How Many Fence Posts Do You Need?

How to calculate fence post count including line posts, corner posts, and gate posts, plus typical spacing and concrete footing guidance.

Post count isn't just fence length divided by spacing — line posts, corner posts, and gate posts all need to be counted separately, and skipping corner or gate posts is a common under-ordering mistake.

Line posts

For a straight run, posts needed = (fence length ÷ post spacing) + 1 — the extra post accounts for both ends of the run. 8 feet on center is standard for residential wood and vinyl fencing; taller fences or high-wind areas often need tighter 6-foot spacing.

Corner posts

Every corner needs its own post positioned exactly at the turn, regardless of where the straight-line spacing math would otherwise land a post. Add one post per corner on top of your line post count.

Gate posts

Each gate needs 2 dedicated posts — one on either side of the opening — and they should be set deeper and in a wider concrete footing than standard line posts, since they carry the gate's weight and swinging load.

Concrete footings

A standard line post footing takes about 1.5-2 bags of quick-set concrete; corner and gate posts, which bear more load, often need 2-3 bags in a wider footing.

The Fence Calculator adds line, corner, and gate posts together automatically from your fence length, corner count, and gate count.