Fence Material Calculator

Professional Fence Material Calculator

Estimated Material List

Vertical Posts: 0

Fence Pickets: 0

Horizontal Rails: 0

Concrete Bags (2 per post): 0

* Includes 5% waste buffer for pickets and rails.

function calculateFence() { var length = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fenceLength').value); var postSpacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postSpacing').value); var picketWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('picketWidth').value); var picketGap = parseFloat(document.getElementById('picketGap').value); var railRows = parseInt(document.getElementById('railRows').value); var railLength = parseFloat(document.getElementById('railLength').value); if (isNaN(length) || length <= 0) { alert("Please enter a valid fence length."); return; } // Post Calculation (Length / Spacing, then add 1 for the end) var posts = Math.ceil(length / postSpacing) + 1; // Picket Calculation // Convert length to inches, divide by (picket width + gap) var totalInches = length * 12; var picketCoverage = picketWidth + picketGap; var pickets = Math.ceil(totalInches / picketCoverage); // Add 5% waste factor var picketsWithWaste = Math.ceil(pickets * 1.05); // Rail Calculation // Total linear feet of rails needed = length * number of rows // Total pieces = Total linear feet / standard rail length var totalRailFeet = length * railRows; var rails = Math.ceil(totalRailFeet / railLength); // Add 5% waste factor var railsWithWaste = Math.ceil(rails * 1.05); // Concrete Calculation (General rule: 2 bags per post) var concreteBags = posts * 2; // Display Results document.getElementById('resPosts').innerText = posts + " posts"; document.getElementById('resPickets').innerText = picketsWithWaste + " pickets"; document.getElementById('resRails').innerText = railsWithWaste + " pieces (" + railLength + "ft each)"; document.getElementById('resConcrete').innerText = concreteBags + " bags"; document.getElementById('fenceResults').style.display = 'block'; }

---

How to Calculate Fence Materials for Your Project

Planning a DIY fence project requires precision to ensure you don't overspend or run out of materials midway through the build. This fence material calculator is designed to provide an accurate estimate for standard wood privacy fences, picket fences, and post-and-rail designs.

Understanding the Components

• Posts: These are the vertical anchors. Standard spacing is usually 6 to 8 feet. For heavy wood fences, 6-foot spacing provides better structural integrity.
• Rails: The horizontal boards that connect your posts. Most residential fences use 2 or 3 rails depending on the height (3 rails are recommended for fences 6 feet or taller).
• Pickets: The vertical slats that provide privacy or decoration. The width of these varies, typically between 3.5 and 5.5 inches.

Example Calculation: 100-Foot Privacy Fence

Let's look at a realistic scenario for a 100-foot backyard fence:

• Length: 100 Feet
• Post Spacing: 8 Feet
• Picket Width: 5.5 Inches (Standard "6-inch" picket)
• Gap: 0 Inches (Full privacy)
• Rails: 3 Rows (Top, Middle, Bottom)

The Math:

1. Posts: 100 / 8 = 12.5. We round up to 13 and add 1 for the corner, totaling 14 posts.
2. Pickets: 100 feet * 12 inches = 1,200 total inches. 1,200 / 5.5 = 218.18. We add a 5% waste factor, resulting in approximately 230 pickets.
3. Rails: 100 feet * 3 rows = 300 linear feet. If using 8-foot rails, 300 / 8 = 37.5. Rounding up with waste gives us 40 rail boards.

Pro Tips for Accurate Estimating

Always measure your perimeter twice. Remember to account for gates; while they occupy space, they often require different hardware and additional "gate posts" which are thicker and deeper than line posts. Our calculator includes a 5% waste buffer for pickets and rails because wood often has knots or splits that make certain pieces unusable.

Note: Check your local building codes for depth requirements regarding fence posts. In cold climates, posts must often be buried below the frost line to prevent "heaving" during winter months.