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Fence Material Calculator

Calculate posts, rails, pickets, and concrete for a wood privacy or picket fence.

Fence run
lf

Measure along the fence line, not property line — verify with a plat.

Dog-ear or flat-top cedar or PT pickets, 6 ft on center posts.

Posts and gates
ft
5%

Material list

29 posts, 368 pickets

150 linear feet of 6 ft wood privacy at 6 ft post spacing.
4×4 posts
29
Horizontal rails (8 ft)
57
Pickets / boards
368
80 lb concrete bags
58
Material cost
$2,643
Typical installed
$2,250–$4,500
Material takeoff
ItemQtyNotes
Fence sections256 ft on center
Posts (4×4)29Includes corners and gate posts
Rails (3-rail)578 ft lengths
Pickets368With 5% waste
Concrete (80 lb)582 bags/post
Gates14 ft wide — buy pre-built
Material subtotal$2,643Hardware and fasteners extra

Call 811 before you dig

Utility lines run through yards at shallow depth. Post holes hit gas and electric lines every year. Call 811 for a free locate — it is required by law in most states.

Posts must be below frost line

This calculator uses 24-inch hole depth. In northern states the frost line is 36 to 48 inches — posts set shallow heave and loosen within one winter. Check your local code.

What this assumes

  • Posts are spaced 6 feet on center for wood privacy and picket fences.
  • Post holes are 10 inches diameter; depth is 24 inches minimum (below frost line varies by region).
  • Concrete estimate uses 80 lb bags at 2 per standard 6 ft post hole.

Important

Call 811 before digging fence post holes. Verify property lines and HOA rules before building. Posts must extend below the local frost line — 36 inches in many northern states.

Understanding the result

Post spacing drives material count

Wood privacy fences use 4×4 posts every 6 feet on center. A 150-foot run needs 26 posts (including corners and ends). Wider spacing sags; narrower spacing wastes material.

Set posts in concrete, not dirt

Each post hole gets 2 bags of 80 lb concrete minimum. Set the post, pour dry mix, add water, and plumb before it sets. Backfilling with dirt alone loosens within one season.

Check your property line first

A fence on your neighbor's side of the line must come down at your expense. Get a survey or check the plat before you dig. HOAs often regulate height, material, and which side faces the street.

Common questions

How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
At 6-foot spacing: 18 posts (including terminal posts at each end). Add one for each corner and gate post. A 100-foot run with one gate needs about 19 posts.
How much concrete per fence post?
A 10-inch diameter hole 24 inches deep holds about 1.2 cubic feet — 2 bags of 80 lb concrete. Deeper holes in frost zones (36 inches) need 3 bags. Quick-set concrete is fine for fence posts.
How many pickets for a 6 foot privacy fence?
A 6-foot fence uses pickets with a 5.5-inch face. At 6-foot post spacing you need 14 pickets per 6-foot section (72 inches ÷ 5.5 inches, no gap). A 100-foot fence needs about 233 pickets before waste.
How far apart should fence posts be?
6 feet on center for wood privacy and picket fences. 8 feet for some ranch-rail styles. Chain link uses 10-foot spacing with line posts. Closer spacing prevents sag but costs more.
How much does a 6 foot wood fence cost per foot?
Material only: $8 to $15 per linear foot for pressure-treated privacy fencing. Installed: $15 to $30 per linear foot. A 150-foot fence runs $2,250 to $4,500 installed.

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