Outdoor Projects
Plan line-post quantities for a straight fence run while accounting for gate openings and a maximum spacing target.
Change the defaults to match your project and the product you plan to buy.
Project result
Estimate usable fence run, spacing bays, total posts and optional material cost.
Planning estimate only. Verify product coverage, package size, supplier specifications and project requirements before purchasing.
Choose the right tool
You need post count and actual spacing from a fence run and maximum allowed spacing.
Use Fence Calculator for panel-based bays and Post Hole Concrete for the concrete quantity per hole.
Methodology
total run − gate opening
Removes the entered total gate width.
ceiling(panelled run ÷ max spacing)
Keeps actual spacing at or below the limit.
spacing bays + 1
Straight run needs one more post than bays.
base posts + extra posts
Adds a configurable reserve/special-post count.
Measure the fence centerline and total width of gate openings. For corners or disconnected runs, calculate each straight section and account for shared corner posts carefully. Record the dimensions you used and recheck any section that is irregular, tapered or interrupted before relying on the final quantity.
Post spacing, depth and post size depend on fence system, wind exposure and local requirements. Use the manufacturer or project specification to choose the spacing input. Compare the calculated target with the exact package, coverage and availability offered by the supplier, then round only at the final purchase step.
Reference
| Planning item | Starting point | Verify / adjust |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum spacing | System-specific | Use manufacturer guidance. |
| Gate posts | Hardware/load-specific | May need dedicated posts. |
| Corners | Add as required | Straight-run model does not infer geometry. |
| Final order check | Use measured inputs | Confirm package size, supplier coverage and project conditions. |
Questions
The gate width is removed from the run, but dedicated gate-post requirements should be added through the extra-post input.
Rounding up keeps the resulting actual spacing from exceeding the maximum entered spacing.
No. Use the Post Hole Concrete Calculator after determining the post count and hole dimensions.
Estimate panel bays and posts from fence run, panel width and gate openings; use Fence Post Calculator when maximum post spacing is the main constraint.
Open calculator → Concrete & MasonryEstimate concrete volume and premix bags for cylindrical post holes after subtracting the post volume.
Open calculator → Outdoor ProjectsEstimate decking boards and linear feet from deck dimensions, board width, gap, board length and waste.
Open calculator →