Fence Post Spacing Calculator

Why Post Spacing Matters

Fence post spacing determines the structural integrity, appearance, and cost of your fence. Posts set too far apart allow the fence panels or rails to sag and flex in wind. Posts set too close together waste money on unnecessary lumber and digging. The correct spacing depends on fence height, panel weight, wind exposure, and wood species.

Standard Spacing Guidelines

For most wood privacy fences 6–8 feet tall, spacing posts 6–8 feet apart on center is standard. “On center” means measured from the center of one post to the center of the next. Pre-built fence panels are usually sold in 6-foot or 8-foot lengths, so matching your post spacing to panel length eliminates cutting. For chain-link fences, 10-foot spacing is common since the woven wire distributes load differently than solid panels.

Corner and Gate Posts

Every corner in a fence line requires a dedicated corner post, often larger in diameter (4x4 vs 4x4, or 6x6 for tall fences). Gate openings need two gate posts, one on each side, set closer together to accommodate the gate width plus hardware clearance. Corner posts experience more lateral force than line posts and should be set 6 inches deeper in concrete.

Post Depth Rule

Posts should be buried at least 1/3 of their total length, plus 6 inches for a gravel drainage base. A fence post for a 6-foot-tall fence should be 9 feet long (6 feet above grade, 3 feet in the ground). In frost-prone climates, posts must be set below the local frost line to prevent heaving. Check your local building department for frost depth requirements.

Concrete for Each Post

A standard 60-lb bag of concrete covers a 10-inch diameter x 12-inch deep hole. For each post you will typically need 1–2 bags of concrete, depending on hole diameter and depth. Mix concrete slightly stiff so it doesn’t slump before setting — and always slope the top of the concrete away from the post to shed water.