How many fence posts do I need?
| Fence length | Fence bays | Posts needed* | Equal spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 7 | 8 | 7.14 ft |
| 75 ft | 10 | 11 | 7.50 ft |
| 100 ft | 13 | 14 | 7.69 ft |
| 125 ft | 16 | 17 | 7.81 ft |
| 150 ft | 19 | 20 | 7.89 ft |
| 200 ft | 25 | 26 | 8.00 ft |
| 250 ft | 32 | 33 | 7.81 ft |
| 300 ft | 38 | 39 | 7.89 ft |
*Straight run with one post at each end. Gates, corners, changes in direction and project requirements can add posts.
Fence post spacing formula
Bays = fence length ÷ maximum spacing, rounded up. Then equal spacing = fence length ÷ bays. For a simple straight run, posts = bays + 1.
Example: 100-foot fence
100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, so round up to 13 bays. Then 100 ÷ 13 = about 7.69 feet between posts. A straight run has one more post than bays, so the planning count is 14 posts.
What changes the number of posts?
Gates commonly require dedicated posts. Corners and changes in direction also affect layout. Soil, wind exposure, fence height, fence material and local requirements can change appropriate post size, depth and spacing, so this is a material-planning method rather than structural design advice.
Connect spacing to the full fence takeoff
Once the posts are laid out, use the Fence Picket Guide for infill and the Concrete Bags per Fence Post Guide for footing material. The PlanDIYBuild Fence Calculator combines posts, rails, pickets, gates, concrete and fasteners.
Frequently asked questions
How far apart should fence posts be?
Post spacing depends on the fence system, height, material, loads, soil and local requirements. This planning chart uses a maximum 8-foot spacing and divides each straight run into equal bays no longer than 8 feet.
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet?
Using a maximum 8-foot spacing on one straight run, 100 feet requires 13 equal bays and 14 posts, producing spacing of about 7.69 feet. Gates, corners and changes in direction can add posts.
How do I calculate equal fence post spacing?
Divide fence length by the maximum desired spacing, round the number of bays up, then divide the fence length by that whole-number bay count. Add one post to the bay count for a simple straight run with posts at both ends.