Fence panel calculator
Work out how many fence panels and posts you need for a fence run, from its total length and your chosen panel width.
Result
Fence panels needed
Posts needed
How to use this tool
- Measure the total length of the fence run.
- Enter the width shown for your chosen fence panel. Presets are example widths; dimensions vary by product and market.
- Read the number of panels and posts to order.
Assumptions
- Assumes a straight fence run with no gates or corners, which each need an extra post.
- The 1.83m default is an example sold in some markets, not a universal size. Confirm the product's stated width and units.
Technical details: what the fields mean
- Fence length
fenceLength - Total length of the fence run to be covered.
- Panel width
panelWidth - Width of a single fence panel — check the specific product, as this varies slightly by manufacturer.
Methodology
Panels required = ceil(fence length ÷ panel width). Posts required = panels + 1, since each panel shares a post with its neighbour.
Worked example
12m straight fence run, panels entered as 1.83m wide
Inputs: Fence length: 12 m, Panel width: 1.83 m
Result: 7 panels, 8 posts; actual fit and end trimming depend on the chosen panel and installation.
Practical guidance
- Add an extra post for every gate opening or corner in the run — this calculator assumes a single straight line.
- Concrete posts in to a third of their length below ground for a stable fence, especially in exposed or windy locations.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting that a corner or gate needs an additional post beyond the straight-run total.
- Rounding down the panel count instead of up, leaving a gap at the end of the run.
FAQs
How many fence panels do I need for 12m?
At an entered width of 1.83m, the straight-run estimate is 7 panels and 8 posts. Check your product dimensions; gates, corners, slopes and end cuts are not modelled.
How many posts do I need for a fence?
One more than the number of panels, since each panel shares a post with its neighbour — plus extras for corners or gates.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-11
Assumes a single straight run — corners, gates and slopes need extra posts and adjusted panel counts.
This tool provides an indicative estimate, based on the assumptions stated above.
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