Why Calculation Details matter
RanchAssist is designed so users can audit the assumptions behind a planning result. Before using the output for purchasing, scheduling, budgeting, or field decisions, review the source inputs and any user-editable assumptions.
Core calculation relationships
- Net fence length is the mapped fence length less gate openings.
- Wire requirement is based on net fence length × strand count × waste multiplier, then converted to whole rolls/spools.
- Post calculations use the configured spacing while keeping corner, end, and gate terminal posts separate.
- Gate configuration affects both wire footage and terminal/brace requirements.
- Electric mode compares total electrified wire miles with the user-entered energizer rating and safety factor.
Results to review together
- Mapped and net fence length
- Wire footage and whole rolls/spools
- Line posts and terminal posts
- Brace requirements
- Gate quantities and openings
- Electric-fence components when enabled
- Materials, labor, equipment/delivery, tax, contingency, total, and cost/foot
How to sanity-check the result
Change one important assumption at a time and confirm the result moves in the direction you expect. If a small change creates a very large result change, check units, percentages, duplicated rows/features, and any hidden Advanced settings.
Rounding and purchase quantities
Where the tool converts a calculated need into purchasable whole units—such as bales, rolls, packages, loads, or other discrete quantities—the purchase quantity may round upward even when the mathematical requirement is fractional. Review Calculation Details for the current tool behavior.
Planning limitation
Fence quantities and costs are planning estimates. Terrain, construction methods, local labor, soil, materials, and real installation conditions can materially change the final project.
