Methodology
A plan you can trace back to the measurements.
The worksheet uses the entered runs, connections and product assumptions. It does not supply local prices or engineering requirements.
Last reviewed: October 12, 2026Runs and connections
Each straight run has two endpoints. A shared corner joins adjacent endpoints into one terminal post. Separate ends and gate openings keep both terminal posts. A closed perimeter adds a connection from the last run to the first. The tool rejects fewer than three sides in closed mode and impossible perimeter lengths, but it cannot verify actual angles or surveyed boundaries.
Post spacing
Wood and chain-link runs are divided into the smallest whole number of equal bays that keeps spacing at or below the entered maximum. Vinyl uses full installed panel modules and shows a final panel cut when the run length is not a multiple of the panel width. The installer must confirm permitted cuts and product dimensions.
Gate openings
A gate connection sits between two runs. Its clear opening width is excluded from the fence material length and added to the total project span. The two gate-side endpoints count as terminal posts. Gate leaves, hinges, latches, reinforcement and labor require a separate entered price; the calculator does not infer them.
Material takeoff
Wood rails equal sections multiplied by rails per section, then the entered waste allowance is applied. Pickets use total fence length, picket width, gap and waste allowance. Vinyl panels count full placements plus one purchased panel for each final cut. Chain-link fabric and top rail are shown in linear feet; supplier roll and stock-piece conversions remain to be checked. Concrete bags use the entered bags-per-post assumption.
Estimate math
Material quantities are multiplied by the contractor-entered unit prices. Labor uses the entered price per fence foot. The contractor may add hardware, gate assemblies, custom line items, material markup and an explicit tax and fee amount. The site does not calculate jurisdiction-specific tax or provide supplier or labor prices. It withholds the total until required prices are entered. A priced brief remains subject to site verification and final scope.
Outside the model
Slope, grade, changes in height, corner angles, wind loads, soil, footing depth, permits, property lines, utility locations and manufacturer rules are not determined here. Verify each before ordering or digging. See the official 811 Before You Dig guidance ↗ for utility marking.