Fence Calculator - Free Online Tool

Calculate fence materials, costs, and post spacing with our free fence calculator. Get instant results for wood, vinyl, chain link, and metal fencing projects. Perfect for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts.

Fence Length (feet): Total perimeter of fence needed

Fence Height (feet): Height of fence panels

Post Spacing (feet): Distance between fence posts (typically 6-8 feet)

Fence Material: Choose your fence material

Number of Gates: Number of gates needed (optional)

Gate Width (feet): Width of each gate (if gates needed)

Material Cost per Linear Foot ($): Cost per linear foot (optional - for cost estimation)

Fence Calculation Results:

Total Fence Length: -

Number of Posts: -

Number of Panels: -

Linear Feet of Fencing: -

Square Feet of Fencing: -

Gates Required: -

Estimated Total Cost: -

How to Use This Fence Calculator

Our fence calculator helps you estimate materials and costs for your fencing project. Follow these simple steps:

Enter Fence Length: Measure the total perimeter where you want to install the fence
Set Fence Height: Choose your desired fence height (typically 4-8 feet for residential)
Choose Post Spacing: Standard spacing is 6-8 feet between posts
Select Material: Choose from wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, or other materials
Add Gates: Include any gates you need with their width
Enter Cost (Optional): Add material cost per linear foot for budget estimation
Calculate: Click the calculate button to get your results

Calculation Steps

Our fence calculator uses the following formulas to determine material requirements:

Number of Posts

Formula: (Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing) + 1

This accounts for posts at both ends of the fence line.

Number of Panels

Formula: Number of Posts - 1

Each panel fits between two posts.

Linear Feet of Fencing

Formula: Total Fence Length - (Number of Gates × Gate Width)

This subtracts gate openings from the total fence length.

Square Feet of Fencing

Formula: Linear Feet × Fence Height

Total surface area of fencing material needed.

Total Cost

Formula: Linear Feet × Cost per Linear Foot

Estimated material cost based on your input.

About This Fence Calculator

This comprehensive fence calculator is designed for homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need accurate estimates for fencing projects. Whether you're planning a privacy fence, decorative fence, or security fence, our tool provides precise calculations for:

Material quantities (posts, panels, pickets)
Linear and square footage requirements
Post spacing and placement
Gate requirements and sizing
Cost estimation based on material prices
Multiple fence material types

Formula Used

The fence calculator uses industry-standard formulas to ensure accuracy:

Basic Calculations:

Posts Required: ⌈(Fence Length ÷ Post Spacing)⌉ + 1
Panels Required: Posts Required - 1
Linear Feet: Fence Length - (Gates × Gate Width)
Square Feet: Linear Feet × Fence Height
Total Cost: Linear Feet × Cost per Linear Foot

These formulas account for standard construction practices and material waste factors.

Use Cases / Applications

This fence calculator is perfect for various fencing projects:

Residential Applications:

Privacy fencing for backyards
Front yard decorative fencing
Garden and landscape boundaries
Pool safety fencing
Pet containment fencing

Commercial Applications:

Property boundary marking
Security perimeter fencing
Parking lot enclosures
Industrial site fencing
Construction site temporary fencing

Agricultural Applications:

Livestock containment
Crop protection fencing
Pasture division
Farm boundary fencing

Calculation Examples

Example 1: Backyard Privacy Fence

Scenario: 150-foot wooden privacy fence, 6 feet high, with one 4-foot gate

Posts needed: (150 ÷ 8) + 1 = 20 posts
Panels needed: 20 - 1 = 19 panels
Linear feet: 150 - 4 = 146 feet
Square feet: 146 × 6 = 876 sq ft
Cost (at $25/linear foot): 146 × $25 = $3,650

Example 2: Front Yard Decorative Fence

Scenario: 80-foot vinyl decorative fence, 4 feet high, no gates

Posts needed: (80 ÷ 6) + 1 = 15 posts
Panels needed: 15 - 1 = 14 panels
Linear feet: 80 feet
Square feet: 80 × 4 = 320 sq ft
Cost (at $30/linear foot): 80 × $30 = $2,400

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I measure fence length accurately?

Use a measuring tape to measure the perimeter where you want to install the fence. For curved areas, use a flexible measuring tape or break the curve into smaller straight sections.

What's the standard post spacing for different fence types?

Standard post spacing varies by material: Wood fences typically use 6-8 feet, vinyl fences 6-8 feet, chain link 6-10 feet, and aluminum 6-8 feet. Check manufacturer specifications for exact requirements.

How deep should fence posts be installed?

Generally, fence posts should be buried one-third of their above-ground height plus 6 inches. For a 6-foot fence, dig holes 2.5-3 feet deep.

Do I need to account for material waste?

Yes, it's recommended to order 10-15% extra material to account for waste, mistakes, and future repairs. This calculator provides exact quantities, so add a waste factor when ordering.

Can I use this calculator for curved fences?

For curved fences, measure the total length following the curve. The calculator will provide accurate post and panel counts, but curved sections may require special considerations for panel cutting.

What factors affect fence cost?

Fence cost depends on material type, height, length, ground conditions, labor costs, permits required, and any special features like gates or decorative elements.

How accurate are the cost estimates?

Cost estimates are based on the material cost per linear foot you enter. Actual costs may vary based on local pricing, installation complexity, and additional materials needed.