Estimate linear footage, post counts, post-hole concrete, and rails with unit and wastage controls.
How this calculator works
Fenced length is the perimeter minus gate openings, divided by post spacing for sections, plus one for the closing post.
fence_length = (perimeter − gate_widths) × (1 + wastage%)sections = ceil( fence_length ÷ spacing )posts = sections + 1rails = sections × rails_per_sectionconcrete_bags = ceil( π × (hole_diameter/2)² × hole_depth × posts ÷ cu_ft_per_bag )
- Set hole depth to your local frost line for permanent posts (≈ 36–48″ in southern Ontario).
- 60 lb bags yield ≈ 0.45 cu ft, 80 lb bags ≈ 0.6 cu ft.
- Rails estimate counts sections × rails-per-section. Gate panel rails and heavier hardware-rated gate posts are excluded — add ≈ 2 rails and 2 post upgrades per gate for contractor-grade material lists.
Common questions
How deep should fence post holes be?
Below your local frost line — 36–48″ in southern Ontario, deeper further north. Shallower holes will heave with frost cycles and pull the fence out of plumb within a couple of seasons.
What's the right post spacing?
6–8 ft is typical for residential wood fences. Pre-fab panels usually dictate spacing; for custom builds, shorter spacing means more posts but stiffer panels and easier hardware sourcing.
Do I need a building permit for a fence?
Often, yes — most municipalities have height limits (typically 6 ft side/rear, 4 ft front) and may require a permit above those. Pool fencing has its own stricter requirements. Check before you dig.
About This Fence Calculator
This fence calculator is designed to turn measurements into practical planning numbers you can use immediately. After entering fence run length, post spacing, gate allowances, panel style assumptions, and optional line-item costs, the calculator processes those values into post and panel quantity planning, procurement alignment, and fewer surprises during installation. The goal is to replace rough guesswork with a repeatable method that works for homeowner projects, contractor estimates, and field-level decision support. Instead of manually converting units and checking formulas in multiple places, you can complete the process in one workflow.
In day-to-day use, this fence calculator works best when measurements are taken carefully and entered in one unit system from start to finish. That makes results easier to compare and easier to share with suppliers or team members. It is especially useful for yard enclosures, privacy fences, property boundary upgrades, and light commercial perimeters where quick quantity checks can prevent under-ordering, over-ordering, and schedule changes. Using consistent inputs each time also helps standardize estimating habits across repeat jobs.
The most reliable outcomes come from combining calculator output with practical project checks. For this fence calculator, that means adjusting for terrain changes, gate hardware, and line-end reinforcement needs. Treat the result as a planning baseline, then adjust for site conditions, product availability, and project standards before final purchase or scheduling commitments. This approach gives you a safer buffer against costly surprises and keeps conversations with clients, vendors, and crews focused on clear numbers.
Use this fence calculator as an early planning assistant, not a replacement for final site validation. It helps you test scenarios quickly, compare alternatives, and move from idea to workable estimate with fewer delays. When paired with accurate measurement habits and a final field review, the calculator can improve confidence at every stage: draft budgeting, quote preparation, procurement planning, and pre-install coordination. Revisit it whenever dimensions, material assumptions, or scope details change.
