Fence Calculator
Estimate fence panels, posts, rails, concrete bags, gate materials and total cost for a straight fence run.
Default project preview
12 panels
Fence posts
14
Horizontal rails
24
Concrete bags
28
Gate openings
1
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Panelled length = total fence length − gate openings. Panels = round up (panelled length ÷ panel width). Posts = panels + gates + 1.
FAQ
Fence Calculator questions
Why is the post count greater than the panel count?+
Each run needs a post at both ends, and gate openings create an additional span between posts.
How much concrete is needed per fence post?+
It depends on hole diameter, depth, soil, frost line and post size. Enter the bag quantity appropriate for the project.
Can one panel be cut shorter?+
Many panel systems can be trimmed, but the method depends on the product and construction.
Project guide
Use this calculator with confidence
Last reviewed: July 19, 2026
The fence calculator converts total run length, gate openings and panel width into rounded panels, posts, rails, concrete bags and material cost. It is intended for early ordering, not for choosing post depth or structural details. Slopes, corners, changes in direction, terminal posts and custom gates can change the count, so sketch the fence line and calculate separate runs when the layout is complex.
How to use it
- 1Measure each straight fence run and mark every corner.
- 2Enter gate count and actual gate-opening width.
- 3Use the selected panel or bay width.
- 4Review the calculated posts against ends, corners and gate posts on the sketch.
Worked example
A 100 ft run with one 4 ft gate leaves 96 ft for panels. At 8 ft per panel, 12 panels fit exactly. The basic post model adds panel endpoints and gate supports, then concrete bags are based on the entered rate per post.
What the defaults mean
8 ft panel
A common example; use the actual product or bay spacing.
Two rails
A planning input for a simple panel system.
Concrete bags per post
Must reflect hole size, depth, soil and local requirements.
| Fence feature | Count effect | Check |
|---|---|---|
| End of run | terminal post | hardware and bracing |
| Corner | corner post | direction change |
| Gate | two gate supports | opening and hardware |
| Slope | may alter panels | stepped or racked layout |
Common measurement mistakes
- Measuring around corners as one uninterrupted run.
- Subtracting gate width but forgetting gate posts.
- Assuming every final panel remains full width.
- Using a generic concrete rate without calculating hole volume.
Limits and safety
- Does not set post depth, wind design or property boundaries.
- Panel trimming and slope treatment are product-specific.
- Confirm utilities and local requirements before digging.
Continue the project
calculate fence-post spacing — Lay out custom bays instead of stock panels.
plan a fence gate opening — Estimate frame, boards and hardware.
calculate concrete for fence posts — Use actual hole diameter and depth.
build a detailed fence material budget — Compare panels, posts, rails and accessories.