Fence calculator
Calculate posts, boards and screws for a simple wooden fence.
Fence calculator
Calculate how many posts, fence boards and screws you need for a simple timber fence based on length, height and spacing.
Typically 1.8–2.4 metres depending on fence type
Your fence project
6 posts, 106 boards and 424 screws for 10 m fence
Fence length
10 m
Fence height
1.8 m
Posts
6 pcs
Boards
106 pcs
Screws
424 pcs
Materials
106 boards for 10 m fence
Post every 2.0 m
Buy 3 packs of 200 pcs = 600 pcs (surplus 176 pcs)
ℹThe result is an estimate based on fence length, board width, gap, post spacing and waste.
ℹActual requirements may vary depending on fence type, fittings, post anchoring and terrain.
Example: 10 metre fence
If you build a 10 metre fence with posts every 2 metres, 95 mm boards with 10 mm gaps and 10 % waste, you need 6 posts, about 106 fence boards and 424 screws.
Calculation for a 10 m fence at 1.8 m height:
The number of boards depends on the chosen gap width. Narrower gaps mean more boards.
How to calculate fence materials
Post spacing matters
Posts carry the entire fence and the distance between them determines stability. 2 metres is standard for most timber fences. Shorter spacing (1.8 m) gives a stronger fence, while 2.4 m suits lighter types. Remember there is always one more post than the number of sections.
Gaps affect board count
A 10 mm gap between boards is typical for a classic picket fence. For a solid fence with no gaps, set the gap to 0. Even a few millimetres' difference in gap changes the total board count over a long run.
Always add waste
Boards can have knots, cracks or need cutting at posts and corners. 10 % extra is a good starting point. For complicated corners or terrain 15 % may be more realistic.
Terrain and fittings may change requirements
Sloping terrain requires board length adjustments or stepped sections. Brackets, top rails and extra reinforcement at gates are not included in this calculator but should be considered in the final shopping list.
Use the results in a real project
With MyPlanDIY you can save materials, create budgets, track tasks and bring everything together in one project.
No credit card required. Free demo project included.
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