Decking, Fencing & Timber calculator
Fence Panel Calculator
Calculate whole fence panels or bays for a measured boundary, allowing for gate openings.
Calculate whole fence panels or bays for a measured boundary, allowing for gate openings. This estimate is most useful when the inputs reflect the job as it will actually be built, fitted or coated. Give particular attention to gates, corners and panel width. Measured boundary length rarely divides perfectly by stock panels. Allow for cut bays, corner/end posts, gate posts and the manufacturer's actual panel width.
What you need to enter
The Fence Panel Calculator uses the following project information to calculate the result.
- Fence run
- Panel / bay width
- Gates
- Gate width
Calculator result
Panels / bays and posts
How the Fence Panel Calculator works
To produce panels / bays and posts, the Fence Panel Calculator applies net run after gates ÷ panel width; derives posts. The engine is configured for whole fence panel count for a measured boundary, not as a generic text estimate. Check gates, corners and panel width, since an incorrect value there can materially change the result.
Fence Panel Calculator worked example
Fence Panel Calculator example: a straight 14.7 m boundary uses 1.83 m panels with no gates. The raw division gives just over eight panels, so the layout needs nine whole panels or a planned cut bay. The worked figure becomes more useful when gates, corners and panel width is taken from the real product or site rather than a generic default.
Important calculation assumptions
For whole fence panel count for a measured boundary, measured boundary length rarely divides perfectly by stock panels. Allow for cut bays, corner/end posts, gate posts and the manufacturer's actual panel width.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write down before calculating with the Fence Panel Calculator?
Before calculating whole fence panel count for a measured boundary, measure the complete fence run, then enter real panel/bay width and all gate openings. Corners and special posts should be counted separately. Avoid substituting an average value where the actual project figure is known.
When should I pay extra attention to gates, corners and panel width in the Fence Panel Calculator?
Measured boundary length rarely divides perfectly by stock panels. Allow for cut bays, corner/end posts, gate posts and the manufacturer's actual panel width. Treat the assumptions behind gates, corners and panel width as project-specific in the Fence Panel Calculator.
How should I turn the Fence Panel Calculator result into a panel and post layout?
Use the Fence Panel Calculator to establish the number of full stock panels along the measured run. Then set out any shortened end bay and add the posts required at ends, corners and gates before ordering.