Material takeoff logic
sections = ceil(length ÷ post spacing); posts = sections + 1; rails = sections × rails per section; pickets from face width and gap along the run. Default spacing of 8 ft is common for wood privacy panels; heavier or taller panels may need 6 ft.
The optional “bags per post” field defaults to one 80 lb bag as a Fast-Setting dry-pour planning heuristic for small holes—not a full cylinder fill. A typical 10" × 2.5 ft hole filled solid needs about three 80 lb bags of standard concrete mix after waste. For accurate concrete volume, use the post hole calculator with your diameter and depth, then override bags-per-post here if you want a single materials list.
Worked example
A 48 ft run at 8 ft spacing needs 6 sections, 7 posts, and 18 rails if you use 3 rails per bay. With 5.5" pickets and 0.5" gaps, picket pitch is 6", so pickets ≈ (48×12)/6 = 96. For seven 10" × 2.5 ft holes filled solid, plan roughly fifteen 80 lb bags after 10% waste—not seven.
Gates and corners
This estimator models a straight run. Add extra posts for gates, corners, and elevation breaks. Gate posts often use larger posts and more concrete—calculate those holes individually.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring slope (rackable panels vs stepped panels).
- Ordering pickets without a consistent gap plan.
- Underestimating concrete on windy corner posts.
| Item | Count |
|---|---|
| Sections | 12.5 → plan 13 bays / adjust end |
| Posts (sections + 1) | 14 (before gates) |
| Rails (3 per bay) | ~39 |
| Post concrete | Use post hole calculator |
Assumptions and limits
The fence calculator results are planning estimates for rectangular or cylindrical shapes with uniform depth. Real sites have slopes, voids, and product variation. Always confirm coverage with the manufacturer label and local building practices before you buy large quantities.
Unit toggles switch input labels between US imperial and metric. Shareable URLs store your inputs in the query string for convenience, while the canonical tag stays on the clean page URL so search engines do not index every parameter combination.
Shopping checklist
- Write down the calculator outputs (volume, bags, or piece counts) and round up for waste.
- Call your supplier for density, dye lot, or delivery minimums when ordering bulk material.
- Check access for trucks, wheelbarrows, and staging space before delivery day.
- Photograph existing conditions so you can revisit dimensions if a helper measures differently.
Print or screenshot the results before you shop so post counts and picket estimates stay aligned when a second person helps load materials.
FAQ
How far apart should fence posts be?
Six to eight feet is common for wood privacy fences. Heavier or taller panels may need closer spacing—check panel specs.
Why does the tool default to one concrete bag per post?
One 80 lb bag is a Fast-Setting dry-pour planning heuristic for small holes, not a full cylinder fill. For solid fills, run the post-hole calculator (e.g. 10″ × 2.5 ft ≈ three 80 lb bags after waste) and override bags-per-post.
Related guides
Sources
- Clemson HGIC – Landscape structures Used for: Fence and landscape structure practice overview. Checked .
- QUIKRETE – Setting a fence post Used for: Fast-Setting vs standard mix post-setting context. Checked .
Estimates only—confirm bag yields on the product label and check local building codes before you pour or order. Not affiliated with QUIKRETE, Sakrete, Sonoco, or any manufacturer named in the sources. Found an error? Tell me.
Calculator version 1.0 · Changelog