Free fence calculator plans wood or chain link fences: posts, rails, panels and total cost from your property line dimensions.
This calculator plans a residential boundary fence with two material options: a wood picket fence (vertical boards on 2-3 rails) or a wire mesh fence (chain-link or welded mesh rolls on 2 horizontal rails). Both use posts set in concrete, so the result always includes posts and concrete bags, plus rails and either pickets or mesh rolls.
Enter the total fence length, height, post spacing and gates, then choose the fence type to see the matching material list. Prices are optional - leave them blank for quantities only.
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Example
Example: 30 m Picket Fence with One Gate
Length: 30 m | Height: 1.8 m | Spacing: 2.5 m | Picket: 10 cm + 3 cm gap | Concrete: 2 bags per post
Key Insight: Buy a few extra posts and pickets - corner posts, brace posts and damaged boards are nearly inevitable. A typical 4x4 post (10 x 10 cm) set in a 30 cm hole takes 1-4 x 50 lb bags of fast-set concrete; 2 is the usual residential default.
For a wire mesh fence of the same run, switch to Wire Mesh and enter the mesh roll length - posts, rails (2 per section) and concrete stay the same, and the pickets are replaced by mesh rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Wood fence posts are usually spaced 1.8-2.5 m (6-8 ft) apart, while chain link posts go up to about 3 m (10 ft). The calculator uses your chosen spacing; tighter spacing makes a sturdier fence but costs more in posts.
How many rails does a fence need?
A wood picket fence up to about 1.2 m (4 ft) tall typically uses 2 rails, and 1.8 m (6 ft) fences use 3 rails. A wire mesh fence uses 2 horizontal rails regardless of height. The calculator derives the rail count from the fence type and height you enter - rails are doubled at gate openings.
Do gate posts need to be stronger?
Yes. Gate posts carry the weight of the gate plus wind load, so they are usually one size larger and set deeper in concrete. Each gate adds 2 posts and 2 rails to the material count.
This calculator covers wood picket fences (boards on 2-3 rails) and wire mesh fences (chain-link or welded mesh on 2 horizontal rails). Post spacing and rail counts follow common residential practice; local wind and snow loads may require stronger construction. Gate posts are normally larger and set deeper in concrete. Concrete bag count depends on hole size and soil type - 1 to 4 x 50 lb bags per post is the common range, with 2 the usual residential default. Wire rolls assume a 5% overlap for joins. This calculator is an estimate, not an engineering design.