linear foot installed.
Vinyl fence (6 ft): $25-$50 per linear foot materials. $35-$65 per linear foot installed.
Chain link (4 ft): $8-$15 per linear foot materials. $15-$25 per linear foot installed.
Gates: $100-$250 each for a basic 3.5-ft walk gate. $300-$600 for a double drive gate (10-12 ft opening).
Post hole concrete: $5-$8 per bag. About $5-$8 per post for quick-setting concrete.
Prices are approximate US averages for 2026 and vary by region and material quality.
| Project | Length | Posts (8 ft) | Pickets (1x6) | Est. Cost (materials) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Side yard | 60 ft | 9 | 131 | $900-$1,800 |
| Small backyard (3 sides) | 120 ft | 17 | 262 | $1,800-$3,600 |
| Average backyard | 200 ft | 27 | 436 | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Full perimeter (1/4 acre) | 420 ft | 54 | 916 | $6,300-$12,600 |
| Dog run | 80 ft (4 sides) | 12 | 175 | $1,200-$2,400 |
Call 811 before you dig. It is free, required by law, and marks underground utility lines. Hitting a gas, water, or electrical line can be dangerous and expensive. Call at least 3 business days before your planned start date.
Set posts in concrete, not just dirt. Concrete-set posts resist wind, leaning, and frost heave far better than posts simply backfilled with dirt or gravel. Use quick-setting concrete and set posts plumb in both directions.
Point the "good side" toward your neighbor. Many local ordinances require this. The side with exposed rails faces your yard; the flat picket side faces out. This is also good etiquette.
Install fence boards 2 inches above grade. Wood touching the ground rots quickly, even pressure-treated wood. A 2-inch gap at the bottom extends fence life by years. If you need to block animals, add a gravel board or buried wire mesh.
Check your local codes and HOA rules before building. Fence height limits (usually 6 ft for backyards, 4 ft for front yards), setback requirements, style restrictions, and permit requirements vary widely. Building a non-compliant fence can result in forced removal.
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The calculator uses standard mathematical formulas for fence - posts, rails & pickets needed calculations. The specific formula is explained in the "How to calculate" section above.
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