Fence Calculator

How Fence Calculator Works

The total fence length is divided by your chosen post spacing to get the number of sections, and one extra post is added since a fence with n sections always needs n+1 posts (one at each end plus every point in between).

Who Uses Fence Calculator and Why

• Working out how many posts a new backyard fence line needs before digging post holes.
• Comparing post count between two different spacing options to see which uses fewer materials.
• Planning a fence material order that matches pre-built panel widths.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting that post count is always one more than section count (n sections need n+1 posts) and manually adding an extra post on top of what the calculator already accounts for.
• Using a post spacing that doesn't match your actual pre-built fence panels — if panels come in fixed 8-foot widths, an arbitrary spacing value produces a post count that won't line up with real panel purchases.
• Not accounting for corner or gate posts separately, which sometimes require different spacing or additional bracing than straight-run posts along a fence line.

Tips for Best Results

• Set post spacing to match your specific fence panel or picket system's width exactly, since most pre-built panels are designed for standard spacing (commonly 6 or 8 feet).
• For a fence line with corners, calculate each straight run separately, since the calculator assumes one continuous straight length.

Fixing Common Problems

My post count doesn't match my fence panel count. — Check that your entered spacing matches your actual panel width — using a spacing value that isn't a clean divisor of your total fence length can leave an oddly-sized final section that needs a custom-cut panel.

Terms Explained

Post spacing: The distance between adjacent fence posts, generally matching the width of the fence panels or pickets used.

Section: One span of fence between two adjacent posts.