Home Improvement
Fence Panel Calculator
Enter fence run length and panel width to see panels and optional posts (panels + 1).
How many fence panels do I need?
Fence panels are modular: divide the run length by the panel width and round up so you are never short on the last bay. A straight run typically needs one more post than panels (a post at each end). Gates, corners and changes of direction need extra posts and sometimes special panels — add those by hand. This tool focuses on panel count from panel width; the companion fence post calculator starts from post spacing instead when you are designing a post-and-rail or closeboard layout from centres. Check panel height and wind exposure separately for fixing choice.
Worked example
A 20 m run of 1.83 m panels needs ceil(20/1.83) = 11 panels and about 12 posts on a straight line.
Limits and assumptions
Ignores slope stepping, gravel boards and gate openings. Panel widths vary by brand — measure the product, not a round “6 ft” assumption.
Frequently asked questions
What if the run is not an exact multiple of panel width?
Round up panels and trim the last bay, or adjust a custom-width panel — do not leave a gap.
Are concrete and timber posts counted the same?
Yes for quantity. Spacing and dig depth still follow the post and panel system you chose.
Should gravel boards change panel count?
Gravel boards sit under panels; panel count along the run stays the same unless you change bay width.
How is this different from the fence post tool?
Here you start from panel width. The post tool starts from spacing and derives posts (and approximate panels) from that.