Fence material and cost estimator
Fence Calculator
Plan posts, bays, rails, pickets or prebuilt panels, gate openings and post-hole concrete for one or more fence runs. Add local prices for a line-by-line material estimate.
Layout formulas checked against Lowe's fence worksheetUpdated
Project inputs
Lay out the fence
Fence runsAdd each straight side so corner and endpoint posts are counted correctly.
Post-hole concrete
Optional material prices
Estimated material costUSD 1,676
For 100 ft of open fence with 1 gate and a 10% material allowance.
13 bays across 100 ft; 1 gate opening.
Purchase checklist
Fence material breakdown
| Material | Quantity | Unit price | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated material total | USD 1,676 | ||
Prices are editable planning inputs. Delivery, fasteners, caps, stain, permits, labor, taxes and site preparation are not included.
Transparent math
How this fence estimate is calculated
- 1Divide each run into equal post bays
ceil(100 ft / 8 ft) = 13 bays
- 2Count shared corners, endpoints and gate posts
13 bays + 1 endpoint + 1 gate post = 15 posts
- 3Remove gate openings from fence coverage
100 ft - (1 x 4 ft) = 96 ft
- 4Calculate boards or panels and allowance
ceil(96 ft x 12 / 6 in) x 1.10 = 212 pickets
- 5Calculate concrete as the hole minus the post
15 x [cylindrical hole volume - post volume] / 0.45 ft³ = 31 bags
Planning guidance
Assumptions to verify before buying
Post and panel spacing
The calculator treats your spacing as a maximum and divides each run into equal bays. Prebuilt systems must use the manufacturer's exact panel and post dimensions.
Gate posts
One extra post is added for each gate opening, following the Lowe's worksheet convention. Heavy or double gates may require larger posts and separate hardware.
Concrete volume
Concrete is based on the cylindrical hole volume less the square post volume. Soil, frost depth, wind exposure and local code can require larger or deeper footings.
Before digging
Confirm property lines, permits and local fence rules. In the United States, contact 811 before digging so underground utilities can be marked.
Common planning questions
Fence calculator FAQ
How does the calculator handle fence corners?
When connected runs is enabled, adjacent straight runs share their corner post. Enable closed perimeter when the last side joins the first. Disable connected runs when the rows represent separate fence lines.
Why is actual post spacing less than my input?
The spacing input is treated as a maximum. Each run is divided into a whole number of equal bays, so the resulting spacing will be equal to or slightly below the maximum.
Are gate openings included in total fence length?
Yes. Enter the complete measured run including gates. Their combined width is removed before pickets, panels and rails are estimated.
Does the concrete estimate work for different hole sizes?
Yes. It calculates the volume between a cylindrical hole and a square post, then divides total volume by the bag yield you enter.
Does this replace a contractor quote or local code?
No. Use it for purchasing estimates, then confirm structure, footing depth, wind requirements, property boundaries and permits locally.