Project notes
Understand this estimate
This is a takeoff for one straight run with two ends and no gates. It counts sections and common components from the span you enter, without sizing the structure.
How to use the calculator
Choose panels or individual pickets
Panel mode counts one panel per section. Picket mode calculates pickets from face width and clear gap.
Inputs Fence system
Measure the run and choose the system span
Enter the single-run length and the maximum span allowed by your chosen fence system.
Inputs Run length · Maximum section span
Enter the selected system components
Picket width and gap are used only in picket mode. Enter the whole number of rails per section.
Inputs Picket face width · Gap between pickets · Rails per section
Formula and variables
Sections = round up (run length ÷ maximum span). Posts = sections + 1. Rails = sections × rails per section. Pickets = round up ((run length × 12 + gap) ÷ (picket width + gap)); panels = sections.
- SSection count
- Run length divided by maximum section span, rounded up.sections
- PEnd posts
- Section count plus one for a single run.posts
- W + GPicket pitch
- Picket face width plus clear gap.in
What the result means
Result interpretation
Counts are planning quantities for the stated straight-run assumptions. The output does not evaluate gates, corners, slopes, posts, footings, wind, frost, soil or local code requirements.
Limits and assumptions
Single straight run only. Gates, corners, shared posts, slopes, holes and concrete require a separate plan. Post spacing, embedment, wind/frost/soil and compliance are not determined by this tool.
Worked examples
Pickets on a 100-foot straight run
Assumptions
- The run has two ends and no gates or shared posts.
- The system uses an 8 ft maximum section span.
Calculation
- 100 ÷ 8 rounds up to 13 sections; posts = 13 + 1 = 14.
- 13 × 3 = 39 rails.
- (100 × 12 + 0.25) ÷ (5.5 + 0.25) rounds up to 209 pickets.
| Sections | 13 sections |
|---|---|
| Posts | 14 posts |
| Rails | 39 rails |
| Pickets | 209 pickets |
Preassembled panels on a shorter run
Assumptions
- Two 8 ft sections cover one straight 16 ft run.
- There are two end posts and no gate.
Calculation
- 16 ÷ 8 = 2 sections; 2 + 1 = 3 posts.
- 2 × 3 = 6 rails and 2 panels.
| Sections | 2 sections |
|---|---|
| Posts | 3 posts |
| Rails | 6 rails |
| Panels | 2 panels |
Common questions
- Can I use this for a corner or a gate?
- No. The current takeoff is for one straight ungated run; corners, shared posts and gates change counts.
- Does the calculator choose post spacing?
- No. Enter the allowed span from the selected fence system. Structural and local requirements are outside this estimate.