Calculate fence posts, rails, pickets, and concrete needed. Works for wood, vinyl, and chain-link fences with cost estimation.
Planning a fence project starts with accurate material estimation to stay within budget.
Rails = (Posts − 1) × Rails per Section
Pickets = Total Length × 12 ÷ (Picket Width + Gap)
| Fence Type | Material $/ft | Installed $/ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy (6ft) | $12–$25 | $20–$35 | 15–20 years |
| Vinyl Privacy | $17–$30 | $25–$40 | 20–30 years |
| Chain-Link (4ft) | $7–$15 | $12–$25 | 15–25 years |
| Wrought Iron | $20–$35 | $30–$50 | 50+ years |
| Aluminum | $15–$25 | $22–$38 | 30+ years |
| Composite | $20–$40 | $30–$55 | 25–30 years |
Divide total fence length by post spacing (typically 8 feet) and add 1. For a 100-foot fence: 100 ÷ 8 + 1 = 14 posts. Add extra posts for corners and gates.
Standard spacing is 6 to 8 feet apart. Use 6 feet for privacy fences and windy areas, 8 feet for ranch and rail fences. Never exceed 10 feet between posts.
Divide total fence length (in inches) by picket width plus gap. For 3.5-inch pickets with no gap (privacy): 100 ft × 12 ÷ 3.5 = 343 pickets.
Wood privacy: $15-$35/ft. Vinyl: $20-$40/ft. Chain-link: $10-$25/ft. These are installed prices including materials and labor.
Posts should be buried 1/3 of total length. For a 6-foot fence, use 8-foot posts with 2 feet buried. Add 6 inches of gravel at the bottom for drainage.
Use 1-2 bags (50 lb each) of quick-set concrete per post for a standard 4×4 post in a 10-inch diameter hole dug 24 inches deep.
A square acre requires about 835 linear feet of fencing — that's the perimeter of a 209×209 ft square. You'll need roughly 105 posts at 8-ft spacing.
Use 2 rails for fences under 5 feet tall, 3 rails for 5-8 feet, and optionally a kickboard rail at the bottom. Rails run horizontally between posts.