Create a fence material list from up to three connected straight runs. Choose panels or individual pickets, subtract gate openings, set maximum post spacing, and estimate posts, panels or pickets, rails, user-sized post-hole concrete, accessories, and entered costs.
Formula
Connected runs share corner posts. Gate openings reduce covered fence length; the default counting rule adds two dedicated posts per gate.
covered length = sum(runs) − gate count × gate width
sections = ceil(covered length ÷ maximum post spacing)
posts = sections + 1 + 2 × gate count
panels = ceil(covered length ÷ panel width)
pickets = ceil(covered length ÷ (picket width + gap))
hole volume = posts × π × (diameter / 2)² × depth
bags = ceil(hole volume ÷ entered bag yield)
Measurement plan and assumptions
Measure each straight run between changes of direction. Do not add the same corner to both runs. Record every gate or permanent opening and check whether its posts replace or supplement nearby line posts. The diagram is schematic; it helps label runs and does not locate property lines, utilities, easements, grade changes, or code-required setbacks.
Worked example
For one 40 ft run with one 4 ft gate and an 8 ft maximum spacing, covered length is 36 ft and the calculator creates 5 sections. Its explicit gate rule counts 8 posts: 6 for the connected line plus 2 gate posts. With 8 ft panels, purchase 5 panels. For 12 in diameter × 30 in deep holes, concrete volume is about 15.71 ft³; at 0.60 ft³ per bag, that is 27 whole bags.
Before purchasing
Confirm panel width, picket face width, rail length, gate hardware, cap fit, fastener compatibility, actual concrete yield, and any corner or terminal-post detail in the selected system. Post spacing is a maximum input, so the final layout may use shorter bays. Verify boundaries, underground utilities, frost depth, wind exposure, and local requirements with the responsible authorities.
Common mistakes include double-counting shared corners, forgetting gate width, mixing nominal and actual picket width, using panel width as post spacing without checking the system, and treating a bag's weight as its concrete yield.
Examples
Picket mode
For 36 ft of coverage, 5.5 in pickets with 0.5 in gaps repeat every 6 in, so
the area-based row estimate is ceil(432 ÷ 6) = 72 pickets before any project
specific spare allowance.