Fence Calculator

Posts

Posts are placed at each end and at regular intervals along the fence. Each gate adds extra posts (2 per single gate, 3 per double gate).

Post length = fence height + buried depth. For a 6 ft privacy fence with 2 ft burial, use 8 ft posts.

Rails

Rails run horizontally between posts. Most fences use 2 or 3 rails. Rails are typically the same length as the post spacing (commonly 8 ft).

Pickets

Privacy fences use no gap between pickets. Picket-style fences use gaps equal to about half the picket width. Board-on-board fences overlap pickets by about 1 inch on each side.

Concrete

Concrete is used to set fence posts in the ground. A standard 50 lb bag of fast-setting concrete fills about 0.375 cubic feet. A typical post hole (10" diameter, 24" deep) requires about 1–2 bags.

Fence Style Guide

• Privacy: 6 ft tall, pickets placed edge-to-edge with no gaps, 3 rails. Blocks sightlines completely.
• Picket: 3–4 ft tall, pickets spaced 1.75" apart, 2 rails. Classic decorative look.
• Board on Board: 6 ft tall, boards overlap by 1" on alternating sides, 3 rails. Privacy from all angles.
• Split Rail: 3–4 ft tall, no pickets, 2–3 rails only. Rustic boundary marker.

Tips

• Add 10–15% extra materials for waste, cuts, and defects
• Bury at least 1/3 of the total post length underground
• Set corner and gate posts in concrete; line posts can use compacted gravel in well-drained soils
• Check local building codes and property lines before building
• Call 811 (or your local utility locator) before digging post holes

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