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BuildMate
Outdoor

Fence Calculator USA 2026

Estimate posts, panels, pickets and concrete for wood, vinyl or chain-link fencing.

Reviewed by BuildMate Editorial Team Construction Researchers Updated March 2026 2 min read Fact-checked

Used by

250,000+ homeowners

Avg. time

~15 seconds

Updated

2026

Accuracy

Pro estimation

Works on: Desktop Tablet Mobile No registration required
Unit system

Enter your measurements

Results

Posts required

14

Panels (or sections)

13

Pickets (6" dog-ear)

234

Concrete bags (60 lb)

28

Calculation steps
  1. 1.Posts = ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ + 1 = 14
  2. 2.Panels = ⌈100 ÷ 8⌉ = 13
  3. 3.Concrete = 14 posts × 2 bags = 28

Includes a standard waste allowance. Verify with your supplier before ordering.

Stored on this device — no account needed.

What this calculator does

Sizes the materials for outdoor structures — deck boards, joists, posts or fence panels — with proper spans and waste built in.

When to use it

  • Building a deck, fence, pergola or gazebo.
  • Replacing rotted deck boards or fence pickets.
  • Planning a backyard remodel.

Common mistakes

  • Undersizing joists for the deck span.
  • Skipping post footings below the frost line.
  • Buying pressure-treated lumber wet and installing immediately.

Pro tips

  • Let PT lumber dry 2–4 weeks before staining.
  • Use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless fasteners.
  • Pull a permit for anything above 30" off grade.
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Disclaimer: Estimates based on 2026 RSMeans USA data. Actual quantities vary by site conditions, waste and installer practices. Verify with your supplier or contractor before ordering.

How it works

  1. 1Enter the total fence length.
  2. 2Choose post spacing (8 ft is standard for wood).
  3. 3We estimate 1 bag of concrete per post for a 2-ft deep, 10-in hole.

Formula

Posts = ⌈ Length ÷ Spacing ⌉ + 1 → Panels = ⌈ Length ÷ Panel Width ⌉

Worked example

100 ft fence, 8 ft spacing = 13 posts + 13 panels + 26 bags of concrete.

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.

Is the Fence Calculator free to use?

Yes — every BuildMate calculator is 100% free, requires no signup and works offline once the page has loaded.

How accurate are these estimates?

Formulas follow 2026 industry standards (RSMeans, ICC and manufacturer specs). Real-world results vary by site conditions, waste and installer practices — always get 2–3 written quotes from licensed pros before committing.

Can I save my calculation?

Yes. Hit the Save button after you run an estimate — it's stored on this device (no account needed) and you can access it anytime from the Saved drawer.

Can I compare two projects side-by-side?

Yes. Add estimates to Compare and open the Compare drawer to see them side-by-side, then use Download PDF or Email to share the comparison.

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