Fence Calculator
Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete bags for a new fence
Fence Type
Fence Dimensions
Enter your fence length to calculate materials
Tips & Notes
- •Most fences use 8' post spacing — 6' spacing for taller or wind-exposed fences.
- •Fence post holes should be 1/3 the total post length deep (minimum 2 ft for a 6' fence).
- •Use 2 bags of 50 lb concrete per post; mix in the hole for fast-setting concrete.
- •Set all posts first and let concrete cure 24–48 hrs before attaching rails and pickets.
- •Call 811 (Dig Safe) before any post holes — utility lines are often shallower than you think.
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Materials & Supplies
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Pro tips for fence
- ›Most fences use 8' post spacing — 6' spacing for taller or wind-exposed fences.
- ›Fence post holes should be 1/3 the total post length deep (minimum 2 ft for a 6' fence).
- ›Use 2 bags of 50 lb concrete per post; mix in the hole for fast-setting concrete.
- ›Set all posts first and let concrete cure 24–48 hrs before attaching rails and pickets.
- ›Call 811 (Dig Safe) before any post holes — utility lines are often shallower than you think.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?▾
At standard 8-foot post spacing, 100 feet of fence needs 13–14 posts (one at each end plus interior posts every 8'). Use 6-foot spacing on taller fences (8'+) or in high-wind areas — that bumps you to 17–18 posts per 100 feet.
How deep should fence posts go?▾
Bury posts 1/3 of their above-ground height, minimum 2 feet deep. A 6-foot privacy fence needs 2'–3' deep posts (8'–9' total post length). Below the frost line in cold climates — typically 36"–48" deep in zones with frozen ground.
How much concrete per fence post?▾
A typical 10"-diameter hole 3 feet deep takes about 1.5 cubic feet of concrete — that's two 50 lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post. Mix in the hole with water for fast-set, or dry-pour and let groundwater set it for very small posts.
How much does a fence cost in 2026?▾
Materials only: Wood privacy fence $10–$25/linear ft; chain-link $8–$20/ft; vinyl $20–$45/ft; aluminum/wrought iron $25–$60/ft. Installed: $20–$45/ft for wood, $15–$30/ft for chain-link, $25–$60/ft for vinyl, $30–$70/ft for aluminum.
Do I need a permit for a fence?▾
Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall (sometimes over 4 feet in front yards). Always check local rules, HOA covenants, and call 811 before digging. Property line setbacks vary — verify your survey before installing.