Fence Post Calculator

Fence Post Calculator

Instantly estimate posts and concrete for your project with our precise wood fence material calculator.

Fence Length

10 ft500 ft

Post Spacing

Add Extra Posts

Add extras for corners, gate supports, or end posts.

Tip: Always add at least 1 extra post per gate and corner change.

Total Required

Total Posts Needed 0

Concrete Needed (50lb Bags)

Based on 2ft depth: 0 Bags

Installation Tip:

For a solid install, bury at least 1/3 of the post length underground. If you need 6ft above ground, buy 9ft or 10ft posts.

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How It Works

1

Measure Length

Enter the total linear footage of the fence line you plan to install.

2

Set Spacing

Choose 6ft or 8ft spacing. 8ft is standard for most residential wood and wire fences.

3

Add Extras

Use the quantity adder for corner posts, gate posts, or end posts to get an exact count.

Setting Posts: Concrete vs. Gravel

Concrete: The most secure method. Essential for gate posts and corners that bear weight. Our how much cement for fence post calculator feature assumes about 1.5 to 2 bags (50lb) per standard post hole.

Gravel/Dirt: Packing posts with crushed gravel allows for better drainage and is easier to replace later. This is often sufficient for line posts in areas with low wind.

Wood vs. Concrete Posts

Wood Posts: Traditional and affordable ($15-$30 each). Pressure-treated pine is standard, but cedar resists rot naturally.

Concrete Posts: Extremely durable and rot-proof, but heavy and difficult to install. Often used with slide-in fence panels in the UK and Europe.

User Reviews

4.7 (65 Reviews)

"The extra post feature is exactly what I needed. I forgot to account for my double gates initially."

M
Mark S.

"Spot on with the concrete bags. Ordered exactly what the tool said and had one bag leftover."

J
Jessica T.

"Simple and fast. Used it to price out a 200ft privacy fence in my backyard."

D
Dave R.

"I appreciate the tip about post depth. Saved me from a wobbly fence."

A
Amanda L.

"Works great on mobile. Calculated my materials right at Home Depot."

R
Robert P.

"Calculates posts correctly, but remember to add end posts manually if you have weird angles."

S
Steve W.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep should I dig my fence post holes?
A general rule of thumb is to bury 1/3 of the post length underground. For a 6ft high fence, you need an 8ft or 9ft post buried 2-3 feet deep. Always check your local frost line depth.
How many bags of concrete per post?
For a standard 4x4 post in a 10-inch wide, 2-foot deep hole, you typically need about 1.5 to 2 bags of 50lb fast-setting concrete mix.
Should I use 6ft or 8ft spacing?
8ft is the standard for most residential fences because lumber (2x4 rails) comes in 8ft lengths. Use 6ft spacing for taller fences (over 6ft) or in areas with very high winds for extra stability.
Do I need to cement every post?
It is highly recommended to concrete every post for longevity. However, some builders only concrete the corner, end, and gate posts, while packing the line posts with crushed gravel.