Fence post calculator

Frequently asked questions

What post spacing is typical for a wood privacy fence?

Most wood privacy fences use 6 or 8 feet between posts, with 8 feet being the most common since it aligns with standard fence panel lengths. Closer spacing adds strength and is recommended for areas with high wind loads or heavy gate use.

Why does the formula add one more post than the number of spans?

A straight fence run with n spans needs n+1 posts — one at the start, one between each pair of spans, and one at the end. This is the classic "fence post" counting problem: spans and posts are always off by one.

Should I count gate posts separately?

Yes. Each gate opening typically requires dedicated posts beyond the straight line count — usually two posts per gate. Enter that number in the gate posts field and the calculator adds them to the line post total.

Does the result include corner posts for an L-shaped or U-shaped fence?

No. The calculator models a single straight run. For a fenced enclosure or a fence with corners, calculate each straight section separately and add the results, keeping in mind that shared corner posts are counted once per section.