Fence Material Calculator
Estimate the number of posts, rails, and pickets needed for a wood fence based on total length, post spacing, and section configuration � including a waste allowance.
Results
What is it?
A fence material calculator estimates how many structural components � posts, horizontal rails, and vertical pickets � you need to build a wood fence. It divides total fence length into sections determined by post spacing, then counts the components per section and applies a waste factor for cuts and defects.
How to use
Enter the total perimeter length (or run length) in meters, your desired post spacing, the number of horizontal rails per bay, and the number of pickets per bay. Add a waste percentage (10% is typical) to cover splits, bad cuts, and defective boards. The calculator returns the exact quantities to purchase.
Example scenario
A 30 m backyard fence with posts every 2.4 m creates 13 sections and 14 posts. With 2 rails per section (26 rails total) and 8 pickets per section (104 pickets), a 10% waste allowance rounds up to 115 pickets to buy � preventing an extra trip to the hardware store.
Pro tip
When ordering pickets, always round up to the nearest bundle size sold at your supplier. Ask for 12�15% waste if the fence has many corners or angles, as miter cuts waste significantly more material than straight cuts.