Quick checks
•
Walk the line and mark corners, gates, and slope changes
Free Fence Calculator
Estimate posts, rails, pickets, panels, concrete, and cost for wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link fences.
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Fencing Calculator
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Set units once. Reopen recent results anytime.
Scenario presets
Pick the fence layout
Use a privacy, picket, chain-link, or vinyl preset.
Quick checks
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Set spacing and post depth before panel math
Quick checks
•
Turn linear feet into a real dig-and-install sequence
Fence workflow
Lay out the fence before you buy posts and panels
Line, posts, gates, and concrete all need to work together before you dig.
1
Walk the line and mark every change
Corners, slope breaks, gates, and property-line constraints change post count faster than the straight-run footage suggests.
2
Decide post spacing and embedment first
The material list depends on spacing, but the spacing depends on fence type, wind exposure, and frost depth.
3
Translate line footage into a gate-ready order
Count terminal posts, hinges, latch hardware, and concrete bags before assuming panels alone represent the full job.
Fast planning rules
Start with the fence rules that change the layout
Check post count, spacing, and post depth before you buy.
Posts for 100 ft of fence
At 8-foot spacing, a straight 100-foot run usually needs about 14 posts once you include the starting post and round up for layout.
Corners, gates, terrain changes, and bracing can add more posts and more concrete than the straight-run math suggests.
Standard post spacing
8 feet on center is the default for many wood and vinyl fences, 6 feet is stronger in windy areas, and chain link often stretches to 10 feet.
Closer spacing raises cost but improves stiffness and reduces sag over time.
Typical post depth rule
Bury fence posts about one-third of their total length and always below the local frost line.
A 6-foot fence often uses 8-foot posts with around 24 inches below grade, but frost depth and soil conditions can require more.
What is a fence calculator? It turns total fence run into posts, panels, rails, pickets, and concrete so you can size the full material list before you buy.
How to Use This Fencing Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate fence materials from total run length. It helps you count posts, sections, rails, pickets, and concrete before you buy.
Step 1: Measure Your Fence Line
Walk your property and measure the total linear footage where you want the fence. Include:
- All straight sections
- Areas where gates will be installed (measure separately)
- Count corners where the fence changes direction
Pro Tip: Use a measuring wheel for long distances. They're available at most hardware stores for under $30 and make measuring much faster and more accurate.
Step 2: Choose Your Fence Type
Each fence type has different costs, maintenance requirements, and lifespans:
Wood Privacy Fence ($15-30/linear foot installed)
The most popular choice for residential backyards. Provides complete privacy and a classic look. Typically 6 feet tall with no gaps between boards. Requires staining or sealing every 2-3 years. Lifespan: 15-20 years with proper maintenance.
Wood Picket Fence ($10-20/linear foot installed)
Classic American style with spaced vertical boards. Defines boundaries while maintaining visibility. Common heights are 3-4 feet. Popular for front yards and gardens. Same maintenance as privacy fencing.
Chain Link Fence ($8-15/linear foot installed)
Most economical option. Excellent for security and pet containment. Very low maintenance with a 20+ year lifespan. Available with privacy slats or fabric. Galvanized steel resists rust; vinyl-coated options available in colors.
Vinyl Fence ($20-35/linear foot installed)
Zero maintenance alternative to wood. Never needs painting or staining. Resists rot, insects, and weathering. Higher upfront cost but lowest lifetime cost. Available in white, tan, and wood-grain patterns. Lifespan: 25-30 years.
Aluminum Fence ($25-40/linear foot installed)
Elegant wrought-iron appearance without the rust. Popular for pools (meets code requirements), front yards, and decorative applications. Low maintenance and long-lasting. Not suitable for privacy.
Wrought Iron Fence ($35-60/linear foot installed)
Premium security and aesthetics. Extremely durable with proper maintenance. Requires periodic rust treatment and repainting. Often used for perimeter security and historic properties. Lifespan: 50+ years.
Understanding Post Spacing
Post spacing is critical for fence strength and longevity:
- 6 feet - Maximum strength, required for 8-foot tall fences
- 8 feet - Standard spacing for most 6-foot privacy fences
- 10 feet - Acceptable for chain link and shorter fences
Wider spacing saves on posts but can cause sagging, especially with heavy materials or in windy areas. When in doubt, go with closer spacing.
