Fence Calculator
Estimates fence posts, panels and palings needed from the fence length and spacing.
Enter Values
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the fence length.
- Optionally set the post spacing, then Calculate for sections and posts.
How it works
Sections = fence length ÷ post spacing (rounded up). Posts = sections + 1, to include the post at the far end.
Worked example
24 m at 2.4 m spacing. 10 sections and 11 posts.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the extra end post — a run of N sections needs N+1 posts.
- Ignoring gates and corners, which change post spacing and counts.
Frequently asked questions
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide the fence length by your post spacing and add one for the final post, so a 30 m fence at 3 m spacing needs 11 posts.
What is a typical fence post spacing?
Around 2.4–3 m is common for timber fences; closer spacing suits exposed, windy sites or heavier panels.
Why is it one more post than sections?
Each section sits between two posts, so a straight run needs an extra post at the far end — 10 sections need 11 posts.
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Cite this tool
Zerdly. (2026). Fence Calculator. Retrieved from https://www.zerdly.com/tools/fence-calculator/
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
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