Fence Calculator
Count fence posts, panels, pickets or chain-link rolls from run length, post spacing, corners and gates, then total your own material and labor prices.
Interactive calculator · Method FENCE-COST-1.0 · Last reviewed: 2026-11-04
Calculate your scenario
Fenced length = run − gates × gate width.
Your inputs
Default worked example. Edit the inputs to calculate your scenario.
Default worked example
150 ft − 4 ft of gates = 146 ft ÷ 8 ft = 19 bays; posts = 2 ends + 2 corners + 2 × 1 gates + 18 line = 24.
How to use the calculator
Measure the whole run including gate openings, enter the post spacing your supplier specifies, count the free ends, corners and gates, pick the style and its size, then enter your prices.
What the result means
A 150 ft run with one 4 ft gate and two corners at 8 ft spacing has 146 ft of fence in 19 bays: 24 posts (6 end, corner and gate posts plus 18 line posts) and 19 panels, about $1,890 at the example prices.
Formula and units
Fenced length = run − gates × gate width. Bays = fenced length ÷ post spacing, rounded up. Terminal posts = free ends + corners + 2 per gate. Line posts = bays − 1 (or all bays for a closed loop with no corners or gates). Panels = fenced length ÷ panel width; pickets = fenced length × 12 ÷ (picket width + gap); rolls = fenced length ÷ roll length; each rounded up. Materials = posts, panels/pickets/rolls and gates at your prices; labor = run length × your per-foot quote.
Worked examples
150 ft panel fence with one gate: Total fence run, including gates: 150 ft; Post spacing (from the supplier or panel width): 8 ft; Free ends (2 for one open run, 0 for a closed loop): 2 end posts; Corners: 2 corner posts; Gates: 1 gates; Width of each gate opening: 4 ft; Panel width (panels): 8 ft; Picket or board width (pickets): 3.5 in; Gap between pickets (pickets): 0.5 in; Chain-link roll length (chain-link): 50 ft; Price per post (example $25; your quote): 25 $ each; Price per panel, picket or roll (example $60): 60 $ each; Price per gate (example $150): 150 $ each; Labor per foot of run (your quote; 0 to skip): 0 $ per ft; Fence style: panel.
Example result: Posts: 24 (6 end, corner and gate + 18 line); Panels, pickets or rolls: 19 panels; Fenced length without gates: 146 ft; Materials cost: $1,890.00; Labor cost: $0.00; Total cost: $1,890.00.
200 ft chain-link run with labor quote: Total fence run, including gates: 200 ft; Post spacing (from the supplier or panel width): 10 ft; Free ends (2 for one open run, 0 for a closed loop): 2 end posts; Corners: 3 corner posts; Gates: 1 gates; Width of each gate opening: 4 ft; Panel width (panels): 8 ft; Picket or board width (pickets): 3.5 in; Gap between pickets (pickets): 0.5 in; Chain-link roll length (chain-link): 50 ft; Price per post (example $25; your quote): 30 $ each; Price per panel, picket or roll (example $60): 120 $ each; Price per gate (example $150): 180 $ each; Labor per foot of run (your quote; 0 to skip): 12 $ per ft; Fence style: chain.
Example result: Posts: 26 (7 end, corner and gate + 19 line); Panels, pickets or rolls: 4 rolls; Fenced length without gates: 196 ft; Materials cost: $1,440.00; Labor cost: $2,400.00; Total cost: $3,840.00.
Limitations and common mistakes
The post count assumes each straight section ends in a partial bay; if a section divides evenly by the spacing you may need one fewer line post for each corner or gate. Rails, brackets, concrete, hardware, tension wire and permits are not included. Prices, spacing and labor are your quotes. This does not set property lines, check local fence rules, post depth or wind load.
Dividing the run by the spacing and stopping there: that undercounts by the extra terminal posts at every end, corner and gate.
Sources and assumptions
Method FENCE-COST-1.0; last formula review 2026-11-04. Sources and their supported claims. Calculation methodology.