Whole-project calculator

Fence Material Calculator

Plan posts, rails, pickets, concrete, gates, and hardware for a typical residential wood fence.

Quick presets

Inputs

1 Geometry and layout 3 groups

Set the footprint and primary layout path before fine-tuning quantities and finishes.

Fence layout

Fence Length (ft) Type it the way you measured it - 16' 6" or 16.5 both work. Fence Height (ft) Fence Section Width (ft) Fence Section Width is the target post-to-post spacing for standard sections; gate openings come out of the run, and any leftover run becomes a partial section. Wind Exposure Use the higher setting when the fence run sits on an open lot, ridge, shoreline, or any yard with very little wind break. Layout Mode Straight-run mode is the baseline. Corner-return mode adds planning allowances for outside turns but does not replace field layout or property-line review.

Pickets

Picket Style Style Path Modern horizontal mode is a planning-only wood-slat path; manufacturer systems still need product review. Picket Width Picket Gap (in) Privacy fences in this calculator still count a tight-start 1x6 layout, so the entered gap stays an install note rather than reducing picket count one-for-one.

Corner returns

Slope and ends

Slope Mode Slope modes add conservative transition allowances; they are not permit-ready grade geometry. End Condition Tie-ins flag terminal attachment review without itemizing brackets, anchors, blocking, or flashing.

2 Structure and support 2 groups

Open this stage after choosing a preset or locking the geometry baseline.

Posts and footings

Post Size Post Hole Diameter (in) Post Hole Depth (in)

Rails

Rails Per Section (rails)

3 Openings and access 1 group

Add doors, windows, gates, and stairs only after the main structure is stable.

Gates

Gate Count (gates) Gate Width (ft) Gate openings come out of the total fence run, so multiple or wide gates can eliminate one or more full sections. Gate Post Size Upgrade gate posts when the gate package needs a more conservative support allowance.

4 Finish and pricing 1 group

Refine finish and region only after the rest of the plan is clear.

Regional settings

State / Pricing Region

Planning rules & code notes U.S. planning assumptions, pricing coverage, and permit-sensitive notes for this calculator.

This calculator uses common IRC-style residential assumptions for spacing, waste, and coverage. Confirm site conditions, spans, and local code before ordering.
Regional pricing and frost guidance currently cover selected states. If your saved state falls outside coverage, the calculator keeps it visible and falls back to calculator default pricing instead of silently switching regions.

Reset inputs

Use this button to recalculate without JavaScript or create a complete, shareable page URL.

2D plan

Schematic assembly plan

Schematic straight-run fence view of 120 lf with 15 sections, 1 gate, and 17 posts.

3D assembly

Interactive 3D

Rotate the model, toggle assemblies, and inspect labeled material callouts.

Fence line 120 lf

Fence height 6 ft

Section width 8 ft

Wind exposure Standard residential

Material theme

Privacy baseline

Tight-start privacy pickets with the mainstream solid-screen residential look.

Plan details & review

More project facts 11

Sections 15

Partial section 1 @ 4 ft

End condition Freestanding terminal posts at both ends

Posts 17 total (2 gate posts)

Concrete bags 63

Rails 54 total (4 gate frame)

Pickets 292 total (10 gate pickets)

Gate openings 1 @ 4 ft

Gate hardware 1

Pricing region Calculator default pricing

Frost basis Calculator default @ 36 in

Planning assumptions

7

Material quantities and planning BOM for Fence Material Calculator based on selected inputs.

Planning assumptions · 7

Estimator scope is limited to straight-run residential wood fences rather than corners, slopes, or permit-ready layouts.
Gate openings replace part of the fence run, and the default hardware takeoff assumes a standard single-swing residential gate.
Fence picket counts use the selected actual picket width, with 1x6 defaults and 1x4 open-picket options where selected.
Concrete quantities are expressed as 80 lb bags at about 45 bags per cubic yard after subtracting embedded post displacement from each footing cylinder, with post-hole depth raised to local frost depth when required.
Hardware quantities are conservative package allowances rather than a screw-by-screw field takeoff.
Pricing and field details should still be verified against local code, supplier packaging, hardware schedules, and site conditions.
Slope concrete away from the post above grade and keep drainage moving away from the footing; inspectors may also expect a gravel base below the post.

