Fence Post Calculator
Determine line, corner, end, and gate posts with proper shared-corner handling.
Fence Post Calculator Interactive Tool
Enter your project dimensions below. Results update instantly.
Results
16
Shared corners deduplicated8 line
4 corner, 2 end, 2 gate2.4 ft
At least 1/3 of total post in ground32
2 bags per post anchorFence Post Distribution Formulas
Total Posts = Corner Posts + End Posts + Line Posts + Gate Posts | Hole Depth = Post Height × 0.40 | Concrete = Posts × 2 bagsFormula Variables:
- Corner Posts:Shared intersection posts between adjacent fence runs (do not double-count).
- End Posts:Terminal posts ending at building walls or property edges.
- Gate Posts:Two structural posts flanking each gate opening.
Line posts fill the interior span between corners and ends based on maximum allowable spacing.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Example: 160-foot backyard perimeter with 4 corners, 2 ends, and 1 gate
Enclosing a three-sided backyard totaling 160 feet connecting to the rear of a home with 4 corners and 1 walk gate.
- Total bays needed: 160 ft ÷ 8 ft = 20 spans.
- Anchor posts: 4 corners + 2 ends = 6 anchor posts.
- Line posts to bridge bays: 20 spans - 4 corners - 1 = 15 line posts.
- Dedicated gate posts: 1 gate × 2 posts = 2 gate posts.
- Total posts: 6 + 15 + 2 = 23 posts.
- Hole depth for 6-ft fence: 8-ft timber buried 2.5 ft deep.
- Concrete required: 23 posts × 2 bags = 46 bags (50-lb fast setting).
Input Explanations & Measurement Guidelines
Total Fence Length
Typical: 100 to 250 ftSum of all fence segment lengths.
Number of Corners
Typical: 2 to 490-degree or directional change intersections.
End Posts
Typical: 2Posts terminating against a house or existing structure.
Gate Openings
Typical: 1 or 2Pedestrian or driveway gate openings.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Posts are spaced uniformly at or below maximum spacing (8 ft maximum).
- Shared corner posts serve both meeting segments without duplicate post installation.
Safety & Professional Notes
- Add 2 to 3 inches of coarse crushed gravel at the bottom of each post hole before pouring concrete to allow drainage away from the bottom of wood posts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size post should I use for a 6-foot fence?
Use 8-foot long 4×4 pressure-treated wood posts (or 2-3/8" OD galvanized steel pipe), burying 2 to 2.5 feet into the ground.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?
Under normal residential soil conditions, two 50-lb or 60-lb bags of fast-setting concrete per 10-inch diameter post hole is the standard recommendation.