Use the installed coverage
Panel labels can describe nominal dimensions or installed coverage. Enter the coverage that matches the way your quote counts the run.
Panel counts and your own quote
Fence calculator
Count panels and posts, then price the work. Enter the panel run without gate openings and one panel's installed coverage. Add gates and your quoted rates separately; unknown prices are not treated as free.
Panels and posts visibleGate count includedYour rates onlyNo assumed market price
01 Measure02 Count03 Price
Planned length = measured length × (1 + allowance ÷ 100) · panels = planned length ÷ panel coverage, rounded up · base posts = panels + 1 · total = entered line items only
Transparent fence math
How this fence calculator works
Measure the length that will actually receive panels, excluding any gate openings. Read installed panel coverage from the product or supplier quote. The calculator does not subtract gate widths for you: it applies your allowance to the entered panel run, rounds up whole panels, and shows a baseline post count. Add plan-specific corner and gate-support posts yourself.
Keep support work visible
Panels plus one is a planning baseline for end posts. Add extra posts when the actual layout has corners, gates or other support details.
Price the real quote
Panel, post, gate, labor, removal and delivery prices come from your own quote. Blank lines are never replaced with a guessed local average.
Check the inputs against the quote
A 100 ft line with a 4 ft gate
Example only: subtract the 4 ft opening from a 100 ft line before entering the length. The remaining 96 ft, divided by 8 ft installed panel coverage with zero allowance, gives 12 panels and 13 base posts. Enter one gate separately and add any further posts your layout requires.
Using illustrative prices of $100 per panel, $10 per post, $200 for the gate and $5 per foot of panel run gives $1,200 + $130 + $200 + $480 = $2,010. These are example inputs, not market prices. Removal, delivery and any other unentered charges are not included.
Use this workflow for quoted wood, vinyl or other panelized sections. Loose chain-link fabric needs a separate takeoff for roll length, line and terminal posts, top rail and gate openings; this panel worksheet does not calculate those parts. Use the chain-link material calculator for that gate-aware takeoff.
Before you order
Fence calculator FAQ
Should I include gate openings in the panel run?
No. Measure only the length that will receive panels. For example, a 100 ft line with one 4 ft gate leaves 96 ft of panel run. Enter 96 ft and one gate separately; this calculator does not subtract the opening for you.
How are panels and posts calculated?
Panels equal the allowance-adjusted panel run divided by installed panel coverage, rounded up. Base posts equal panels plus one. For a 96 ft run with 8 ft coverage and zero allowance, that is 12 panels and 13 base posts; add supports required by your layout.
How much does a 100 ft fence cost?
Length alone cannot give a reliable price. Enter the panel run, coverage and your quoted panel, post, gate and service rates. This worksheet does not assume a local market price; blank rates remain unknown.
Does the total include every installation cost?
No. The total includes only the rates and fees you enter. A blank labor, removal or delivery line is not proof that the service is free. Compare the included work with your supplier or contractor quote before ordering.
Which labor rate basis should I choose?
Choose per panel-run length when the quote charges per foot or metre of the entered run; choose per panel when it charges for each panel. The rate applies after your planning allowance. Enter quoted flat or minimum fees separately without counting the same charge twice.
Can I use this as a wood fence calculator?
Yes, for quoted panels with a known installed coverage width. It counts whole panels and a base post line, not individual pickets, rails or post-hole concrete. Confirm those items separately if they are part of your project.
Can I use a chain link fence cost calculator here?
Only for quoted panelized sections with a known installed coverage width. This worksheet does not calculate loose fabric rolls, line or terminal posts, top rail, or gate-opening deductions.
Do I need to log in?
No. This free fence calculator runs in your browser without login, registration or a usage limit.
Continue the project
Measure the surrounding work separately
Use the soil calculator for soil and compost, the cubic yard calculator for bulk conversions, the landscaping cost calculator for a separate service quote, the deck calculator for boards and joists, or the retaining wall calculator for blocks and base volume. To add measured runs and deduct openings before using this panel worksheet, use the linear feet calculator.