Fence Calculator (Posts + Panels)
Estimate the number of posts and panels needed to fence a yard, given perimeter length, post spacing, and number of corners. Rounds up to the next whole post and panel.
Last updated: September 2026
Compare with similar
About this calculator
For a straight run of fencing, panels = ceil(perimeter / spacing), and posts = panels + 1 for a single straight run. In a yard with corners, each corner adds one post because the corner post is shared between two runs. This calculator uses posts = ceil(perimeter / spacing) + numberOfCorners, which is a slight over-count for the common case (one extra post per corner beyond the 'one more than panels' rule), giving a small safety margin when material is delivered.
Standard post spacing is 6–8 feet for wood-panel fencing, 8 feet for chain-link, and 8–10 feet for split-rail. Closer spacing (5–6 ft) is stronger against wind and better on slopes. Longer spans (10–12 ft) work only for lightweight materials like farm-wire or split-rail.
Don't forget gates. Each gate typically replaces one panel and requires two heavier posts (hinge post + latch post), often set in deeper footings. If your fence has one gate, add one heavy-duty post to the post count and subtract one panel; if it's a double gate for vehicles, add two posts and subtract two panels.
Post setting depth in cold climates should reach below the local frost line — commonly 24–48 inches in the northern US, 12–24 in the south. Concrete footings are recommended for privacy fences; gravel-only footings are acceptable for lightweight rail fencing on well-drained soil.
How to use
Example — 200 ft rectangular yard, 8 ft post spacing, 4 corners. Panels = ceil(200 / 8) = 25. Posts = 25 + 4 = 29. Order 29 posts and 25 panels, plus concrete for footings. Compare with the fence-materials calculator at /en/calculators/landscaping/fence-materials/ for a bill-of-materials view. Example — 300 ft L-shaped side yard, 6 ft spacing (heavy privacy panels), 2 corners plus one gate. Panels = ceil(300 / 6) = 50; subtract one panel for the gate = 49 panels. Posts = 50 + 2 = 52; add two extra heavy-duty gate posts = 54 posts total. Order rounding up to the nearest bundle from the supplier, e.g. 56 posts if they come in bundles of 8. Cross-check with the concrete-volume calculator at /en/calculators/construction/concrete-volume/ for footing volume.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should fence-post holes be?
Roughly one-third of the post's above-ground height, and always below your area's frost line. For a 6 ft privacy fence, dig 24 inches minimum (36 inches in cold climates). Fill the bottom 4–6 inches with gravel for drainage, set the post, then fill around it with fast-setting concrete or tamped soil-and-gravel. Wind exposure and soil type matter: sandy or waterlogged soils need deeper holes and larger diameter footings.
What post spacing should I use?
Standard is 8 ft for most residential fencing (matches panel sizes at big-box stores). Use 6 ft spacing for tall privacy fences (7–8 ft high) or in windy areas where the extra strength matters. Use 10–12 ft for lightweight chain-link, split-rail, or farm-wire fencing. Closer spacing = more posts and stronger fence; wider spacing = fewer posts but higher risk of panel sag over time.
Do I really need one post per corner?
Yes. A corner post carries the tension of two fence runs meeting at 90° (or another angle), which is significantly more load than a mid-run post. Corner posts should be larger diameter or heavier gauge than intermediate posts, and often set in deeper concrete footings. The same applies to gate posts.
How much does a fence cost?
Rough US ranges: chain-link runs about $10–25 per linear foot installed, wood privacy $20–45/ft, vinyl $25–50/ft, wrought iron $30–80/ft. DIY cuts material cost about 40–60% of the installed rate but adds a weekend or two of labor. Get three quotes and confirm whether the price includes gate hardware, permit filing, and haul-off of the old fence.