Fence Post Calculator
End, corner, gate and line posts, bay spacing and concrete — no pricing.
Posts
Exact run lengths- Total posts
- 22
- End posts
- 2
- Corner posts
- 0
- Gate posts
- 2
- 2 per gate
- Line posts
- 18
- Bays
- 20
- max 7.3 ft each
Net fence 146 ft after 4 ft of gate openings. Recommended post length: 8 ft.
Concrete
- 80 lb bags
- 34
- or 50 lb bags
- 55
- Concrete volume
- 20.26 cu ft
- Gravel base
- 6 cu ft
- Posts
- 22
- All posts: 22 × 10" Ø × 24" deep → 0.92 cu ft each
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.
- 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.
The fence post formula
Terminal posts = 2 end posts (open run) + 1 per corner + 2 per gate. Line posts fill each segment between terminal posts so no bay exceeds your maximum spacing: line posts = ceil(segment ÷ spacing) − 1.
Example: 180 ft straight run, two 4 ft gates, 8 ft spacing → 172 ft net fence in 3 segments of about 57.3 ft → 8 bays each (7 line posts each). Terminal: 2 + 0 + 4 = 6. Total 27 posts.
Choosing post spacing
Wood fences are usually 8 ft on center; vinyl and aluminum panels dictate 6 or 8 ft; chain link allows up to 10 ft. Closer spacing is stronger in high-wind areas. See fence post spacing.
Frequently asked questions
How deep should fence posts be?
A common rule is one-third of the above-ground height, with a minimum of 24 inches — deeper below the frost line in cold climates.
Do gates need special posts?
Yes. Gate posts carry more load; many builders use 6×6 wood or heavier-gauge metal posts and set them deeper.