Linear material calculator
Fence calculator
Estimate posts and effective run length for one straight fence line using spacing, gate deductions, and an editable waste allowance.
Fence estimator
Enter fence and gate details
Results update as soon as every value is valid.
Estimated requirement
Fence run estimate
6 posts span an effective straight fence run of 9 m.
- Original fence length
- 10 m
- Gate deduction
- 1 m
- Effective fence length
- 9 m
- Waste addition
- 0.9 m
- Waste-adjusted fence run
- 9.9 m
- Waste allowance
- 10%
6 posts span an effective straight fence run of 9 m.
Estimating limits
Assumptions
- The fence is one straight, level line without corners.
- Each gate uses the same entered width and is deducted from the run.
- Post count uses equal maximum spacing plus one end post.
- Waste applies to run length, not post count.
- Corners, gate-post arrangements, terrain, slopes, installation method, and actual layout can change quantities.
This is a quantity estimate, not structural or local-code advice. See the shared calculation methodology.
Transparent method
Formula and method
Gate deduction = gates × gate width
Effective run = fence length − gate deduction
Posts = ceiling(effective run ÷ spacing) + 1
Adjusted run = effective run × (1 + waste ÷ 100)
The model does not invent board or panel dimensions, so it reports posts and linear run only.
Verified example
10 m fence with one 1 m gate
The gate leaves an effective run of 9.00 m. At 2 m maximum spacing the estimate is 6 posts; 10% waste produces 9.90 m of adjusted run.
Common questions
Fence calculator FAQ
How far apart should posts be?
Enter the spacing selected for the project after checking the applicable system, product, and project requirements.
Why can actual post count differ?
Corner, end, gate, terrain, and layout decisions can add or reposition posts.
Does it calculate corners?
No. It models one straight fence line.
Does it include materials?
It estimates posts and run length only, not panels, boards, fixings, or concrete.
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