Fence Material Calculator
Work out how many pickets, rails, posts, panels, and bags of concrete you need before you order. The calculator adds a waste factor and counts gate posts automatically.
How to calculate fence materials
Fence takeoffs are mostly geometry. The tricky parts are gate posts, waste, and the concrete that disappears into uneven holes. Here is the method the calculator uses.
Sections = fence length ÷ post spacing (round up). Posts = sections + 1 + 2 per gate. A 150 ft run at 8 ft spacing is 19 sections, so 20 posts, plus 2 for one gate = 22 posts.
Pickets per foot = 12 ÷ (picket width + gap). For a 5.5 in picket with a 0.25 in gap, that is 2.09 per foot. Multiply by the run length and add 10% for cuts and defects.
Use two rails for fences up to 5 ft and three rails for 6 ft and taller. Multiply sections by rails per section, then add 10%.
Hole volume = π × radius² × depth. Convert inches to feet first. Divide by the bag yield (0.30, 0.375, 0.45, or 0.60 cu ft) and round up. Add about 15% for uneven holes.
Post spacing and hole size by fence type
| Fence type | Post spacing | Hole diameter | Hole depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy | 6–8 ft | 10–12 in | 30–36 in |
| Vinyl | 8 ft (panel width) | 10–12 in | 30–36 in |
| Chain link | 8–10 ft | 8–10 in | 24–30 in |
| Aluminum | 6–8 ft | 10–12 in | 30–36 in |
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions. Wind load, soil type, and local code can require deeper holes or larger footings.
Concrete bags per fence post
| Hole size | 40 lb bags | 50 lb bags | 60 lb bags | 80 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 in × 24 in | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| 10 in × 30 in | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| 12 in × 36 in | 10 | 8 | 7 | 5 |
These counts include a small waste allowance. If you hit a void or the hole caves in, you will need an extra bag. Keep one or two spare bags per project rather than making a second trip.
Wood vs. vinyl vs. chain link takeoffs
Wood fences are counted in pickets, rails, and posts. Vinyl fences are sold as panels, so you need one panel per 8 ft section plus posts. Chain link is sold in mesh rolls and top rails, with tension bars and bands at the ends. The calculator switches the item list when you change the material.
Waste factor: how much extra to buy
- Pickets and rails: 10% extra. Knots, warped boards, and angled cuts add up.
- Vinyl panels: 5% extra. Panels are factory-cut, but shipping damage happens.
- Chain link mesh: 5% extra, plus one tension bar per end and gate.
- Concrete: 10–15% extra. Hole diameter is rarely perfect.
- Fasteners: one box of screws or nails per 50–75 pickets.
Need a cost estimate instead? Use thefence cost calculator. For post layout and depth guidance, seefence post spacing andfence post depth.
Frequently asked questions
How many posts do I need for a 150-foot fence?
At 8-foot spacing, a 150-foot fence needs 19 sections, which means 20 posts including both ends. Add two posts for each gate. With one gate, plan for about 22 posts.
How many pickets do I need for a 150-foot fence?
A standard 5.5-inch picket with a 0.25-inch gap covers about 2.09 pickets per foot. For 150 feet, that is roughly 314 pickets; add 10% for waste, knots, and cuts, and you get about 345 pickets.
How much concrete does a fence post need?
A 10-inch hole, 30 inches deep, holds about 1.36 cubic feet. A 50-pound bag yields about 0.375 cubic feet, so you need roughly four bags per hole; buy five to allow for uneven holes and spillage.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Most fences need posts set 30 to 36 inches deep, with about one-third of the post below grade. In cold climates, go below the local frost line, which can be 36 to 48 inches or more.
How many bags of concrete for 20 fence posts?
At five 50-pound bags per post, 20 posts need about 100 bags. If you use 80-pound bags, three per post is usually enough, for a total of 60 bags.
Does this fence material calculator include gates and hardware?
It adds two gate posts per gate and includes a gate allowance in the material cost. Hinges, latches, and decorative hardware are not itemized; budget another $40 to $150 per gate.