Fence takeoffs start with total linear footage of fence line, then diverge significantly by material type in how that footage translates to a material list.
Post spacing
Post spacing is the first calculation regardless of fence type — typically 6–8 feet on center for wood and vinyl privacy fencing, closer for chain-link depending on height and wind load — with post count following directly from linear footage divided by spacing, plus one.
Wood fencing
Wood fencing requires a picket count (linear footage divided by picket width plus gap) in addition to post and rail counts, with waste factor covering split or damaged pickets during installation.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fencing is typically sold in fixed-width panel sections, so the takeoff should account for how evenly the total fence line divides into standard panel widths — a fence line that doesn't divide evenly requires either a custom-cut panel or an adjusted post spacing, both of which affect cost.
Chain-link fencing
Chain-link fencing is priced by roll footage of fabric plus separate line items for top rail, tension wire, and posts set in concrete — concrete footing volume for post-setting should be calculated the same way as any other concrete takeoff rather than assumed.
Gates
Gates are their own line item regardless of fence type — hardware, hinges, and often a wider post spacing to support the gate's weight — and should never be folded into the general linear-footage material count.