/// Short answer
fence posts by spacing — the planning answer
Estimate fence posts by dividing each measured straight run by the specified maximum spacing, rounding up the number of bays, and adding posts for corners, ends, line changes, and gates. Different post types should be counted separately. Fence post spacing depends on material, height, wind, soil, and gate hardware; the quantity estimate does not choose a safe spacing, embedment, or foundation detail.
How do you estimate fence posts by spacing?
Estimate fence posts by dividing each measured straight run by the specified maximum spacing, rounding up the number of bays, and adding posts for corners, ends, line changes, and gates. Different post types should be counted separately. Fence post spacing depends on material, height, wind, soil, and gate hardware; the quantity estimate does not choose a safe spacing, embedment, or foundation detail.
Bays = ceiling(run length ÷ specified bay spacing). Line posts are related to bay count; corner, end, and gate posts are then added as separate structural positions.
/// Continue with the numbers
Run the fence calculator
Use the fence calculator to estimate a conservative upper-bound for posts, plus pickets and rail length, from the clear run and spacing inputs you provide. Gate width is removed from picket and rail quantities while dedicated gate posts stay explicit. Calculate separate runs when corners, grade breaks, or gate layouts differ.
/// Keep the topic connected
Related calculators
Use the neighboring tools to keep each material, layer, and order assumption visible instead of hiding it inside one estimate.
What should you measure first?
Sketch the fence line and split it at every corner, grade break, gate, end, and material change. Record the specified spacing and whether posts are shared between adjacent runs.
- Measure each straight fence run.
- Mark corners, ends, gates, transitions, and shared posts.
- Record post type, spacing, height, and planned material quantity separately.
What should you verify before ordering?
Post count does not design wind resistance, gate support, footing depth, utilities, property boundaries, or local fence requirements. Verify the layout before digging.
- Count bays and post positions against the sketch.
- Confirm whether corner posts are shared or duplicated by the system.
- Check gate hardware and terminal-post requirements.
/// Continue the workflow
Related ProjectQty pages
/// Field-ready worksheet
Download the measurement checklist
Use the worksheet to record dimensions, product-label values, and verification notes locally. ProjectQty does not receive or store your project inputs.
/// Evidence trail
Sources and assumptions
This article inherits the calculator's declared source scope. Product yields, coverage, density, and label rates should be replaced with the exact product selected for the job.
Exact international-foot to meter conversion; U.S. survey-foot conversion is explicitly outside this claim.
NOAA National Geodetic Survey · Prequalified fallbackThe DSDATA Format, Appendix D: U.S. Survey Foot vs International FootIndependent confirmation that one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters; U.S. survey-foot conversion remains distinct.
/// Common questions
Fence Post Spacing: Calculate Posts, Corners, and Gates FAQ
How many fence posts do I need for a 100-foot fence?
The count depends on the specified spacing, corners, ends, gates, grade changes, and whether adjacent runs share posts. Divide each run into bays and add special positions.
Do gates need separate fence posts?
Usually gate openings use dedicated posts or a specified gate-support system. Count them separately from line posts and verify the hardware detail.
Can I choose post spacing from a calculator?
No. Spacing depends on fence material, height, wind, soil, and local requirements. Enter the spacing specified for the project.