What this fence material calculator covers
This fence calculator estimates a single straight-run material plan for a wood fence or chain link fence. It is a planning tool, not an engineering drawing, permit calculation, or a multi-segment estimator.
Calculation assumptions, shown openly
- Post count starts with
ceil(fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1. Two extra gate posts are added for each gate. - Rail count uses one rail for every 24 inches of fence height, multiplied by the straight-run sections. The default post spacing is 8 ft.
- Post length is estimated as 1.5 × fence height. The implied minimum embedment is one-third of post length.
- Concrete volume and bags are calculated only after you enter your own per-post hole volume and bag yield from the product packaging.
- Cost uses only the local unit prices you enter. No manufacturer, store, or built-in material price is used.
Fence estimator FAQ
Can I use this as a wood fence calculator?
Yes. Choose a wood privacy fence or wood picket fence, then enter your board width and gap.
Can I use this for a chain link fence?
Yes. Choose chain link. The output labels the vertical-infill result as fence fabric length rather than picket count.
Does this fence estimator save projects or calculate several fence runs?
No. It is deliberately a fast, single-run calculator with no sign-in, history, map measurement, cart, or multi-segment mode.