Fence posts, rails and pickets
Fence Post Calculator USA 2026
Posts = (fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1, rails = sections × rails per section, pickets = length ÷ (picket width + gap), plus concrete per post hole.
Reviewed by BuildMate Editorial Team Construction Researchers Updated March 2026 2 min read Fact-checked
Fence Calculator — instant results
Results update as you type
Posts required14
Panels (or sections)13
Pickets (6" dog-ear)234
Concrete bags (60 lb)28
Show calculation steps
- Posts = ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 = 14
- Panels = ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ = 13
- Concrete = 14 posts × 2 bags = 28
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How the fence posts, rails and pickets math works
Posts = (fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1, rails = sections × rails per section, pickets = length ÷ (picket width + gap), plus concrete per post hole.
Posts = ⌈ Length ÷ Spacing ⌉ + 1 → Panels = ⌈ Length ÷ Panel Width ⌉
Frequently asked questions
How deep should posts be?
1/3 of the fence height, plus 6" of gravel below the frost line.
How many pickets per panel?
About 17 for a 6-ft-tall × 8-ft-wide panel with 3/8" gaps.
Estimates based on 2026 RSMeans USA data and national material averages. Always confirm quantities with your supplier or contractor before ordering.