Fence Calculator
Panels, posts, and gates needed to run a fence line.
Panels needed
15
Posts
17
Gates
1 (4 ft each)
Concrete bags (2/post)
34
Posts outnumber panels by one
A straight run of n panels needs n + 1 posts, because every section needs a post at each end and neighboring sections share one. Corners, ends, and both sides of a gate need their own posts, and gate posts usually go deeper or heavier since they carry a swinging load. Standard pre-built panels span 8 ft; 6 ft spacing costs more in posts and concrete but sags less over time.
Worked example: 120 ft with one gate
Allow 4 ft for the gate, leaving 116 ft of fence line. At 8 ft per section that is 14.5, rounded up to 15 panels, and 15 + 1 + 1 = 17 posts once the gate post is counted. At two 50 lb bags of concrete per post that is 34 bags — usually the heaviest single item in the order, and the reason fence projects get underestimated.
Set posts to last
Bury a third of the total post length, never less than 2 ft, and always below the local frost line in cold climates — frost heave lifts shallow posts and racks a whole run within a couple of winters. Dig the hole about three times the post width, add gravel at the base for drainage, and crown the concrete above grade so water sheds away from the wood. Let it cure 24–48 hours before hanging panels.
Layout before digging
String a line between the end posts and mark every hole along it before you dig; moving a mark is easy, moving a set post is not. Take up leftover slack by shortening the last section rather than spreading an odd inch across every panel. Call the utility-marking service first — it's free, takes a few days, and is legally required in most of the U.S. before any digging.
Slopes, and what else to budget
On a slope you either step the panels, keeping each one level with a triangular gap beneath, or rack them to follow the grade, which only works with fencing built for it. Beyond panels, posts, and concrete, the order needs post caps, rails or brackets, gate hardware, and exterior-rated fasteners — hot-dipped galvanized or stainless, since ordinary screws bleed rust streaks down a new fence within a season.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
- With 8 ft sections, 100 ft needs 13 panels and 14 posts for a straight run, plus an extra post at each corner and on both sides of any gate. Subtract the gate opening from the total length before dividing.
- How deep should fence posts be?
- At least a third of the post length and a minimum of 2 ft, and always below the frost line where the ground freezes. A 6 ft fence typically uses 8 ft posts set about 2.5 ft deep, with gravel beneath for drainage.
- How many bags of concrete per fence post?
- Two 50 lb bags per post is the usual allowance for a 4 × 4 in a 10-inch hole, and three for a 6 × 6 or a gate post. Mixing in the hole is common for fences, though consistent hand-mixing gives a stronger set.
- How far apart should fence posts be?
- Eight feet is standard and matches pre-built panel widths. Six feet costs more in posts and concrete but resists sagging and wind better — worth it for tall privacy fences, heavy panels, or exposed sites.
Related calculators
Age Calculator
Calculate exact age in years, months, and days between two dates.
Date Calculator
Add or subtract days from a date, or count days between dates.
Hours Calculator
Count hours between two times — great for timesheets.
GPA Calculator
Calculate your GPA from course grades and credit hours.