How to use this calculator
Fence counts must be done run by run. A perimeter total rounded once will miscount corners and gates, because posts are shared at corners and gates need their own posts. This tool counts one isolated straight run at a time — run it once per run and add the runs, adjusting shared corner posts in your own notes.
Enter your own figures in the form above. A blank field is treated as missing — not as zero — so the tool will ask you to complete it. A genuine zero is accepted where it makes sense (for example, no HOA dues). Press Calculate for a breakdown, Load worked example to fill in the example below, or Reset to return to the defaults.
Formula and assumptions
Bays = run length ÷ maximum bay length, rounded UP (the final bay may be cut or equalized). Posts = bays + 1 for an isolated run. Panels = bays × (1 + spare %), rounded UP. Gate note: each gate in the run is reported separately and its posts must be confirmed against the gate hardware, not assumed identical to line posts.
Worked example
Worked example: one 100 ft straight run, no gate, 8 ft maximum bay. Bays/panels 13; posts 14. The final bay is shorter than 8 ft (100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, rounded to 13) and is normally cut or the bays equalized across the run.
Use the Load worked example button above to reproduce this example in the form, then change one input at a time to see what drives the result.
Limitations and common mistakes
No post embedment, footing, slope-stepping, wind-load or code design is included. Slopes, corners shared between runs, double gates and custom panel widths need run-by-run layout drawings. This is a materials count for a straight run, not a fence design.
Frequently asked questions
Why not just divide the whole perimeter by 8?
Because corners share posts and gates break the bay pattern. A perimeter-only count over-counts posts at corners and under-counts gate hardware.
What do I do with the short final bay?
Either cut the last panel or equalize all bays slightly shorter than the maximum. Equalizing usually looks better; cutting is simpler.
How do I handle a corner?
Count each run separately, then subtract one shared post per shared corner from the summed post total in your own schedule.
Sources
No external price, product or market data is used on this page. Every price, density, coverage and rate is a figure you enter, or a clearly labelled illustrative default in the form. Check product labels and supplier quotes for the figures that apply to your job.
Estimates only. Results from this calculator are not a loan offer, appraisal, engineering design, equipment selection or contractor quote.