Fence Post Spacing Guide
| Fence Type | Post Spacing | Post Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Wood Privacy | 6–8 ft | 1/3 of post height |
| Wood Picket | 8 ft | 2 ft minimum |
| Chain Link | 10 ft | 2–3 ft |
| Vinyl | 8 ft | 24–30 inches |
| Split Rail | 8 ft | 24 inches |
Post Hole Depth
A common rule of thumb: bury ⅓ of the total post length underground. For a 6-foot fence with 8-foot posts, dig 2–2.5 feet deep. In frost zones, dig below the frost line (typically 36–48 inches in northern states) to prevent heaving. Use our free calculator above to estimate posts, panels, and concrete for your entire fence run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?+
For 100 feet with 8-foot spacing: 100 ÷ 8 + 1 = 13.5, so 14 posts. Add corner posts separately. For chain link at 10-foot spacing: 100 ÷ 10 + 1 = 11 posts. Always add 1 post for the end of each run.
How deep should fence posts be set?+
A common rule: bury ⅓ of the post length, or a minimum of 2 feet. For a 6-foot fence using 8-foot posts, set 2–2.5 feet deep. In frost-prone areas, dig below the frost line (36–48 inches in northern states) to prevent heaving.
How much concrete do I need per fence post?+
Typically 1–2 bags of 50-lb fast-setting concrete per post, depending on hole diameter and post size. For a standard 4×4 post in an 8-inch diameter hole, 1 bag of 50-lb concrete is usually sufficient. Use fast-setting concrete — no mixing required.
What is the cheapest type of fencing?+
Chain link is typically the cheapest fence option at $8–$18 per linear foot installed. Split rail fencing runs $10–$20/lf. Wood privacy fencing costs $15–$35/lf installed. Vinyl and aluminum are $20–$40/lf but require less maintenance long-term.