PlanMyBuild

Fence Calculator

Calculate how many fence panels and posts you need, and how much concrete for the post holes.

Panels needed

12

Posts needed

13

Concrete needed (all post holes)

0.551 m³

See the Concrete Calculator for bag or ready-mix quantities from this volume.

How this is calculated

Panels needed = fence length ÷ panel width, rounded up. Posts needed = panels + 1. Concrete per hole = π × (diameter ÷ 2)² × depth, multiplied by the number of posts.

Results are estimates. Verify measurements and local requirements — post depth and spacing may be governed by local building codes or wind-load requirements.

How to measure for a fence

Measure the total length of the fence line, and decide on your panel width — 6 ft (1.8 m) is common for pre-made panels. This calculator works out how many panels and posts you need, and how much concrete for the post holes.

For board-by-board fences, use the width of one full bay (all boards plus gaps between two posts) as the panel width.

Frequently asked questions

How many fence posts do I need?

Divide the total fence length by your panel width, round up to get the number of panels, then add one extra post — there's always one more post than panels along a straight run.

How deep should fence post holes be?

A common rule of thumb is about one-third of the post's above-ground height, with a minimum of around 600 mm (2 ft) for typical residential fencing. Check your local frost line and building code for structural fences.

How much concrete do I need per post?

This calculator treats each hole as a cylinder (π × radius² × depth) and multiplies by the number of posts. It's a good estimate for planning — see the Concrete Calculator for bag/ready-mix breakdowns of the total.

What panel width should I use?

6 ft (1.8 m) is a common pre-made fence panel width. If you're building a board-by-board fence instead, use the total width of one bay (boards plus gaps) between posts as your "panel width."

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