Fencing Calculator
Calculate fencing material requirements including posts, wire, and costs for perimeter and cross fencing.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Fencing is one of the largest capital expenses on a livestock operation. Barbed wire is cheapest but requires more maintenance. High-tensile electric is the most cost-effective for rotational grazing. Board fencing is the most expensive but offers the best aesthetics.
The Formula
Line Posts = Fence Length ÷ Spacing
Wire = Fence Length × Number of Strands
Total = Posts + Corners + Wire + Gates + Labor
Wire = Fence Length × Number of Strands
Total = Posts + Corners + Wire + Gates + Labor
Variables
- Post Spacing — Barbed/woven: 12-16 ft, electric: 30-40 ft, board: 8 ft
- Corner Assembly — Each corner needs 3 posts with bracing — costs 3x a line post
- Labor — Typical install cost: $1.00-1.50 per linear foot for crew with equipment
Example
1 mile (5,280 ft) of 4-strand barbed wire at 16 ft spacing: 326 line posts ($2,608) + 4 corners ($540) + 21,120 ft wire ($845) + 2 gates ($300) + labor ($6,600) = $10,893.
Tips
- High-tensile electric is 40-60% cheaper than barbed wire and easier to maintain.
- Always use corner/brace assemblies — single posts at corners will lean within a year.
- Set corner posts 3.5 ft deep minimum — deeper in sandy or wet soils.
- Electric fence requires a grounding system: three 6-ft rods, 10 ft apart, connected with galvanized wire.