THE FARM MILL
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Livestock fence posts

Enter the fence run length, max post spacing, corners/ends, and gates. Get section count, even spacing, and total posts — with optional line vs brace breakdown.

When to use

Use this when ordering T-posts or wood line posts for a straight (or segmented) run. Field fence often spaces 8-12 ft; tighter spacing on curves and high pressure.

Each gate typically needs two stout posts (hinge and latch). Corners and ends are brace assemblies — count them separately from light line posts.

Calculator

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How this is calculated

Fenceable length = run - gate openings. Sections = ceil(fenceable / max_spacing). Even spacing = fenceable / sections. Line posts between braces approx sections - 1. Total posts = line + corners + ends + 2 x gates.

fenceable = max(0, run - gate_openings)
sections = ceil(fenceable / max_spacing)
even_spacing = fenceable / sections
line_posts ≈ max(0, sections - 1)
gate_posts = gates x 2
total = line_posts + corners + ends + gate_posts

A full perimeter needs four corners and multiple runs — calculate each run or sum carefully. Brace assemblies may use 2-3 posts per corner in the field; enter what you will buy.

Worked example

660 ft run, 10 ft max spacing, one 12 ft gate: fenceable 648 ft → 65 sections → spacing ≈ 9.97 ft. Line posts ≈ 64. Plus 4 corners + 2 gate posts → ≈ 70 posts (before extra brace posts).

Limits / assumptions

Assumptions: single straight run; uniform max spacing; gate openings removed from line-post span.

Limits: curves, drops, and water gaps need closer posts; H-braces add posts beyond one corner.

Responsibility: verify manufacturer spacing for woven wire tension and local codes.

FAQ

T-post vs wood spacing?

T-posts often 8-12 ft on cattle fence; wood line posts may be wider with stays. Use your wire maker's chart.

Why even spacing?

Ceil to max spacing, then divide evenly so the last gap is not a short orphan.

Corner already has brace?

Count the main corner post here; add dedicated brace/deadman posts in the corner count if you buy them as separate sticks.

Multiple sides of a paddock?

Run this calculator once per side (or once with total perimeter as run and corners = 4).