Structure calculator

Fence Calculator

Estimate panels, posts, rails, and concrete from a fence run. Switch between US customary and metric units, adjust the assumptions, and keep every step visible.

01 Measure02 Allow03 Order

Project inputs

Use one unit system throughout. Defaults show a realistic example; replace them with measurements from your project.

Unit system

Total fence runExample input — replace with your project value.ftPanel / bay widthPlanning default — verify the selected product or project specification.ftNumber of gatesExample input — replace with your project value.Total gate widthExample input — replace with your project value.ftPost-hole diameterPlanning default — verify the selected product or project specification.inPost-hole depthPlanning default — verify the selected product or project specification.ftWaste allowanceAdd for cuts, breakage, spillage, and uneven site conditions.%

Measurement guideMeasure the full run and height; subtract gates or openings where requested.

Measure the finished shape. Corner, end, gate, and line posts may differ. Confirm spacing, wind loading, frost depth, utilities, boundaries, and local rules before digging.

Estimate matches the inputs shown.

ReviewedNovember 2, 2026

ByBuildGauge Editorial Team

ScopeFormula, defaults & sources

Report an issue ↗

The calculation

A visible formula, not a black box.

Panels & posts · Mathematical derivationpanels = (fence run − gate width) ÷ panel width; posts = panels + gates + 1

Inputs are converted to a common base unit before calculation. Purchase quantities are rounded only at the final buying boundary.

Example inputDefaultStatus

Total fence run100 ftReplace with measurement

Panel / bay width8 ftPlanning default — verify

Number of gates1 Planning default — verify

Total gate width4 ftPlanning default — verify

Post-hole diameter10 inPlanning default — verify

Post-hole depth3 ftPlanning default — verify

Waste allowance5 %Planning default — verify

Worked example

Example: a 100 ft fence run

After one 4 ft gate, 8 ft bays produce 12 panels; the post and concrete figures remain layout estimates.

Use this to understand the workflow—not as a recommendation for your project.

Sources & scope

What supports this calculation.

Manufacturer dataQUIKRETE — Setting Posts in Concrete ↗

General post-hole proportions for the named method; local frost, wind, soil, and design conditions still govern.

Mathematical derivationNIST SI conversion factors ↗

Exact length, area, and volume unit conversions; the project formula is derived from standard geometry.

Common mistakes

Check the job, not just the number.

01Leaving the example fence panels inputs unchanged instead of entering measured project values.
02Treating an editable coverage, size, density, or allowance as universal instead of checking the selected product label, project documents, and local requirements.
03Ordering from the rounded result without reviewing exclusions: Corner, end, gate, and line posts may differ. Confirm spacing, wind loading, frost depth, utilities, boundaries, and local rules before digging.

Questions, answered

Fence panels FAQ

What does the Fence Calculator estimate?

Estimate panels, posts, rails, and concrete from a fence run. The primary output is panels & posts, with the intermediate assumptions kept visible.

How is the fence panels result calculated?

The visible formula is: panels = (fence run − gate width) ÷ panel width; posts = panels + gates + 1. Inputs are converted to a common base unit before the final purchase boundary is rounded.

Are the default values recommendations?

No. Dimensions are worked examples and product-dependent presets are planning defaults. Replace them with the selected product label, project documents, and local requirements.

Is the result ready to order from?

Use it as a checked planning estimate, then confirm packaging, minimum orders, installation instructions, site conditions, and any code or professional-design requirements.