Not included / Trade review

6

6 total scope notes to read before ordering or contractor handoff.

Open decisions / checks
4
- Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities, verify property lines and setbacks, and confirm which fence face must point toward the neighbor or street in your jurisdiction.
- Fence length is not divisible by the selected section width, so the last section is estimated as a 4 ft partial section.
- Flat-top privacy pickets were counted as a tight-start layout in this calculator. Entered gap is treated as an install note, not the default planning count basis.
- Post stock length was increased to 10 ft to cover 36 in embedment plus above-grade fence height.
Estimate boundaries
2
- Corners, slopes, retaining conditions, and permit-ready survey layout stay outside the straight-run fence calculator.
- Gate sag control, latch clearances, and exact hinge/post reinforcement should be verified for the selected gate package.

How pricing works

Where each price comes from, when it was checked, and what the formulas assume.

Need local install pricing?

Compare quotes from contractors near you — or just save this plan, share it, and export a PDF for your records.

Compare contractor quotes

Material list

Your build list

Each line shows a purchase quantity, a coverage amount, or a planning allowance - the line says which. Check pack sizes and your site conditions before you order.

Material	Assembly	Unit	Qty	Unit price	Total	Source
4x4 pressure-treated fence posts Note: Line and end posts only. Recommended stock post length is 10 ft for 36 in embedment.4x4 \| Stock 10 ft \| Pressure TreatedActual 3.5 in thick x 3.5 in wide	posts and footings	post	15	$14.98	$224.70	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/05/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 15 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 15 Coverage: Line and end posts from fence sections and end conditions after separating dedicated gate posts Waste factor: 0%
4x4 pressure-treated gate posts Note: Dedicated gate-post allowance for 2 gate posts. Recommended stock post length is 10 ft for 36 in embedment.4x4 \| Stock 10 ft \| Pressure TreatedActual 3.5 in thick x 3.5 in wide	posts and footings	post	2	$14.98	$29.96	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/05/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 2 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 2 Coverage: Dedicated gate posts from gate openings only Waste factor: 0%
80 lb concrete bags Note: Calculator concrete bags are based on footing-cylinder volume after subtracting the embedded post section, then converted with the current 80 lb bag assumption.80 lb bag \| 80 lb bag	posts and footings	bag	63	$6.47	$407.61	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/05/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 63 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 63 Coverage: Net post-hole concrete volume from effective footing diameter, depth, post count, and embedded post displacement Waste factor: 5%
2x4 fence rails Note: Stagger long-run rail joints in the field instead of stacking every break on one post.2x4 \| Stock 8 ft \| Pressure TreatedActual 1.5 in thick x 3.5 in wide	rails and framing	board	50	$4.28	$214.00	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/01/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 50 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 50 Coverage: Field rails from section count x rails per section with conservative long-stock rail waste Waste factor: 10%
2x4 gate frame rails Note: Gate-frame rails and brace allowance are directional only. Final gate leaf sizing and diagonal bracing remain field-built details.2x4 \| Stock 8 ft \| Pressure TreatedActual 1.5 in thick x 3.5 in wide	gates	board	4	$4.28	$17.12	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/01/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 4 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 4 Coverage: Simple gate-frame rails and braces with conservative rail waste Waste factor: 10%
