Calculate how many posts, rails, and pickets you need for your fence. Works for wood, vinyl, and chain link styles.
Posts: Posts = (Fence length / Post spacing) + 1. Add 1 extra post per gate and 1 for each corner.
Rails: Rails = Number of sections x Rails per section. Each section spans between two posts. Use 2 rails for fences under 5 ft, 3 rails for 5-8 ft fences.
Pickets: Pickets = Fence length / (Picket width + Gap). Standard pickets are 3.5 in (1x4 nominal) or 5.5 in (1x6). For privacy fences, use no gap.
Post length: Posts should be set 1/3 of their total length in the ground, or at least 2 ft deep. For a 6 ft fence, use 8 ft posts (6 ft above + 2 ft below ground).
4 ft fence: Posts should be 6 ft long (2 ft in ground). Set in concrete for best stability.
6 ft fence: Posts should be 8 ft long (2 ft in ground, or 2.5 ft for wind exposure).
8 ft fence: Posts should be 10-12 ft long (2.5-3 ft in ground). May require permits.
Concrete per post hole: A standard 10 in diameter x 24 in deep post hole requires about 1 bag (50 lb) of fast-setting concrete.