Interactive fence material, concrete and cost planner
Fence Calculator
Plan straight, L-shaped, U-shaped or enclosed fences. Estimate posts, sections, rails, pickets, concrete, fasteners, waste and project cost with a live scaled layout.
Design your fence project
Choose the layout and enter each active run separately. The plan and shopping list update when you calculate.
Complete fence estimate
Your fence project
Live fence layout
The diagram is a proportional planning aid, not a survey drawing. Posts are shown along every active run.
How the estimate is divided
Prices are planning estimates only and exclude taxes, delivery, permits, tool hire and site-specific work unless entered above.
Fence shopping list
Purchase quantities include the selected waste allowance where it is practical to apply it.
| Item | Quantity | Unit cost | Subtotal |
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Recent fence estimates
How the fence calculation works
The calculator treats each straight run separately, rounds material quantities up and then applies the chosen waste allowance.
Usable fence length
Total run length minus all gate openings.
Posts and sections
Each run is divided by the selected maximum spacing. Corners, ends and gate posts are added separately.
Concrete
Post-hole volume is estimated as a cylinder, reduced by approximately 10% for the space occupied by the post.
Pickets and rails
Pickets use their combined board-and-gap width; rails use the number of calculated sections.
Fence planning checklist
- Confirm the property boundary and locate underground utilities before digging.
- Check local permit, height, setback and pool-barrier rules.
- Measure each straight run independently and mark every gate location.
- Use the frost-line and soil conditions to choose a safe post depth.
- Allow extra materials for slopes, corners, damaged boards and future repairs.
- Obtain a contractor or engineer review for retaining, structural or high-wind applications.
Planning a fence on sloping ground
Stepped panels remain level and change height at each post. A contour or racked fence follows the ground more continuously. The suitable method depends on the panel system, slope and manufacturer limits.
Fence Calculator FAQ
How many fence posts do I need?
The calculator divides every straight run by the maximum post spacing, then adds the required corner, end and gate posts.
Are gate openings included in the total length?
Yes. Enter run lengths including the gates, then enter the gate count and width so the openings can be removed from the material length.
How deep should fence posts be?
Depth depends on fence height, soil, wind and the local frost line. Many projects use roughly one-third of the above-ground post length, but local requirements take priority.
How much concrete is needed per post?
The tool estimates the cylindrical post-hole volume and subtracts about 10% for the post. Irregular holes and loose soil can require more.
How much waste should I add?
Five to ten percent is common for straightforward work. Complex corners, slopes and custom cuts may justify a larger allowance.
What is the difference between stepped and contour fencing?
Stepped sections stay level and move up or down at posts. Contour or racked fencing follows the slope between posts.
Does the cost include labour and gates?
Yes, when you enter a labour rate and gate price. Taxes, delivery, permits and equipment remain separate unless included in your prices.
Can I use the plan as a survey drawing?
No. It is a visual estimate. Confirm boundaries, utilities, elevations and construction details on site.
Why are quantities rounded up?
Fence materials are normally purchased as whole posts, panels, rails, boards and bags, so the calculator rounds purchasing quantities upward.