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Fence Posts – Count, Depth & Concrete Bags

Quick answer

Fence post planner: count from spacing, size holes at 25-30 cm × 60-90 cm, and convert each to 1-2 × 40 kg concrete bags with 20% spare.

Figures are estimates from this calculator’s standard formula — adjust the inputs in the tool below for your exact number.

How does the fence posts calculator work?

Posts = Perimeter ÷ Spacing + 1 (+ Gates); Bags = Posts × Hole Volume ÷ 0.02 m³/bag

A reliable fence posts takeoff follows one rule: measure twice, order once. The calculator converts your perimeter length and post spacing into dependable quantities using Posts = Perimeter ÷ Spacing + 1 (+ Gates); Bags = Posts × Hole Volume ÷ 0.02 m³/bag, then adds the waste margin that experienced builders apply by default. Example: An 80 m perimeter at 2.4 m: 34 posts, holes 25 × 70 cm → 0.034 m³ each = 1.7 bags - order 60 bags with spare. Field tip: Crown the concrete 5 cm above grade and slope it away - water pooling at the post kills it. The result is broken down into purchasable units - bags, sheets, rolls or truck loads - so you can order the nearest whole unit without overbuying, and every figure traces back to the formula shown above.

  1. 1

    Take dimensions

    Note the perimeter length and post spacing for the area you are covering or filling.

  2. 2

    Run the calculation

    The calculator applies Posts = Perimeter ÷ Spacing + 1 (+ Gates); Bags = Posts × Hole Volume ÷ 0.02 m³/bag the moment you type.

  3. 3

    Check the breakdown

    Compare base quantity and waste-adjusted totals side by side.

  4. 4

    Plan the purchase

    Use the final figure to price and schedule the delivery.

Use Cases

Lumber takeoffs

Convert plans into fence posts board-foot purchase lists.

Retaining walls

Estimate fence posts courses, drainage and geogrid layers.

Workshop planning

Stage fence posts material drops to match the build calendar.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting hardware and fasteners

  • Unequal riser heights

  • Building without permits

FAQs

How many posts for 50 m of fence?

50 ÷ 2.4 + 1 = 22 posts - plus 2 extra at gate and corner lines where spacing shortens.

Fence post hole diameter?

3× the post width: 25 cm holes for 8 cm posts, 30 cm for 10-12 cm posts - stiffness comes from concrete mass.

Concrete bags per post?

A 25 × 70 cm hole takes 0.034 m³ - about 1.7 × 40 kg bags; gate posts need double with braces.

How long before hanging rails on new posts?

Let post concrete cure 48 h minimum; a full week before attaching gates.