Estimate how much fencing and how many posts are needed to enclose a rectangular yard.
How it works
Fence length is simply the perimeter: 2 × (length + width). Posts needed is the perimeter divided by the post spacing, rounded up, plus one extra post to close the loop. A 50×50 ft yard with 8 ft post spacing needs 200 ft of fence and 26 posts.
What this does not include
This calculates for a simple rectangular perimeter. It doesn’t subtract gate openings, which real installations should account for separately, and it assumes evenly spaced posts around the full perimeter.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the yard’s length and width.
- Enter your intended post spacing.
Why does the post count need one more post than the number of spacing intervals?
Picture posts placed around a closed loop — the last post connects back to the first, so the number of posts always equals the number of gaps between them, but since a straight run would need one extra endpoint, this calculator adds one to keep post counts safely conservative.
What’s a typical post spacing for a residential fence?
6 to 8 feet is common for wood privacy fences, though wire and chain-link fencing can sometimes use wider spacing depending on the fencing material’s rigidity.
Should I subtract the gate width from the fence length myself?
Yes — this calculator gives the full perimeter length; subtract your planned gate opening(s) from that total to get the actual linear footage of fence panel needed.
