Material List Calc

Material calculator

Fence Material Calculator

Estimate posts, sections, rails, pickets or panels, gates, and optional post concrete.

Project setup

Calculator inputs

Adjust the typical defaults below. Results update automatically.

Live estimate

Results

Review quantities, warnings, and the shopping list before buying.

Recommended quantity

37

bags

Concrete bags

Fence sections

13sections

Posts

14posts

Rails

26rails

Pickets

200pickets

Material list

Main quantities to price, compare, or take to the store.

  • Fence posts

    Includes end posts

    14 posts
  • Fence rails
    26 rails
  • Fence pickets

    6 in module

    200 pickets
  • 80 lb bag

    For post holes

    37 bags
  • Gate hardware and fasteners

    Optional notes only

    Verify separately

Breakdown

Calculation steps and source measurements behind the estimate.

  1. Fence length

    Value
    100 ft
  2. Fence height note

    Value
    6 ft
  3. Post spacing

    Value
    8 ft
  4. Sections

    Calculation
    Length / spacing, rounded up
    Value
    13
  5. Gate width note

    Value
    Not used in quantity math
  6. Concrete per post

    Value
    1.57 cu ft

How to use

  • Enter the total fence length and spacing.
  • Choose picket or panel style and enter material dimensions.
  • Turn on concrete if you want an estimated bag count for post holes.

Input guide

  • Post spacing is the target maximum spacing between posts.
  • Gate count adds extra posts because gates usually need dedicated supports.
  • Concrete bag yield is cubic feet per bag.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting end posts and gate posts.
  • Using panel width for picket spacing.
  • Ignoring terrain slope, corners, and layout changes.

Assumptions and limitations

  • No slope, corner, wind-load, local code, permit, or structural judgment is included.
  • Gate hardware and fasteners are notes, not precise quantities.
  • Concrete estimates use simple cylindrical holes.
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Formula

  • Sections = fence length / post spacing, rounded up.
  • Posts = sections + 1 + extra gate posts.
  • Rails = sections x rails per section.
  • Pickets = fence length in inches / (picket width + gap), rounded up.

Example

A 100 ft picket fence with 8 ft post spacing has 13 sections and 14 line posts before gate extras. With 5.5 in pickets and 0.5 in gaps, it needs 200 pickets.

FAQ

Does this handle corner posts?

It estimates a straight run. Add extra posts manually for corners or changes in direction.

Can I use panel mode for vinyl or wood panels?

Yes for basic panel counts if you enter the actual panel width and post spacing.