Fence Post Spacing: Set a Limit, Then Equalize Bays

For a 100 ft straight span with an entered maximum of 8 ft, ceil(100 / 8) = 13 bays. Equalized spacing is 100 / 13 = 7.692 ft, and the span needs 14 posts. Placing twelve full 8 ft bays and a 4 ft end bay uses the same bay count but creates a different field layout.

A gate interrupts the infill, so calculate both sides separately. A shared corner uses one physical post. A straight continuation can share a node while still preserving separately measured installation sections. Use the post calculator to check topology rather than summing endpoint counts.

Wood rail spans, routed vinyl modules, steel fence panels and split-rail seats have different constraints. An 8 ft wood spacing in the calculator is an editable planning example. The cited CLFMI guide states a 10 ft line-post interval baseline for its chain-link installation context. Neither number is a universal fence building code.

Fence height, solid infill, wind, gate loads, soil and footing details can change the allowable design. Manufacturer instructions and the project’s structural requirements govern the selected maximum.

Post-centre spacing does not necessarily equal clear board field width. Post faces, routed rail engagement and brackets consume space. Establish the chosen system’s measurement convention, then enter the appropriate effective width. If stock rails or horizontal boards are shorter than the bay, revise spacing or use a designed supported joint. Do not let an arithmetic count imply that an unsupported splice is acceptable.