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Fence Calculator

Estimate fence sections, posts, rails and pickets, accounting for open ends or a closed loop.

Your numbers

Make it your own
Updates as you type
Fence posts
14

Calculated from your inputs · rounded for display

Fence sections12
Rails24
Pickets including waste225
Entered material cost$1,265.00

Straight open fence or a closed loop with evenly spaced gate openings. Corners, unequal runs and shared existing posts require a separate layout. Gate leaves and hardware are excluded.

Your calculation, step by step

No black boxes
  1. Fenced length = 100 − 1 × 4.
  2. Gate openings are assumed evenly distributed into equal fence runs. Round up to a feasible number of sections across those runs.
  3. Posts = sections + gates + 1 for the two ends.

What if things were different?

Save up to three scenarios, then change your inputs to compare the possibilities.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your own values in the labeled fields. Check the units and assumptions before comparing results. Only the fields needed for your selected calculation mode are shown.
  2. Your answer updates automatically. Review the calculation steps to see exactly how it was calculated.
  3. Copy, share, save, or download your result. Saved inputs stay on this device.

How the calculation works

Posts = sections + gates + (open path ? 1 : 0)

Gate openings are evenly distributed into equal-length runs in this model. Sections are rounded per run. Posts at gate sides are included; open paths have an extra endpoint post. Existing posts, corners and unequal runs need an actual layout. Review the units, period and assumptions before comparing scenarios. Displayed values are rounded, while the underlying calculation retains its available precision.

A worked example

An open 80-ft fence without gates and an 8-ft maximum section has 10 sections and 11 posts. A closed loop of the same size has 10 posts.

Reading your result

Use the main result together with its units and supporting figures. Display values are rounded; calculations keep their underlying precision. A change in inputs or assumptions can change the answer. Compare the step-by-step working with your intended use before relying on an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

What assumptions does this calculation use?

Gate openings are evenly distributed into equal-length runs in this model. Sections are rounded per run. Posts at gate sides are included; open paths have an extra endpoint post. Existing posts, corners and unequal runs need an actual layout.

Can I save or check a scenario?

The result includes the working and supporting values. Save and Restore keep inputs on this device; Copy, Download and Print export the result. Sharing a scenario explicitly includes the inputs in its link.

Sources & methodology

This calculator uses the mathematical identity and assumptions stated above. No current rates, prices, or external data are loaded. Conversion tools use international unit definitions.

Formula review: October 24, 2026. Read our methodology.