Project Inputs
Applies recommended height, strands, and type.
Affects weight and typical roll length.
ft
in
ft
Typical: 8–12 ft (2.4–3.6 m).
Include both ends; set 4 for rectangle.
ft
%
Extra wire and hardware for corners, rises, mistakes.
%
Add posts for undulating ground or soft soils.
Concrete footing (optional)
in
in
%
Cost inputs (optional)
$
$
$
$
Barbed/smooth ≈1320 ft (402 m). Woven ≈330 ft (100 m).
$
$
/yd³
Results & Takeoff
Total posts
—
Line + corners + gate posts
Wire length
—
Wastage included
Rolls needed
—
1320 ft per roll
Concrete
—
yd³
Insulators
—
Electric only
Estimated cost
—
Posts, wire, braces, concrete
Detailed Bill of Materials
Numbers are estimates; adjust for brand specifics and terrain.
| Item | Qty | Unit | Unit cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand total | $0.00 | |||
Example Inputs and Outputs
Use as a reference starting point for common scenarios.
| Scenario | Animal | Length | Type | Strands/Fabric | Spacing | Gates | Posts | Wire length | Rolls | Concrete |
|---|
Formulas Used
Effective length Leff = L - (Ng × Wg) Base line posts Nline = ⌊Leff / S⌋ + 1 Total posts Nposts = Nline + max(0, C - 2) + 2Ng Wire length (wire types): W = Leff × Nstrands × (1 + waste) Fabric rolls (woven): R = ceil( Leff / RollLen )
Concrete per hole Vh = π × (d/2)² × h Total holes concreted: H = C + 2Ng + Nline × p Total concrete V = H × Vh Insulators (electric): I = Nline × Nstrands
How to Use
- Select your units and an animal preset to prefill sensible values.
- Enter run length, spacing, strands or fabric, and gate details.
- Adjust corner/end posts, braces, and waste allowance for terrain.
- Optional: enter costs, hole size, and concreted post percentage.
- Click Calculate to see quantities, rolls, concrete, and cost.
- Export your summary using the CSV or PDF buttons.
FAQs
For cattle, 3–5 strands are common; horses often use smooth or electric 3–4 strands; sheep and goats benefit from 4–6 strands or tight woven fabric; deer exclusion generally requires taller woven fabric. Presets provide quick starting points—adjust to local codes.
Barbed deters pressure from cattle; smooth reduces injury risk for horses; electric adds behavioral training with fewer strands; woven fabric is best for small stock or exclusion. Terrain, budget, and animal temperament drive the decision.
Typical spacing is 8–12 ft (2.4–3.6 m). Reduce spacing on slopes, soft soils, or high-pressure enclosures. Increase spacing with stronger corners, stays, or inline battens.
Gate openings reduce wire length by the gate width but add two gate posts and usually a brace. The calculator subtracts length and adds posts automatically.
Corners, ends, and gate posts are commonly concreted. Line posts may be concreted partially on soft soils. Use the percentage field to include a share of line posts.
Roll lengths vary by brand and wire type. Defaults assume ~1320 ft (402 m) for barbed/smooth and ~330 ft (100 m) for woven. Apply a waste allowance to cover splices, corners, and terrain.
Reference Data
Recommended Heights & Strands by Animal
| Animal | Recommended height | Strands (wire) | Fabric height | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) | 3–5 | 47–49 in (119–124 cm) | Barbed or smooth; consider a visible top wire. |
| Horses | 54–60 in (137–152 cm) | 3–4 | 47–60 in (119–152 cm) | Smooth or electric; avoid barbed for safety. |
| Sheep | 39–48 in (99–122 cm) | 0 (woven) / 4–6 electric | 39–48 in (99–122 cm) | Small openings to prevent heads getting through. |
| Goats | 48 in (122 cm) | 0 (woven) / 5–7 electric | 48 in (122 cm) | Tight mesh; strong braces for climbing behavior. |
| Deer exclusion | 96 in (244 cm) | 0 (woven) | 96 in (244 cm) | Tall woven or two-tier systems for jumps. |
| Poultry | 48 in (122 cm) | 0 (woven) | 48 in (122 cm) | Consider hardware cloth near ground for predators. |
Typical Wire / Fabric Roll Specs
| Type | Gauge | Common roll length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbed | 12.5 | 1320 ft (402 m) | 2- or 4-point barbs; spacing varies by brand. |
| Smooth (high-tensile) | 12.5 | 1320 ft (402 m) | Use tensioners; visibility aids for horses recommended. |
| Electric (HT smooth) | 14 | 1320 ft (402 m) | Requires insulators, energizer, and proper grounding. |
| Woven field fence | — | 330 ft (100 m) | Heights commonly 39–104 in; knot style varies. |
| Poultry netting | — | 150 ft (46 m) | Varies widely; confirm mesh size before purchase. |
Post Spacing & Footing Guide
| Condition | Line post spacing | Corner/gate footing diameter | Footing depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flat terrain | 10–12 ft (3.0–3.6 m) | 10–12 in (25–30 cm) | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) | Tamped set acceptable for many soils. |
| Rolling or windy | 8–10 ft (2.4–3.0 m) | 12 in (30 cm) | 36–42 in (91–107 cm) | Consider closer spacing and stronger braces. |
| Soft soils | 6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m) | 12–14 in (30–36 cm) | 36–48 in (91–122 cm) | Concrete recommended; increase brace count. |
| Gate/Corners | — | 12–16 in (30–41 cm) | 36–48 in (91–122 cm) | Always brace; ensure plumb and alignment. |