Fence Cost Calculator
A fence is a repetitive structure — count one section accurately and you've priced the whole line. Enter your fence length, post spacing and local prices: you get post count, section count, rail count, picket count and a total material cost you can take to the hardware store.
How the takeoff is counted
Posts sit 6–8 feet apart (8 ft is standard for wood privacy fence). Every post for a privacy fence needs concrete — see our concrete bag calculator for that part of the order.
Pickets are counted with their gap: a 5.5-inch picket on a privacy fence (no gap) gives about 2.2 pickets per foot. Adjust the gap for shadowbox or spaced-picket styles.
Prices vary hugely by region and lumber market — the defaults here are US big-box 2026 ballparks. Enter your real local prices; the math updates instantly.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
8 feet is standard for wood privacy fences; 6 feet for windy areas or heavier gates. Never exceed the rail's rated span.
How many bags of concrete per post?
Two 50-lb bags (or one 80-lb) per standard 4×4 post in normal soil — use the concrete bag calculator for the full count.
Does this include gates or labor?
No. Add gate hardware separately, and labor typically equals materials — pros often quote $30–60 per linear foot installed.
Related tools
- Takeoff logic: standard US wood fence construction practice. Default prices: US big-box store ranges, 2026 — replace with local quotes.
Last updated: 2026-09-08