How much waste should I plan for?

Around 10% on pickets and fasteners, and one or two extra posts.

How to Estimate Fence Materials: Step-by-Step

Measure once, plan gates and corners, then work through posts, infill, concrete and hardware in that order.

Walk the fence line with a 100 ft tape or measuring wheel. Sketch it, marking corners, gates and slopes. Confirm property lines and HOA rules first.

Walk gates are usually 3–4 ft; drive gates 10–12 ft (often double). Subtract gate widths from fence length.

Use the post formula, then add corners and spares.

Panels: run ÷ panel width. Pickets: run in inches ÷ (picket width + gap) + 10%. Rails: sections × 2–4 depending on height.

Roughly 1.5–2 bags of 80 lb concrete per post for a 6 ft fence. Add galvanized fasteners, post caps, gate hinges and latches.

Before digging, call 811 (free) to have underground utilities marked — it's required by law in most states.

All figures are estimates based on baseline U.S. assumptions, not contractor quotes.