How many fence panels and posts do I need?
Break a fence into runs, subtract gates, and keep layout posts and connected corners visible.
Short answer
Measure every straight run, subtract gate openings, divide by the actual panel width, and then add the layout, gate, end, corner, and brace posts your design needs.
For homeowners making an early panel and post list for a multi-run fence.
How to do it
Map the runs
Give every straight run a name and enter its measured length.
Add gates and corners
Enter gate width and count, then mark connected runs so a shared corner is not counted twice.
Check the panel count
Use the actual panel width and review the whole-panel count for each run.
Complete the post list
Add separate end, corner, gate, brace, and terminal posts from the final layout.
Formula
Covered run length is divided by panel width and rounded up. Layout posts begin with panels plus one, with connected-corner and gate adjustments.
Illustrative example
A 60 ft run with one 4 ft gate and 8 ft panels needs 7 panels for the covered length, plus its layout posts and two gate posts.
Common mistakes
- Using property-line length without removing gates
- Counting a shared corner twice
- Assuming a panel's named width is its actual installed width
Before you buy
Confirm panel width, gate kit dimensions, corner connections, post dimensions, matching hardware, and concrete needs with the supplier.
What this guide does not cover
This is not a CAD layout or structural plan. Wind, soil, grade, bracing, gates, and local requirements can change the final list.
Use the calculator
Fence Panel Calculator is the primary tool for this guide. You can also browse the other fencing calculators.