AnyFence · free · no sign-up
Fence calculator
Enter the fence length, height, number of rails and gates, and get the posts, bags of post mix, rail metres, paling count and gate hardware, plus the hours to set and build it.
AnyFence
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Open AnyBuild freeHow the fence takeoff is worked out
Fencing is mostly posts and repetition, so the count comes off spacing:
- Posts are the length divided by maximum spacing (2.4 m in AU, 8 ft in US), plus one to close the run, plus one per gate for the hanging post.
- Post mix scales with post count and gets an extra bag per post once the fence is 1.8 m or higher, because the footing has to hold more sail area.
- Rails are your chosen number of runs along the full length with 5% for joins.
- Palings or pickets are counted off the face width plus gap across the full run, with a small allowance on top.
- Labour is carpenter hours per metre plus an allowance per gate, and labourer hours for digging and concreting.
Things worth checking before you build
- A fence that is also a pool barrier is a different job. Gap, height, climbable-zone and self-closing gate rules apply (AS 1926.1 in Australia, IBC / ISPSC 305 in the US) and they are not optional.
- Check the boundary before you dig, and check who is paying. Dividing-fence rules and neighbour cost-sharing vary by state.
- Call before you dig. Services in the fence line are a bad and expensive surprise.
- Gates need the strongest posts on the job. If in doubt, go one size up and concrete them deeper.
Common questions
How many posts do I need for a 24 m fence?
At 2.4 m maximum spacing, 11 posts to span it plus one to close the run, plus one more per gate. The calculator adds the post mix, rails and palings with it.
How far apart should fence posts be?
Up to 2.4 m centres is the usual maximum for a paling fence in Australia, and 8 ft in the US. Closer spacing gives a stiffer fence in windy or exposed spots.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?
Two bags of rapid-set post mix per post is a common rule of thumb, going to three for fences 1.8 m and over, which is what this calculator uses.
These figures are indicative and use sample regional trade prices, so treat them as a starting point for a quote rather than a final price. Quantities follow common practice and standard allowances; spans, footings, fixings and compliance for your specific job should be confirmed against the current standards and, where required, an engineer.
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