Use our free fence calculator to work out how many posts, rails, pickets, or panels you need for any fence project. Enter your fence length, height, and type to get an instant materials list — including concrete bags for post footings.

How to Use the Fence Calculator

• Enter your total fence length in linear feet or metres (measure the perimeter you want to enclose)
• Select your fence height — 6 ft is standard for privacy, 4 ft for garden borders
• Choose your fence type — wood picket, privacy board, chain link, or vinyl
• Set post spacing — 6 ft is most common; 8 ft for chain link
• Add gates if needed — each gate adds 2 extra posts
• Click Calculate to see your full materials list

Post Spacing Guide

Fence Type	Recommended Spacing	Notes
Wood Picket / Privacy	6 ft (1.8 m)	Standard — balances strength and cost
Chain Link	8 ft (2.4 m)	Tension wire allows wider spans
Vinyl / PVC	6–8 ft	Follow panel manufacturer spec
Post & Rail	8–10 ft	Rustic style, wider spans acceptable

How Deep Should Fence Posts Go?

A general rule: bury one-third of the post in the ground. For a 6 ft fence you need 9 ft posts — 6 ft above ground, 3 ft below. In frost-prone areas, go below the frost line (typically 3–4 ft in northern climates).

Fence Height	Post Length	Burial Depth	Concrete Bags per Post
4 ft	6 ft	2 ft	1–2 bags
5 ft	8 ft	2.5 ft	2 bags
6 ft	9 ft	3 ft	2–3 bags
8 ft	12 ft	4 ft	3–4 bags

Fence Cost per Linear Foot Guide

Fence Type	Materials Only	Installed (Labour + Materials)
Wood Picket	$15–$25 / ft	$30–$55 / ft
Wood Privacy	$20–$35 / ft	$40–$75 / ft
Chain Link	$10–$18 / ft	$20–$40 / ft
Vinyl / PVC	$25–$45 / ft	$50–$100 / ft