About this calculator
A complete wood fence takeoff: posts, rails, pickets, fasteners, gate and the concrete to set the posts.
How it’s calculated
Sections = (fence length − gate widths) ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Posts = sections + 1, plus one extra per gate. Pickets = run ÷ (picket width + gap). For board-on-board, the boards overlap by about 25%. Posts are about 1.5 × the fence height so a third or more is buried.
Worked example
With these inputs:
- Fence length
- 100 ft
- Fence height
- 6 ft
- Style
- Stockade / picket (pickets on rails)
- Post spacing / panel width
- 8 ft
- Picket / board width
- 5.5 in
- Gap between pickets
- 0 in
- Gates
- 1
- Gate width
- 4 ft
- Waste allowance
- 5%
the result is:
- Posts and pickets
- 14 posts
- Sections / bays
- 12
- Posts (incl. gate posts)
- 14
- Pickets
- 220
Tips from the trade
- Set the end and corner posts first, then string a line for the rest.
- Check the property line and your municipality’s fence bylaw (back-yard fences are often limited to about 2 m, or 6 ft 6 in), and request a free utility locate through Click Before You Dig before digging.
- Pool enclosures have their own municipal bylaws; check them first.
- Gate posts take more load: go bigger and deeper.
Common questions
How many fence panels do I need?
Divide the fence length by the section width and round up. You need one more post than sections.
Results are estimates for planning and pricing. Check quantities against your drawings, the manufacturer’s data and the building code adopted in your province before ordering.