How many fence posts do I need?

Post count comes from your total fence length divided by your post spacing, plus one post to close each run and extra posts at corners and gate openings. The calculator does this per run so corners aren't double-counted.

How deep should fence posts be set?

A common rule of thumb is one third of the post's above-ground height, or below the local frost line, whichever is deeper. Confirm the required depth for your address before digging.

Does the estimate include gates and hardware?

Yes — gate framing, hinges, latches and an anti-sag brace are itemized separately from the fence line so you can see what the openings add.

Are the material costs accurate for my area?

Costs are regional estimates only, indexed by ZIP against national material averages. Always confirm current prices with your supplier before buying — the numbers here are for planning and budgeting, not a quote.

Do I need to confirm my measurements first?

Yes. The calculator asks you to verify key dimensions before it will produce material, cut, or shopping lists, because a single mistyped dimension changes every quantity downstream.

Home

Fence · Step 1 of 6 · The size

How much fence are we building?

Walk the property line with a tape measure or use Google Maps to get a rough length. You can refine this later.

Total length

Fence height

Live estimate

Prices for your area

Enter your ZIP to re-price materials, or keep national averages.

Reviewed weekly · price book updated 2026-07-27See what changed

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Free

Save about $4,003 (58%)

building this fence yourself.

You build it$2,859

Materials only, your sweat.

A contractor builds it$6,862

Typical bids land $6,038–$8,097.

Materials: $3,574
Labor: $3,288
Est. hours: 60

Contractor figures assume a $55/hr blended labor rate (national average). Estimates only — use them to sanity-check a bid, not as a quote.

Cut-list optimizer

Free

Buy 287 boards · 23% offcut

2296 linear ft purchased, 1758 ft used — 538 ft ($645) left over. Cutting from these stock lengths avoids about $1 of scrap versus one board per piece.

268 × 5.5" @ 8'
Pickets · 1 piece per board
536 ft scrap (25%)
18 × 4 × 4 @ 8'
Line & gate posts · 1 piece per board
0 ft scrap (0%)
1 × 2 × 4 frame, 4' wide @ 8'
Gate frames · 1 piece per board
2 ft scrap (25%)

Sheet goods and pre-built parts (Top & bottom rails) aren't cut from stock lengths — see the shopping list for those.

Estimates only. Includes a 1/8" blade kerf per cut. Measure your own site and check board lengths at the yard before buying.

Fence post embedment2 ft vs 2.7 ft min embedment
Posts buried 2 ft meet the 1/3-of-post-length guideline for a 6 ft fence.

This is an automated sanity check against published residential span guidance — estimates only, not a stamped engineering review. Local code and your inspector always govern; confirm sizing and embedment with your building department before you build.

Check a contractor bid

Free

Enter what a pro quoted you. We'll break it down against this project's materials and national labor rates.

Bid totalMaterials (optional)Labor (optional)

$2,859

incl. 10% waste

Materials

Sections: 15
Posts: 18
Rails: 50
Pickets/panels: 268
Concrete bags: 36

Fence calculator questions

Common questions about this takeoff. All output is an estimate only — confirm quantities and prices before you buy.