Enter the length of the fence (ft), the number of fence posts, and the thickness of the fence post (in) into the Fence Post Spacing Calculator. The calculator will evaluate and display the Fence Post Spacing. 

Fence Post Spacing Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Fence Post Spacing. 

FPD = L*12/FP - T
  • Where FPD is the Fence Post Spacing (in)
  • L is the length of the fence (ft) 
  • FP is the number of fence posts 
  • T is the thickness of the fence post (in) 

To calculate fence post distance, multiply the length by 12, divide by the number of posts, then subtract the thickness of the fence post.

How to Calculate Fence Post Spacing?

The following example problems outline how to calculate Fence Post Spacing.

Example Problem #1

  1. First, determine the length of the fence (ft).
    • The length of the fence (ft) is calculated to be : 60.
  2. Next, determine the number of fence posts.
    • The number of fence posts is measured to be: 45.
  3. Next, determine the thickness of the fence post (in).
    • The thickness of the fence post (in) is found to be: 5.
  4. Finally, calculate the Fence Post Spacing using the formula above: 

FPD = L*12/#FP – T

The values given above are inserted into the equation below and the solution is calculated:

FPD = 60*12/45 – 5 = 11 (in)


Example Problem #2

The variables needed for this problem are provided below:

length of the fence (ft) = 100

number of fence posts = 50

thickness of the fence post (in) = 3

This example problem is a test of your knowledge on the subject. Use the calculator above to check your answer. 

FPD = L*12/#FP – T = (in)