Fence Calculator
Estimate fence panels, posts, rails, gate openings, and waste for a straight or perimeter fence run.
Enter your numbers
How this calculator works
Installed sections = (fence run − gate openings) ÷ panel width, rounded up. Spare allowance is then applied to the panel purchase quantity. Posts and rails follow the installed layout so spare panels do not create extra post locations.
Worked example
A 200 ft fence with one 4 ft gate, 8 ft panels, and 5% extra needs 25 installed sections and 27 purchased panels after the spare allowance is rounded up.
Sources & assumptions
Panels are rounded up to whole units. Gate widths are removed from the panel run; post count and rail count remain planning assumptions because corners, slopes, terminal posts, and manufacturer systems vary.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence posts do I need?
For a simple panel fence, a practical estimate is one more post than the number of panel sections, plus extra posts around gates or corners.
Should I include waste?
Yes. Five to ten percent extra is common for cuts, damaged material, layout changes, and future repairs.
Fence layout guide
Plan panel spacing, gates, corners, spare material, and utility checks with the Fence post spacing and panel count guide.