Fence Post Spacing Chart
A one-page printable chart with correct post spacing for every common fence type. Includes gate post sizing, corner post requirements, and concrete-per-post estimates. Take it to the lumber yard.
What's on the Chart
The printable fence post spacing chart covers four fence types — privacy, picket, chain link, and split rail — at heights from 3 to 8 feet. For each combination, the chart shows the recommended on-center post spacing, the post size (4×4 vs. 6×6), the number of horizontal rails, and how many 50-lb bags of concrete you need per post hole. It also includes a gate post sizing section and corner/end post bracing notes.
Post Spacing by Fence Type
| Fence Type | Height | Post Spacing | Rails | Concrete/Post |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy (6 ft) | 6 ft | 8 ft OC | 3 | 2 bags (50 lb) |
| Privacy (8 ft) | 8 ft | 6–8 ft OC | 3–4 | 3 bags (50 lb) |
| Picket | 3–4 ft | 6–8 ft OC | 2 | 1–2 bags (50 lb) |
| Chain Link | 4–6 ft | 10 ft OC | Top rail + tension wire | 2 bags (50 lb) |
| Split Rail | 3–4 ft | 8–10 ft OC | 2–3 rails | Optional (can tamp soil) |
Gate Post Requirements
Gate posts carry far more stress than line posts because the gate swings from them. A standard 3-foot walk gate needs two 4×4 gate posts set in 3 bags of concrete each. A double-wide driveway gate (10–12 feet) needs 6×6 posts set at least 36 inches deep with 4 bags of concrete per post. The cheatsheet includes a separate gate post sizing row so you do not undersize these critical posts — a sagging gate is the single most common fence complaint.
Corner and End Posts
Corner posts and end posts (also called terminal posts) bear lateral tension that line posts do not. For wood fences, use the same size post as the line posts but set them 6 inches deeper. For chain link, corner posts require diagonal bracing (a brace band and truss rod) to resist the pull of the tensioned mesh. The chart marks which post positions require bracing so you can order the right hardware at the same time as the posts.
Post Depth Rule of Thumb
The general rule is to bury one-third of the total post length. A 6-foot fence uses an 8-foot post with 24 inches in the ground. An 8-foot fence uses a 12-foot post with 36–48 inches in the ground, depending on soil type and local frost depth. In frost-prone areas, the post hole must extend below the frost line — typically 36–48 inches in the northern United States and southern Canada.
Calculate Your Full Fence Order
Use the Fence Calculator to get exact post counts, rail quantities, picket numbers, and concrete bags for your total fence length. The calculator handles gate openings and corner posts automatically.