Fence Material Calculator
A store-ready shopping list: required quantities and what to actually buy. No prices.
Layout & posts
Exact run lengths- Total length
- 150 ft
- Gate openings
- 4 ft
- 1 × 4 ft
- Net fence
- 146 ft
- Posts
- 22
- 4 terminal · 18 line
- Bays
- 20
- max 7.3 ft
- Runs
- 1
Shopping list
Stick-built| Item | Required | Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Posts (4×4 posts)4 terminal · 18 line | 22 | 22 × 8 ft |
| Rails (2×4)+10% waste | 60 | 66 × 8 ft |
| Pickets / boards+10% waste | 305 | 336 × 6 ft |
| Exterior fastenersGalvanized or stainless · +10% waste | 2,070 | 2,277 |
| Concrete mixor 55 × 50 lb bags | 20.26 cu ft | 34 × 80 lb |
| Drainage gravel | 6 cu ft | 12 × 0.5 cu ft bags |
| Gates | 1 | 1 × 4 ft |
| Gate hardware kits (hinges + latch) | 1 | 1 |
How this was calculated
- Open run with 0 corner(s): 1 run(s), exact run lengths (gates assumed mid-run).
- 1 gate(s) × 4 ft removed from infill: 150 ft total → 146 ft net fence.
- Terminal posts = 2 end + 0 corner + 2 gate. Line posts keep every bay ≤ 8 ft. Gates assumed mid-run.
- Stick-built: 5.5" pickets with 0.25" gaps, 3 rails per bay.
- Waste allowance 10% applied only to cuttable/breakable items; posts, panels, hardware and concrete are bought at required quantity.
- Holes 10" Ø × 24" deep (⅓ of height, min 24") over a 6" gravel base. 80 lb bag ≈ 0.6 cu ft.
Planning estimate only — not a contractor quote. Actual pricing varies by location, terrain, material quality, permits and project complexity.
What goes on a fence materials list
- Posts — terminal posts at ends, corners and both sides of each gate, plus line posts so no bay exceeds your spacing.
- Panels or pickets — pre-built panels for speed, or rails and pickets for a custom wood build.
- Concrete and gravel — about 6" of gravel under each post for drainage, then concrete.
- Hardware — exterior-rated screws or ring-shank nails, rail brackets, post caps, gate hinges and latch.
The list adapts to the fence system: stick-built wood (rails, pickets, fasteners), prebuilt panels (panels, brackets, caps) or chain link (fabric, top rail, tension hardware, ties). “Required” is what the design needs; “Buy” adds waste only on cuttable items and rounds to stock sizes. For prices, use the fence cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra material should I buy?
Plan about 10% extra pickets and fasteners for cuts and defects, plus one or two spare posts.
Panels or individual pickets?
Panels install faster and are easier for DIY. Individual pickets cost a bit more labor but follow slopes better and let you choose spacing.