Wood Fence Calculator

A wood fence calculator computes the amount of material and dimensions used to build a wood fence. It approximates the number of posts, rails, and pickets you would require and the spacing of posts and pickets if your project specifications demand, among other supplies, to be ordered depending on specific design parameters of your fence. This tool streamlines the planning stages of a wall construction by giving accurate material estimates while avoiding material shortages or excess waste.

Calculation Process

Let’s break down the steps involved in determining the material for a wood fence

Determine the Total Length of The Fence

The first step in building a wood fence is determining the length you need. This is simply the perimeter of the area to be fenced in. Measure the space that the fence will enclose.

For example: Assume you are erecting a wall around a rectangular yard. You measure the four sides of the yard to find that the sum of the perimeter length of the wall is 150 feet.

Calculate the Number of Posts Required

Now, determine how far apart your fence posts will be. Most fencing styles leave a space between 6 or 8 feet between posts. This will depend upon your style and type of fencing.

Formula: Number of posts = Total length of fence / Post spacing + 1 (Add 1 for the posts at the end of the fence)

• Example: for a 150-foot fence with 6-foot post spacing
• Number of posts = 150 feet/ 6 feet = 25 posts

You also need to add an account for corner posts and end posts. For example, if your project has two corners, you can add 4 posts, 2 at each corner, for your computation.

• Total posts 25 + 4 = 29 posts

Select the Height of the Fence

Next, you must also consider how high you will build your fence. The height varies depending on the use of your fence. Privacy fences are usually built at 6 to 8 feet, while decorative fences are only 3 to 4 feet. Let’s illustrate this: assume that you want a 6-foot-high fence.

Determine the Number of Pickets

It is essential to understand the width of each picket and the gap between them before calculation. Pickets for a privacy fence are spaced on average 1.5 to 2 inches apart. A picket fence, however, is spaced wider. If you use 3.5-inch wide pickets and a 2-inch gap between every picket, it will take 5.5 inches per section of picket.

Formula: Number of pickets = total length of fence in inches /width of each picket + gap

Example:

• Convert the total length of the fence to inches
• 150 feet = 150 x 12 = 1800 inches
• Each picket takes up 5.5 inches
• Number of pickets = 1800/ 5.5 = 327 pickets

Calculate the Number of Rails

Rails are horizontal supports that attach posts and support the picket. For example, a 6-foot-high privacy fence will need 2 rails, but an 8-foot fence would require 3 rails to support it.

Formula: Total number of rails = total length of fence/post spacing x number rails per section.

• Example: For a 150-foot fence with 6-foot post spacing, use 2 rails per section.

• Number of rails = 150/ 6 x 2 = 50 rails

Calculate the Volume of Concrete 

To set the posts, you will need concrete. The amount of concrete will depend on the diameter and depth of the holes you dig for the posts. Standard sizes for setting holes for a 4×4 post are 12 inches long and 2 feet deep.

For every post, you will need about 0.5 cubic feet of concrete. To determine how many cubic feet of concrete you will need for 29 posts:

• Total concrete = 29 x 0.5 = 14.5 cubic feet of concrete

Final Material List

For your 150-foot tall wood fence with 6-foot post spacing. Here is the breakdown of the materials

• 29 posts, including the corner and end posts
• 327 pickets
• 50 rails, 2 rails per secession 
• 14.5. Cubic feet concrete 

Frequently Asked Question 

Q: What units of Measurement Do I Use in The Wood Fence Calculator?

Generally, it is possible to input measurements in feet, inches, and yards for overall length, post spacing, and fence height when using a wood fence calculator. Measurement consistency will help prevent calculation mistakes. For example, if you input the total fence length in feet, ensure the post spacing and height are also in feet. Accurate inputs will support a more precise Timber Material Takeoff, helping you estimate the correct amount of wood and other materials needed for your fence project”

Q: Does a Wood Fence Calculator Handle Sloping or Uneven Ground?

Most simple wood fence calculators don’t consider sloping ground or slopes because they usually assume the ground is flat. However, if your project site has sloping ground, you’ll have to alter the depth and spacing of posts based on the slope’s angle. For instance, you might dig deeper holes for the low side of the hill or change the post’s length. You can place additional posts where support is needed in the sloping area.

Q: Adjust My Calculation if My Fence Design Contains Corners or Curves?

When you build with corners or curves

• Corners: You will have to add extra posts on every corner. As a rule of thumb, for each direction of your corners, you’ll need 2 posts.

• Curves: If you use a fence that crosses over with a curve, the space between the posts may be closer to include the curve. The number of posts must also be adjusted to ensure your fence follows the curve perfectly.

Using the calculator, you can manually change the total length of your fence or adjust post spacing in areas with curves.