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 structural requirements can add posts.
Fence post spacing formula
Start with your total fence length and maximum allowed spacing. Round the number of bays up to the next whole number, then divide the fence length by that bay count. For example, a 100-foot run at a maximum 8-foot spacing needs 13 bays, 14 posts and an equal spacing of about 7.69 feet.
Calculate your exact fence
Use your actual fence length and preferred maximum spacing instead of relying on a chart.
Open Fence Post Spacing Calculator →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 treat this chart as a material-planning estimate rather than structural design advice.
For a complete wood-fence takeoff including pickets, rails, gates, concrete and fasteners, use the BuildGauge Fence Calculator.