Linear Feet for Fence Calculator
Enter the dimensions of your fence area and any gates to calculate the total linear feet of fencing required.
Total Linear Feet Needed:
Understanding Linear Feet for Fencing
When planning a new fence, one of the most crucial measurements you'll need is the total "linear feet" of fencing required. Linear feet simply refers to the total length of the fence line, measured in feet. This measurement is essential for accurately estimating material costs, labor, and the overall scope of your project.
Why Calculate Linear Feet?
- Material Estimation: Fencing materials like panels, rolls, or individual pickets are typically sold by linear foot or in sections designed to cover a certain linear distance. Knowing your total linear feet prevents over-ordering or under-ordering materials.
- Cost Planning: Both material and labor costs for fence installation are often quoted per linear foot. An accurate calculation helps you budget effectively.
- Project Scope: It gives you a clear understanding of the scale of the project, aiding in scheduling and resource allocation.
How to Measure for Linear Feet
The most straightforward way to calculate linear feet is to measure the perimeter of the area you intend to fence. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Sketch Your Area: Draw a simple diagram of the area to be fenced. This helps visualize the different sides and potential obstacles.
- Measure Each Side: Use a tape measure to determine the length of each straight section of your proposed fence line. For rectangular or square areas, you'll typically have two pairs of equal sides. For irregular shapes, measure each distinct side.
- Account for Gates: If you plan to install gates, you'll need to subtract their width from the total perimeter. This is because the gate itself fills a portion of the fence line and you won't be installing fencing material in that specific gap.
- Consider Corners and Obstacles: While not directly affecting linear feet, corners require specific posts and hardware. Obstacles like trees or existing structures might alter your fence line, so measure carefully around them.
Using the Calculator
Our Linear Feet for Fence Calculator simplifies this process. Simply input the length of each side of your fence area. If your area is a simple rectangle, you only need to fill in "Side 1 Length" and "Side 2 Length" (the calculator will assume the opposite sides are equal if the other side lengths are left at zero). For more complex shapes, enter up to four distinct side lengths. Then, specify the number of gates you plan to install and their average width. The calculator will automatically subtract the gate widths from the total perimeter to give you the net linear feet of fencing material needed.
Example Calculation:
Let's say you have a rectangular backyard you want to fence. One side is 50 feet long, and the adjacent side is 75 feet long. You plan to install one 4-foot wide gate.
- Side 1 Length: 50 feet
- Side 2 Length: 75 feet
- Side 3 Length: 50 feet (opposite Side 1)
- Side 4 Length: 75 feet (opposite Side 2)
- Number of Gates: 1
- Average Gate Width: 4 feet
Manual Calculation:
Total Perimeter = 50 + 75 + 50 + 75 = 250 feet
Total Gate Length = 1 gate * 4 feet/gate = 4 feet
Linear Feet Needed = 250 feet – 4 feet = 246 feet
Using the calculator with these values (entering 50, 75, 50, 75 for sides, 1 gate, 4 ft width) would yield the same result: 246.0 linear feet.
Always consider adding a small percentage (e.g., 5-10%) for waste or unforeseen adjustments when ordering materials, especially for complex installations or if you're cutting materials yourself.