Rectangle Fence Perimeter Calculator
Size a fence for a rectangular yard. Enter the length and width, pick the post spacing and the number and width of gates, and get the perimeter, enclosed area, fence length needed, sections (panels), posts and rails, with an optional cost — plus by-spacing and by-length tables and a downloadable PDF.
| Spacing | Sections | Posts | Rails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter a yard size to compare | |||
| Length | Perimeter | Fence length | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enter a yard size to compare | |||
How to use the rectangle fence perimeter calculator
Four quick steps turn your yard’s length and width into perimeter, enclosed area, fence length, sections, posts, rails and cost — with by-spacing and by-length tables, a chart and a downloadable report.
Measure the yard
Enter the length and width of the rectangle in feet, measured along the ground where the fence will run.
Pick post spacing
Choose 6, 8 or 10 ft between posts — 8 ft is typical for wood and vinyl.
Add gates, rails & price
Enter the number and width of gates, rails per section and an optional price per foot.
Read results & save a PDF
Get perimeter, area, fence length, sections, posts, rails and cost — then download a report.
How fence perimeter and posts are calculated
A rectangle has two lengths and two widths, so the perimeter is simple. Gates come out of the fence line, and the post spacing sets the number of sections and posts. Here is the exact math the calculator runs.
Worked example — 100 × 60 ft yard, 8 ft post spacing, one 4 ft gate, 2 rails per section
Perimeter: 2 × (100 + 60) = 320 ft · Area: 100 × 60 = 6,000 sq ft (0.14 acres)
Fence length: 320 − 1 × 4 = 316 ft · Sections: 316 ÷ 8 = 39.5 → 40
Posts: 40 + 1 = 41 · Rails: 40 × 2 = 80 · At $25/ft: 316 × $25 = $7,900
≈ 320 ft of perimeter — 316 ft of fence, 40 sections, 41 posts and 80 rails.
Fence perimeter reference charts
Handy lookups for how post spacing changes posts and rails, how yard length changes the fence, and what the fence might cost.
| Spacing | Sections | Posts | Rails |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 79 | 80 | 158 |
| 5 ft | 64 | 65 | 128 |
| 6 ft | 53 | 54 | 106 |
| 8 ft | 40 | 41 | 80 |
| 10 ft | 32 | 33 | 64 |
Closer spacing is sturdier for tall or heavy panels but needs more posts and concrete.
| Length | Perimeter | Fence length | Posts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | 220 ft | 216 ft | 28 |
| 75 ft | 270 ft | 266 ft | 35 |
| 100 ft | 320 ft | 316 ft | 41 |
| 125 ft | 370 ft | 366 ft | 47 |
| 150 ft | 420 ft | 416 ft | 53 |
| 200 ft | 520 ft | 516 ft | 66 |
Every 25 ft added to the length adds 50 ft of perimeter — and about 6 posts at 8 ft spacing.
| Material | Typical price / ft | Estimated cost | Usual spacing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain-link | $10–$20 | $3,160–$6,320 | Up to 10 ft |
| Wood | $15–$40 | $4,740–$12,640 | 8 ft |
| Vinyl | $25–$40 | $7,900–$12,640 | 6–8 ft (panel width) |
Typical installed price ranges. Gates, concrete, caps and hardware are often extra — add them to your price or quote.
What the fence perimeter calculator gives you
Two measurements give you the fence line and a quick materials list.
Fence planning at a glance
Who uses a fence perimeter calculator
From a backyard privacy fence to a pasture or dog run, the same math sizes the fence line.
Fencing the backyard for privacy or pets and wants the footage and post count before getting quotes.
- Measure length and width
- Add a walk gate
- Compare quotes per foot
Building it yourself and needs posts, sections and rails to order lumber or panels.
- Match spacing to panels
- Set rails per section
- Add a few spare posts
Enclosing a garden, paddock or pasture and wants the perimeter and acreage.
- Read area in acres
- Use wider spacing
- Add a drive gate
Tips for planning a fence
Good measurements and a little homework save costly mistakes — these habits help.
Rectangle fence perimeter calculator FAQ
Quick answers about fence perimeter, posts, gates, spacing, rails, acreage and cost.
Add the length and width and multiply by 2. A 100 × 60 ft yard has a perimeter of 2 × (100 + 60) = 320 ft.
That is the full distance around the yard. Subtract any gate openings to get the fencing you actually need.
Divide the fence length by the post spacing and round up to get the sections, then add one post per gate. A 100 × 60 ft yard with one 4 ft gate has 316 ft of fence, so at 8 ft spacing that is 40 sections and 41 posts.
A closed loop with no gates needs one post per section.
Each gate opening is subtracted from the fence line, and each gate adds a post. With one 4 ft gate, a 320 ft perimeter needs 316 ft of fence.
With two 4 ft gates it needs 312 ft — 39 sections and 41 posts at 8 ft spacing.
8 ft is typical for wood and vinyl fences, and panels are usually sold to match. Chain-link can go up to 10 ft, and 6 ft is sturdier for tall or heavy panels.
For a 100 × 60 ft yard, 6 ft spacing needs 54 posts, 8 ft needs 41 and 10 ft needs 33.
Multiply the number of sections by the rails per section. Two rails is standard; use 3 for tall privacy fences or pickets 6 ft and taller.
40 sections with 2 rails each need 80 rails. Panel and chain-link fences often have no separate rails.
Multiply length by width for square feet, then divide by 43,560. A 100 × 60 ft yard is 6,000 sq ft, or about 0.14 acres.
A square acre is about 208.7 ft on each side, so fencing it takes about 835 ft of perimeter.
Multiply the fence length by the price per foot. Wood runs roughly $15 to $40 per foot installed, chain-link $10 to $20 and vinyl $25 to $40.
316 ft of fence at $25 per foot is about $7,900. Posts, gates, concrete, caps and hardware may be extra.
It’s a close estimate. The calculator divides the whole fence length by the spacing, but corners and gate positions can each add a post or two.
Lay out each side from the corners before ordering, and buy a few spare posts to be safe.
Planning estimate only — verify on site. This calculator works in US units (feet) and estimates sections and posts from the total fence length, so the exact count depends on where corners and gates fall. Panels, concrete, caps, fasteners, slope and waste are not fully included. Check property lines, setbacks, easements, utility locates (call 811), HOA rules and local permits before building.