Gate pickets Note: Use actual fence-picket dimensions, not nominal shelf labels, when you compare supplier options.1x6 \| Pressure TreatedActual 0.63 in thick x 5.5 in wide	gates	picket	10	$2.88	$28.80	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/01/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is an installed or coverage basis, not a package count. Convert it to supplier pack sizes. Qty: 10 Quantity type: Installed / coverage quantity Installed / coverage quantity: 10 Coverage: Gate leaf pickets from gate width, actual picket width, and the calculator-effective installed gap with picket waste Waste factor: 8%
Gate hinge and latch sets Note: Standard 4 ft single-swing residential gate assumption.Single gate hinge + latch set	gates	set	1	$26.37	$26.37	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/01/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is an installed or coverage basis, not a package count. Convert it to supplier pack sizes. Qty: 1 Quantity type: Installed / coverage quantity Installed / coverage quantity: 1 Coverage: One hardware set per gate opening Waste factor: 0%
1x6 flat-top fence pickets Note: Privacy takeoff uses nominal 1x6 fence pickets at about 5.5 in actual width on a tight-start layout because many residential installs dry open after installation.1x6 \| Pressure TreatedActual 0.63 in thick x 5.5 in wide	pickets / infill	picket	282	$2.88	$812.16	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/01/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is an installed or coverage basis, not a package count. Convert it to supplier pack sizes. Qty: 282 Quantity type: Installed / coverage quantity Installed / coverage quantity: 282 Coverage: Field pickets from actual picket width plus the calculator-effective installed gap with picket waste Waste factor: 8%
Fence connection hardware Note: Use dedicated brackets or structural rail-to-post connectors where your fence design calls for them instead of assuming toe-nailed rail joints.Fence hardware box	hardware and fasteners	box	5	$32.96	$164.80	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/05/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 5 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Purchase quantity: 5 Coverage: Connection hardware boxes from total rail count and conservative packaging Waste factor: 0%
Exterior fastener boxes Note: Calculator fastener count assumes 6 fasteners per picket plus 108 rail-to-post connector fasteners, then converts about 1860 total fasteners into boxes at roughly 124 fasteners per box. Use hot-dipped galvanized, polymer-coated, or stainless fasteners with pressure-treated wood.Exterior fastener box	hardware and fasteners	box	16 covers 1953 fastener	$11.97Not editable: priced as a package	$191.52	Home Depot Shopping-ready Price source: Retailer pricePrice as of: 06/05/2026 — price may have changed - verify before orderingRetailer: Home Depot
Quantity basis The visible row quantity is a purchase or ordering quantity. Qty: 16 Quantity type: Purchase quantity Installed / coverage quantity: 1860 Purchase quantity: 16 Waste quantity: 93 Coverage: Fastener boxes from total picket count and conservative packaging Waste factor: 5%

Some links in this calculator are affiliate links. BuildListCalc may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Estimated materials total$2,117.04

10 priced lines / 10 total lines

Add estimated labor Adds a separate installed-labor estimate scaled by BLS state mean hourly wages. It is an estimate, not a quote, and it never changes the material list or its subtotal.

Project material guide

2026 U.S. Wood Fence Material Guide

Switch between tabs to compare nominal sizes, actual sizes, common uses, and planning rules for this project.

Fence Post Sizes

Gate openings, taller fences, and higher-wind sites are the most common reasons to step up to 6x6 posts for extra stiffness and long-term stability.

Nominal size	Actual size	Treatment	Common use	Stock length	Planning rule
4x4	3.5" x 3.5"	Ground-contact pressure treated	Standard line posts for 4 ft to 6 ft residential fences	8 ft to 10 ft	Standard line-post choice; 6 ft to 8 ft spacing is typical under normal exposure.
6x6	5.5" x 5.5"	Ground-contact pressure treated	Fences over 6 ft tall, heavy gates, and conservative end/corner/gate upgrades	8 ft to 10 ft	Recommended for wider gates, higher wind exposure, or more conservative builds.

Fence Rail Sizes

This calculator models field rails and simple gate framing with 2x4 pressure-treated lumber.

