Fence Calculator
Enter the run length, gates and board style. The calculator counts boards, posts, concrete bags and screws - the full hardware list before the first hole gets dug.
Fence math is friendlier than it looks: each board plus its gap eats a fixed slice of the run, posts go every 8 feet, and every post drinks two bags of concrete. The gates are where budgets die - doubled posts and framing rails - so they get counted separately instead of forgotten.
How to use
- Measure the run in feet - including the sides people always forget.
- Count the gates: each one doubles its posts and adds framing boards.
- Pick the style: privacy boards pack tight, pickets breathe. The list updates live.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence boards do I need for 200 feet?
A privacy fence (6-inch board, 1-inch gap) runs about 7 inches per board-and-gap, so 200 feet takes roughly 345 boards; pickets with 2.5-inch gaps run closer to 300. The calculator uses your exact style and adds gate framing and the 10 percent damage cushion the lumber yard will make you wish you had.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Every 8 feet is the standard for wood fences - closer on high-wind lots or heavy privacy builds. Every gate gets doubled posts on each side, because a sagging gate is almost always a post problem, not a hinge problem. The calculator adds the corner and gate posts automatically.
How much concrete per fence post?
Two 50-pound bags per hole is the working rule - the post sits on a gravel base, gets centered, and the concrete tops out a couple inches below grade so water does not pool at the collar. A 200-foot run with standard spacing lands near 28 posts and about 56 bags.
Should I call 811 before digging a fence?
Yes - always and everywhere. Utility marking is free, fast, and legally required in most states, and the fence line is exactly where hidden gas, water and internet lines live. Property lines are the second check: a fence on the wrong side of the survey is an expensive conversation with a neighbor.