Groundlane

Fence Calculator

Estimate fence posts, panels and footing concrete for a new fence.

ft
ft
%
$/post
$/panel

Posts needed

17

Panels
15
With waste
16 panels
Footing concrete (est.)
26.7 ft³

How we calculate this

Panels = total fence length ÷ post spacing (rounded up). Posts = panels + 1, plus one extra post per gate opening. Each post footing is estimated at a standard 12" diameter × 2 ft deep hole.

Example

A 120 ft fence run with 8 ft post spacing and 1 gate needs 15 panels and 17 posts, plus about 26.7 cubic feet of footing concrete.

Measuring tips

Measure the total perimeter or run length, accounting for corners separately if your fence changes direction. Standard post spacing is 6–8 ft depending on panel size and fence style.

Common mistakes

  • Forgetting to add extra posts for gate openings.
  • Not accounting for slope, which can require stepped panels or extra posts.
  • Skipping footing concrete from the material list.

Frequently asked questions

How far apart should fence posts be?

6–8 ft is standard for most residential wood and vinyl fence panels — check your panel size for the exact spacing.

How much concrete do I need per fence post?

A standard 12" diameter, 2 ft deep footing uses roughly 1.57 cubic feet of concrete per post — see the Concrete Calculator for footings of other sizes.

Related calculators

Estimates are provided for planning purposes. Actual material requirements may vary based on supplier specifications, compaction, site conditions, installation method, waste, and local code.