Nominal size	Actual size	Common use	Stock length	Planning rule
2x4	1.5" x 3.5"	Field rails and simple gate framing	8 ft	A 6 ft privacy fence typically uses 3 rails: top, mid, and bottom, spaced at roughly 24 in of fence height.

Fence Picket Sizes

Important: Most dedicated fence pickets are milled to about 5/8 in thick, while standard dimensional 1x6 lumber is usually closer to 3/4 in. The default flat-top and dog-ear paths in this calculator assume nominal 1x6 fence pickets at 5.5 in actual width, while narrower flat-top or dog-ear paths can switch to nominal 1x4 pickets at 3.5 in actual width.

Nominal size	Actual size	Common use	Planning rule	Installation note
1x6 flat-top	0.625" x 5.5"	Flat-top pickets for straight-run wood fences	The calculator counts flat-top boards from actual width on a tight-start privacy-style layout.	Many installers start flat-top pickets tight at installation and let drying shrinkage open the reveal to about 1/8 in to 1/4 in over time.
1x6 dog-ear	0.625" x 5.5"	Dog-ear privacy pickets, the most common residential profile	Dog-ear pickets follow the same actual-width-plus-gap counting rule.	For tighter long-term screening, many builders start with a tight install or move up to board-on-board instead of relying on a wide starting gap.
1x4 flat-top	0.625" x 3.5"	Narrow flat-top privacy-style or yard-edge fence runs	The calculator counts the selected 3.5 in actual width plus the entered gap instead of falling back to 1x6 spacing.	Use supplier-stated actual width when comparing 1x4 flat-top picket options.
1x4 dog-ear	0.625" x 3.5"	Lighter open-picket and yard-edge fence runs	Dog-ear 1x4 pickets use the same actual-width-plus-gap counting rule.	Do not substitute dog-ear pickets for flat-top rows when the profile matters.

Fence Hardware

Rail connection hardware: Brackets or structural rail-to-post connectors stay separate from general fasteners in the BOM.
Picket fasteners: A common planning baseline is 1-5/8 in to 1-3/4 in exterior-coated or stainless screws, or equivalent ring-shank nails.
Rail-to-post fasteners: A common planning baseline is 3 in to 3-1/2 in exterior structural or deck screws.
Connection count: A typical wood privacy fence uses 2 fasteners at each picket-to-rail intersection. With 3 rails, that is 6 fasteners per picket before waste.
Chemistry rule: Use hot-dipped galvanized, polymer-coated, or stainless fasteners when the fence uses pressure-treated wood.
Estimator rule: This calculator converts the field fastener count into conservative package quantities rather than listing every individual screw or nail.

Fence Footings

Concrete unit: 80 lb bags, using about 45 bags per cubic yard.
4x4 hole diameter: A common planning range is 10 in to 12 in for 4x4 posts, depending on height, soil, and exposure.
6x6 hole diameter: A common planning range is 14 in minimum up to 16 in to 18 in for 6x6 posts, especially at gates or taller fences.
Depth rule: Set embedment at local frost depth or deeper. Warm-climate fences may work with about 24 in embedment, while 36 in-plus frost zones often push post stock to 10 ft.
Drainage note: A compacted gravel base can help drainage, but always verify local code, soil conditions, and inspection expectations.
Crowning note: Slope the top of the concrete away from the post and keep the finished footing proud of grade so water does not pond at the wood.

Typical residential wood fences are usually laid out with 6 ft to 8 ft post spacing, while higher-wind or fully exposed runs often justify a 6 ft section-width cap. In long runs, stagger rail joints instead of stacking every break on one post, and treat ground-contact-rated lumber as the baseline material choice. In warmer regions, many 6 ft fences can use 8 ft posts, while 36 in-plus frost zones often justify 10 ft stock for the same fence height. All dimensions follow U.S. nominal-versus-actual lumber conventions. Always confirm local code, frost depth, property lines, HOA rules, setbacks, and exact supplier specs before ordering.