Outdoor / Fencing
Fence Post Spacing Chart
Spacing depends on fence type, panel width and wind load — not one universal number. Chart first, depth rules second, and a post-count calculator at the end.
Spacing by fence type
| Fence type | Post spacing | Post size | Field note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood privacy (6 ft tall) | 6–8 ft | 4×4 or 6×6 | 6 ft in windy/exposed sites |
| Wood picket (3–4 ft) | 6–8 ft | 4×4 | 8 ft fine for light panels |
| Chain link — line posts | 8–10 ft | 1⅝–2″ steel | 10 ft is the common max |
| Vinyl (panel systems) | 6 or 8 ft exactly | 5×5 vinyl | Match panel width — no cutting margin |
| Field / woven wire | 8–12 ft | T-post / wood | Wood posts at corners and gates |
| High-tensile wire | 15–20 ft | Wood | Braced end assemblies carry the load |
Post count calculator
Each gate adds one post (a pair frames the opening).
Bag count assumes fast-setting mix, two 50 lb bags per 8″-diameter hole. Rocky or sloped runs need extra posts — walk the line before ordering.
Frequently asked
How far apart should fence posts be for a 6 ft wooden privacy fence?
Six to eight feet. Use 6 ft spacing in wind-exposed areas or with heavy solid panels; 8 ft works for sheltered runs and lighter boards. Pre-built panels come in 6 ft and 8 ft widths, which decides spacing for you.
How deep should fence posts be set?
The common range is one-third to one-half of the above-ground height, with a 24 inch minimum. QuikreteOne-third of the above-ground height, with a 24-inch minimum — so a 6 ft fence needs posts about 2 ft deep in a 3 ft-total hole allowing for gravel. In frost regions, go below the local frost line regardless of the one-third rule.#39;s fast-setting guide says one-half, so a 6 ft fence gets a 3 ft hole by their rule. In frost regions, go below the local frost line no matter what the ratio says.
How many posts do I need for 100 feet of fence?
At 8 ft spacing: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5, round up to 13 spans, which needs 14 posts. Add one extra post for every gate and every corner. The calculator on this page does this for any length.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
For wood privacy fences and gate posts, yes — roughly two 50 lb bags of fast-setting mix per post hole. Line posts for field fence are usually driven, not set. Gravel-set posts drain better and are easier to replace, at the cost of some rigidity.
Sources
- Manufacturer installation guides: panel-width spacing (wood, vinyl systems) and chain-link line post limits.
- Fast-setting concrete post instructions (Quikrete/Sakrete): depth-to-height ratio and bags-per-hole.
- Local frost-depth requirement: check your county building department — it overrides all rules of thumb.