Fence Calculator Materials. Fence calculations depend on perimeter and style. Formula: Total Fence equals Perimeter Length divided by Panel Width equals Number of Panels. Posts equal Panels plus 1. Standard spacing: Posts 8 feet on center, panels 6 or 8 feet wide. Example perimeter: 150 linear feet divided by 8 feet equals 18.75 panels, buy 19 panels, needs 20 posts. Gate calculation: Typical gate 4 feet wide replaces one panel, requires 2 posts. Materials beyond panels: Post concrete, one bag per post. Post caps prevent rot. Hinges and latches for gates. Fasteners. Costs: Wood fence 15-30 dollars per linear foot installed. Vinyl 20-40 dollars per linear foot. Chain link 10-20 dollars. Aluminum 25-40 dollars. Composite 25-50 dollars. Labor typically 50 percent of total. Example 150 ft wood fence: Materials 1,500, labor 1,500, total 3,000 or 20 per foot. Post placement critical: Mark fence line with string and stakes. Space posts exactly using 8 ft measurements. Account for gates in spacing. Corner posts need extra bracing. End posts set deeper 36 inches vs 24 inches standard. Slope terrain requires stepping: Level sections with steps at grade changes. Calculate extra posts for steps. Stepped sections waste more materials 15-20 percent. Continuous top rail impossible on steep slopes, use individual panel approach. Post materials: Wood (pressure-treated pine) economical, 15-20 year life, rots eventually. Cedar naturally rot-resistant, 25-30 years, expensive. Vinyl never rots, 30-50 years, higher upfront cost. Metal (aluminum or steel) permanent, powder-coated, most expensive. Post concrete requirements: 8 foot fence height needs 10 foot posts, 2 feet buried. Dig hole 10 inches diameter, 24 inches deep for standard, 36 inches for corners and gates. One 50-pound concrete bag per post. Gravel base 4 inches improves drainage. Set posts plumb before concrete sets. Fence styles affect material quantities: Privacy fence solid panels, requires more materials, most expensive. Picket fence open design, uses less materials, cheaper. Split rail rustic, minimal materials, least expensive. Shadowbox alternating boards both sides, beautiful, expensive. Lattice top decorative, moderate cost. Chain link industrial, bare minimum cost. Example calculations: 200 ft privacy fence, 6 ft high. Posts: 200 divided by 8 equals 25 posts. Panels: 25 sections at 6×8 feet equals 1,200 sq ft. Materials: posts 25 at 15 equals 375, panels 25 at 60 equals 1,500, concrete 25 bags at 8 equals 200, gate 150, hardware 75, total materials 2,300. Labor 2,000. Total 4,300 or 21.50 per foot. Common mistakes: Not checking property lines causes legal issues. Forgetting to call utility locate before digging. Spacing posts unequally creates gaps. Not accounting for slope requires stepping. Ordering panels without posts concrete and hardware. Ignoring local building codes and permit requirements. Pro tips: String line level ensures straight fence. Dig all post holes before setting posts. Pour concrete carefully leaving 2 inches below grade for slope away from post. Set corner and end posts first, string between for alignment. Let concrete cure 24-48 hours before attaching panels. Pre-assemble panels on ground when possible. Use galvanized or stainless fasteners prevent rust. Wood treatment: Seal or stain wood fence after 6 months drying. Reapply stain every 2-3 years. Clean annually with deck cleaner. Replace damaged boards promptly. Vinyl requires only occasional washing. Metal recoat powder coating if scratched. Gate specifics: Single gates up to 4 feet wide. Double gates for vehicle access 10-16 feet. Install anti-sag kit on gates over 4 feet. Use heavy-duty hinges rated for weight. Add barrel bolt on double gates. Automatic gate operators 500-2,000 installed. Height considerations: 4 feet decorative front yards. 6 feet standard privacy. 8 feet maximum without permit most areas. Check local codes for height limits. HOA may restrict materials and colors. Codes: Building permit usually required for fences over 6 feet. Setback requirements typically 2-5 feet from property line. Height restrictions often 6 feet maximum rear yard, 4 feet front yard. Permit costs 50-200. Fines for unpermitted work 500-5,000. FAQ: How much fence for 1/4 acre? Quarter acre approximately 208 feet perimeter, costs 3,500-8,000 depending on materials. Cheapest fence? Chain link at 10-15 per foot. Longest lasting? Vinyl lasts 30-50 years maintenance-free. Do I need permit? Usually yes for over 6 feet or certain materials. Can I DIY install? Yes but labor-intensive, rent power auger for post holes.