How Far Apart Should Fence Posts Be?
For most wood privacy and picket fences, posts are set 8 feet apart, measured center to center. Chain link line posts are usually up to 10 feet apart. Vinyl and aluminum spacing is set by the exact width of the panels you buy, so always follow the manufacturer’s on-center measurement.
Quick Calculator
Posts
22
Concrete
44
Pickets
480
Rails
57
Est. Cost
$2,250–$3,750
Detailed Answer
Standard post spacing (center to center): - Wood privacy: 8 ft (6 ft in high-wind areas) - Picket: 8 ft - Chain link line posts: up to 10 ft - Vinyl: matches panel width (often about 8 ft) - Aluminum: matches panel width (often about 6 ft) - Split rail and post & rail: matches rail length (commonly 8 or 10 ft)
How spacing changes your post count (150 ft fence, no gates): - 6 ft spacing: 26 posts - 8 ft spacing: 20 posts - 10 ft spacing: 16 posts
Closer spacing means more posts and concrete, but a stiffer fence that resists sagging and wind.
Recommended Materials
Pressure-Treated Fence Post 4×4×8
Ground-contact rated, ideal for all fence types.
$12 – $18
Cedar Dog-Ear Picket 1×6×6
Naturally rot-resistant, smooth on one side.
$3 – $6
Quikrete 60 lb Fast-Setting Concrete
Sets in 20-40 minutes. No mixing required.
$5 – $7
Post Hole Digger – Fiberglass Handle
Heavy-duty clamshell digger for clean holes.
$35 – $55
Simpson Strong-Tie Fence Bracket
Galvanized L-bracket for rail-to-post connections.
$4 – $8
Decorative Post Cap 4×4
Copper-top cap, fits standard 4×4 posts.
$5 – $12