handyfig
USUKAU

Fence Panel and Post Calculator

Work out how many fence panels, posts and rails a straight fence needs, with gates taken out of the run.

Length of fencePanel widthGate width
Key One more post than panels. Gates count towards the length.
Units
ft
Typical panel. Pre-made panels are commonly 6 ft or 8 ft wide. Enter the width of the panel you are buying. Editorial rule of thumb.
ft
Typical gate. A single garden gate is often 3 to 4 ft wide. Editorial rule of thumb.
ft
Panels10 panels
Posts11

Run 60 ft = 60 ft; ÷ 6 ft panels = 10, rounded up to 10. Posts: 10 panels + 1 = 11.

Corners, slopes and heavier gate posts are not included.

Fig. 1 Panels and posts for your fence.

Work out the concrete for 11 posts

Every formula is tested against worked examples. How we check

Panel widthPanelsPosts
4 ft1516
6 ft1011
8 ft89

Fig. 2 The same fence with different panel widths.

Last checked 11/10/2026. Sources: 811: Call before you dig (US).

Guide

How the amount is worked out

Panels = (fence run − gate widths) ÷ panel width, rounded up. A straight run needs one more post than it has sections, and each gate adds a section: posts = panels + gates + 1. Rails = panels × rails per panel, for fences built from rails and pickets.

Example. 60 ft of fence with 6 ft panels is 10 panels and 11 posts.

Concrete for the posts

Each post sits in a hole, and the hole’s volume sets the concrete you need. Use the concrete calculator with the post hole shape, or follow the button below the result to carry the post count across.

Common mistakes

  • Counting panels but not posts. A run of 10 panels has 11 posts.
  • Forgetting that gates need stronger posts and hardware.
  • Ignoring corners and slopes. Corners add posts, and a sloping run needs stepped or racked panels, which this tool does not model.

Safety and rules

Before you dig, call 811 (free) so utilities can mark buried lines. Local rules, permits and height limits vary, so check with your city or county. Many places limit fence height, require permits, or set rules about the boundary, so check before you build. This is not building or structural advice.

Common questions

How many fence posts for 60 feet?

With 6 ft panels, 10 panels and 11 posts. A gate adds one post.

How far apart should fence posts be?

Panel width sets the spacing, commonly 6 ft or 8 ft. Check local rules and the panel maker’s instructions.

How deep should the holes be?

A common rule of thumb is about a third of the post’s above-ground height, and below the frost line in cold areas. Your local building department can tell you.

Does this work for sloping ground?

It counts straight-line length, so a slope adds a little. Allow extra for steps.

Planning a related job?

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