Fence materials estimator

Enter one straight run at a time. The estimator returns sections, posts, rails, and pickets or panels, plus a footing bag guide for the posts. Counts use the epsilon safe ceiling BuildTrue applies everywhere. Switch between metric and imperial at any time. Your choice is remembered on this device. All results are estimates only.

Estimator

Fence style

Run length (m)

Post spacing (m), on centre

Rails per section

Picket width (mm)

Gap between pickets (mm)

Gates in this run

Footing bags per post (30 kg bags, planning guide)

Formulas: sections = ceiling of (run length / post spacing). Posts = sections + 1, plus 2 per gate. Rails = sections x rails per section, each rail cut to the post spacing length. Pickets: pitch = picket width + gap, pickets = ceiling of (run length / pitch). Panels = sections, one panel per section. Footing bags = ceiling of (posts x bags per post). All ceilings are epsilon safe. Gate openings are not deducted from the run.

Worked example: Run 48 ft, spacing 8 ft, 2 rails per section, pickets 5.5 in wide with a 0.5 in gap, no gates. Sections = 48 / 8 = 6. Posts = 6 + 1 = 7. Rails = 6 x 2 = 12 rails of 8 ft. Picket pitch = 5.5 + 0.5 = 6 in = 0.5 ft. Pickets = 48 / 0.5 = 96 pickets. Footing bags = 7 x 1.5 = 10.5, rounded up to 11 bags. The metric defaults, 14.6304 m run, 2.4384 m spacing, 139.7 mm pickets and a 12.7 mm gap, are the exact equivalents of the imperial values above, so the defaults reproduce this example in both systems.

Estimates only. Property lines, utility locates, bylaws, frost depth, and wind exposure are your responsibility to check. Confirm the legal fence line and local rules before digging or ordering.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

Many wood fences use 6 to 8 ft post spacing. Wider spacing saves posts but flexes more in wind and on slopes. Your local bylaw, soil, and fence height all matter, so treat 8 ft as a planning default, not a rule.

Does this estimator deduct gate openings?

No. Gate openings are not deducted from the run, and the estimator adds 2 reinforced gate posts per gate you enter. That keeps a small material buffer for gate framing, hinges, and layout changes. Adjust the run length if you want an exact deduction.

Back to all BuildTrue estimators, including concrete, drywall, deck, framing, and the bid helper