Fence Post Spacing Calculator

Split each clear run into equal bays while keeping gate and corner posts in their own positions.

Your measurements

Editable example

Use the unit on each label. You can also type feet and inches with ft and in, or the marks on your tape measure.

Fence section 1

Example: replace these measurements

Your post layout

7 posts

Shopping list & save options
End posts
2
Corner posts
0
Gate posts
0
Grade-change posts
0
Line posts
5

48 ft horizontal lengthFence section0 ft grade rise
Post layout for the selected section. A dashed opening is the gate. Rise is listed separately; this is not a sloped elevation. Dense runs show fixed posts only.

The calculation

  1. Fence section: 48 ft horizontal length; 0 ft grade rise; no gate.
  2. 0 to 48 ft: 6 bays at 8 ft along the slope.
  3. Horizontal post centers from section start: 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48 ft.

How to plan the quantity

Enter a straight section between fixed post locations. Its length and gate positions are horizontal measurements between post centers. Use the gate drawing for the distance between gate posts, including the hardware clearances.

Place a gate by entering its first post’s distance from the start and the distance to its second post. The solid fence on either side gets its own equal bays. Add another section at a corner or grade change; choose how its first post connects to the previous end.

A grade rise increases the fence length along the slope. Each section has a constant slope; split it where the grade changes. Post centers are listed horizontally from the start, while the maximum bay spacing is measured along the slope.

Moving a gate redistributes posts on either side. Shared corners and grade-change posts are counted once. The post schedule is geometry, not a recommended span or footing design.

Before you order

  • This is layout arithmetic, not a recommended maximum span. Choose the maximum for your fence system, height and site.
  • Use a new section for each change of direction or grade. A shared post must be the same physical post on the ground; the first section starts separately.