Maybe some people put more of the post in the ground then others do. Since there is no set amount of the post to put in the ground how should they handle that?My fence is bent over, and the birds that can barely get over it, would NOT get over it if the posts were taller. So, yes. A six foot post should not be counting the part that is intended to go in the ground. I could compare it to other things, but it isn't worth it. I feel how I feel.