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/// Posts, rails & pickets

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.

Content reviewed Jul 16, 2026 · Source records reviewed through Jul 15, 2026

01

Fence layout and component spacing

Enter the measured fence run, total gate width, dedicated gate posts, and an approved maximum post spacing. Gate width is removed from picket and rail quantities. For an exact post count, calculate each continuous clear run separately.

ftExample starting measurement — replace it with your field measurement.
ftExample starting measurement — replace it with your field measurement.
postsEnter two for each freestanding gate opening unless the approved layout specifies otherwise. Example starting value — replace it with the project or product value.
ftRequired — enter a project-specific planning value and verify it before ordering. ProjectQty does not apply an unsupported default.Post Spacing must be greater than zero.
rowsRequired — enter a project-specific planning value and verify it before ordering. ProjectQty does not apply an unsupported default.Rails must be greater than zero.
inRequired — enter the value from the exact product label or current technical sheet. ProjectQty does not guess this value.Picket Width must be greater than zero.
inRequired — enter the value from the exact product label or current technical sheet. ProjectQty does not guess this value.
%Required — enter a project-specific planning value and verify it before ordering. ProjectQty does not apply an unsupported default.
USDOptional — enter your current local price per post.
View current estimate

/// Answer-first planning notes

How many fence posts, pickets, and rail feet should I plan?

How many fence posts, pickets, and rail feet should I plan checkpoints
Planning inputCalculation roleProject check
Total run and gatesSet clear fenced lengthSeparate distinct runs for exact layout
Maximum post spacingCreates a conservative post upper-boundUse approved project spacing
Picket module and railsEstimate pieces and rail lengthConfirm actual width, gap, and row count

/// Formula & field notes

How this fence estimate works

FormulaConservative upper-bound posts = total clear-run spacing count + one end post + entered gate posts. Pickets use (clear width + one gap) ÷ (picket width + gap), with waste before rounding.

Worked example

A 100 ft run with a 4 ft gate, two dedicated gate posts, 8 ft post spacing, two rails, and ½ in picket gaps plans a conservative upper-bound of 15 posts.

/// Source trail

Data & assumptions

Every source has a declared scope. A reference can support a conversion or product assumption without turning this estimate into a supplier quote.

National Institute of Standards and Technology · Primary evidenceNIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B: Conversion Factors

Exact international-foot to meter conversion; U.S. survey-foot conversion is explicitly outside this claim.

Effective 2025-08-18 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15
NOAA National Geodetic Survey · Prequalified fallbackThe DSDATA Format, Appendix D: U.S. Survey Foot vs International Foot

Independent confirmation that one international foot equals exactly 0.3048 meters; U.S. survey-foot conversion remains distinct.

Effective 2025-06-10 · Reviewed 2026-07-15 · Next review 2027-07-15

/// Common questions

Fence calculator FAQ

What should I verify before ordering fence material?

Confirm field dimensions and approved post spacing, gate layout, picket width, and gap against the exact product or supplier information. ProjectQty shows the assumptions so you can replace planning defaults before ordering posts, pickets, and rail length.

How does waste affect the fence material estimate?

Waste is applied after the base geometry is calculated and before discrete packages or pieces are rounded up. Use a higher allowance for complex layouts, cuts, pattern matching, breakage, or uncertain field dimensions.

Is this fence material result a professional design?

No. It is a quantity-planning result. Footing depth, post size, wind resistance, property lines, permits, utilities, and structural design require local verification.

/// Keep planning

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