Kulkalotar
Construction & Home

Fence Calculator (Posts, Panels, Concrete)

Calculate the number of fence posts, panels, and bags of concrete needed for a fence run, plus total material cost.

Posts
16
Panels
14
Concrete bags
32
Materials total
$1,960

What this calculates

Pricing a fence project requires more than panel count — you need posts (spaced typically 8 ft on center), concrete for footings, and rails or hardware. This calculator handles the full bill of materials for a straight fence run with optional gates.

Formula & how it works

Posts = ceil(length ÷ spacing) + 1 (one extra for the end). Panels = posts − 1. Concrete bags per post: typically 1.5-2 of 80 lb mix. Add 1 post per gate and 1 more for very long runs. Subtract gates from panel count.

Worked example

120 ft fence with 8 ft post spacing, 1 gate. Posts = ceil(120/8) + 1 = 16. Panels = 16 − 1 − 1 (gate) = 14. Concrete = 16 × 2 = 32 bags. At $30/post + $80/panel + $5/bag concrete + $200 gate: total = 480 + 1120 + 160 + 200 = $1,960 in materials. Labor doubles this for hired install.

Frequently asked questions

Post spacing — 6 or 8 ft?

8 ft is standard for wood privacy fences (matches panel size). 6 ft is sturdier for areas with wind/snow load. Chain link can go up to 10 ft. Picket fences sometimes use 6 ft for aesthetic balance.

Footing depth?

1/3 of post above-grade height, minimum 24 in below frost line. Cold climates often need 36-48 in deep. Soil type matters — clay holds well, sandy soil needs deeper or wider footings.

Material cost per linear foot?

Pressure-treated wood DIY: $15-30/ft. Cedar: $25-50/ft. Vinyl: $25-40/ft. Aluminum or steel: $40-70/ft. Wrought iron: $80-200/ft. Add 50-100 % for professional install in most markets.

How long do fences last?

Pressure-treated wood: 15-20 years. Cedar: 20-30 years. Vinyl: 30+ years (warranty often lifetime). Chain link: 20+ years (re-coat or replace top rail occasionally). Aluminum: 30+ years effectively forever.

Last updated:

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