How this calculator works
Enter a total fence length or a rectangle (perimeter), then add corners, post spacing, gates, and fence type. We compute effective wire run (subtracting gates), post counts, wire feet, rolls, and optional material cost using clear formulas.
Rounding: post & roll counts are rounded up; lengths are shown to whole units.
Formulas
- Perimeter (rect) = 2 × (L + W)
- Gate openings = gates × gate width
- Effective wire run = total length − gate openings
- Line posts = ceil(effective run ÷ post spacing)
- Gate posts = gates × 2
- Total posts = line posts + corner posts + gate posts
- Wire length = effective run × (strands if barbed/HT else 1)
- Wire rolls = ceil(wire length ÷ roll length)
- Materials cost (optional) = (total posts × post cost) + (rolls × roll cost)
Assumptions & notes
- Post spacing is uniform along straight runs; corners/gates use their own posts.
- Mesh/field fence is treated as a single “strand”; the strands control is disabled.
- Roll lengths are typical defaults — replace with what your supplier carries.
- Lengths shown in your chosen units (US or metric); internal math uses feet for consistency.
Worked example
Rectangle 660 × 330 ; 4 corners; spacing 8 ; barbed 4 strands; two 16 gates; 1320 rolls.
- Perimeter = 2×(660+330) = 1,980
- Gate openings = 2×16 = 32 → Effective run = 1,980 − 32 = 1,948
- Line posts = ceil(1,948 ÷ 8) = 244
- Gate posts = 2×2 = 4; Total posts = 244 + 4 corners + 4 = 252
- Wire length = 1,948 × 4 = 7,792 → Rolls = ceil(7,792 ÷ 1,320) = 6 rolls
FAQ
How do you count line posts vs. corner/gate posts? Line posts follow your spacing along the effective run. Corner posts are entered directly. Each gate adds two posts. Total = line + corner + gate posts.
Do strands apply to mesh/field fence? No. Mesh is treated as a single run; the strands input is disabled.
Are material cost estimates exact? No — they’re planning estimates. Confirm lengths, SKU roll lengths, and pricing with your supplier.
Can I plan in meters? Yes — use the US↔Metric toggle. The UI switches labels/placeholders and converts display values.
Prepared by AgCalculator · Last updated October 27, 2025