Gate Considerations
Gates are the most used and most abused part of any fence. Plan carefully:
- Walk gates: 3-4 feet wide, sufficient for people and equipment
- Drive gates: 10-16 feet wide for vehicles, often double-swing
- Gate posts: Must be larger/stronger than line posts (4x4 vs 4x6)
- Hardware: Budget $30-100 for quality hinges, latches, and locks
Setting Posts: The Foundation of Your Fence
Properly set posts are essential. Here's what you need to know:
Depth: Posts should be buried 1/3 of their total length. For a 6-foot fence with posts 8 feet long, bury 2+ feet.
Concrete: Each post typically needs 1-2 bags of 80-lb concrete. Set posts in concrete for maximum stability, especially for gates and corner posts.
Gravel: Add 4" of gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage. This prevents water from pooling and rotting the post base.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Labor Cost | $0 (your time) | $5-15/linear foot |
| Time (100ft fence) | 2-4 days | 1 day |
| Tools Needed | $200-500 in rentals | Included |
| Quality | Varies with skill | Guaranteed |
| Permits | Your responsibility | Often handled |
Before You Start: Important Considerations
- Call 811 - Free utility locating service. Required before digging.
- Check local codes - Height limits, setback requirements, permit needs
- Survey your property - Know your exact property lines
- Talk to neighbors - Sharing costs on boundary fences is common
- Check HOA rules - Many have specific fence requirements
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Most municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall or in front yards. Some require permits for any fence. Always check local building codes. Fines for unpermitted fences can be significant.
How we checked this page
Written by: TheSiteMath Editorial Team
Reviewed by: TheSiteMath editors (formula, source, and update review)
Last reviewed: 2026-03-20
Publisher:
TheSiteMath
Scope: U.S. construction material estimating, calculator workflows, and project planning guidance for contractors and homeowners.
What we checked:
- • Formulas checked against trade and source material
- • Verified against: Fence layout and installation best practices, Local permit and code verification recommendations, Current U.S. fence material pricing benchmarks
- • Price ranges used for planning, not as fixed quotes
- • Examples checked in the live calculator
Methodology:
- • Example quantities and explanations on this page are cross-checked against the matching live calculator on TheSiteMath.
- • This fencing content is scoped for U.S. planning and estimating workflows, not for stamped engineering or permit approval.
- • We review formulas, material assumptions, and practical steps against category-appropriate references before publishing updates.
- • We refresh pages when calculator logic, supplier assumptions, or pricing guidance materially changes.
- • Readers should confirm final dimensions, structural requirements, and local code obligations with qualified local professionals.
Editorial standards: We review pages before publication and update them when formulas or pricing need a fix. If you spot an issue, please
contact us
.
For our review process, corrections policy, and monetization disclosure, see the Editorial Standards page.
Fence FAQ
Fence layout questions that matter before you dig post holes
These questions center on spacing, post depth, gate planning, and the layout choices that turn a straight-line estimate into a buildable fence.
How far apart should fence posts be?
The standard distance between fence posts is 8 feet on center for most wood and vinyl fences. However, for maximum strength or in windy areas, 6-foot spacing is recommended. Chain link fences often use 10-foot spacing.
How much does a 100-foot privacy fence cost?
A 100-foot wood privacy fence typically costs $2,500-4,500 installed, depending on your location, height, and material quality. DIY installation can save 40-50% but requires significant time and tools.
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
With standard 8-foot spacing, you'll need about 14 posts for 100 linear feet (100 / 8 + 1 = 13.5, rounded up). Add extra posts for corners and gates, typically 2 posts per gate.
How deep should fence posts be?
Fence posts should be buried 1/3 of their length, or at minimum below the frost line (varies by region, typically 18-48 inches). A 6-foot fence typically uses 8-foot posts with 2 feet buried.
Do I need a permit for a fence?
Most municipalities require permits for fences over 6 feet tall or in front yards. Some require permits for any fence. Always check local building codes. Fines for unpermitted fences can be significant.
What is the best fence material for durability?
Vinyl and aluminum fences offer the best durability with minimal maintenance (25-30+ year lifespan). Chain link is also very durable (20+ years). Wood fences require regular maintenance but last 15-20 years with proper care.