Fence materials calculator
Estimate the fence panels, fence posts, gravel boards and post mix needed for a standard garden fence run. This is a planning guide, not a fixed installation specification.
Enter your fence run details
Measure the total length of your fence line, choose your preferred panel height and style, then add any gates and gravel boards you want included.
Your fencing estimate
Use this as a starting point for planning your order. Always check measurements, corners, slopes and ground conditions before buying materials.
| Material | Estimated quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence panels | 0 | Based on 1.83m wide panels. |
| Fence posts | 0 | Standard posts for the panel run. |
| Gate posts | 0 | Allows two gate posts per gate. |
| Gravel boards | 0 | One gravel board per standard panel bay when selected. |
| Post mix | 0 | Estimate shown as a low to high range. |
Recommended next steps
These links are based on your selected height, panel style and materials.
Shop the main fencing ranges
Once you have a rough materials estimate, you can choose the products that suit your garden. Our main fence panel ranges include closeboard fence panels, waney lap fence panels, picket fence panels and decorative fence panels. We also supply matching fence posts, gravel boards and post mix to help complete the job.
Closeboard fence panels are the strongest everyday choice for most garden boundaries. Picket panels are useful for front gardens and lighter boundary work. Waney lap panels are a practical budget option, while decorative panels are often chosen for seating areas, patios and more visible parts of the garden.
Fence calculator guide
This calculator uses a standard panel width of 1.83m. It first converts your fence run into metres if needed, then subtracts the total width allowed for gates. The remaining length is divided by 1.83m and rounded up to estimate the number of standard fence panels required.
For a straight run of fencing, the calculator allows one more standard fence post than the number of panel bays. If you add gates, it also allows two gate posts per gate. If gravel boards are selected, it allows one gravel board per panel bay.
| Input | How it affects the estimate |
|---|---|
| Fence run length | Used to work out the number of 1.83m panel bays. |
| Panel height | Helps point you towards the right height category. |
| Panel style | Helps recommend the most relevant panel range. |
| Gates | Gate width is removed from the panel run and extra gate posts are allowed. |
| Gravel boards | Adds one gravel board for each standard panel bay. |
Fence materials calculator FAQs
How many fence panels do I need?
Measure the total length of the fence run, subtract any gate openings, then divide the remaining length by 1.83m. Round up to the next whole panel. This calculator does that for you and can also add one spare panel if selected.
How many fence posts do I need?
For a straight run, you normally need one more post than the number of panel bays. For example, 10 panel bays would usually need 11 standard fence posts. Gates need separate gate posts, which this calculator adds on top.
Do I need gravel boards?
Gravel boards help lift timber fence panels away from ground contact. This can make the fence neater and helps protect the bottom of the panel. They are commonly used with closeboard, waney lap and decorative fence panels.
How much post mix do I need?
As a practical estimate, allow one to two bags of post mix per post. Larger posts, softer ground, exposed sites and gate posts may need more. The calculator shows a low to high range to help you plan.
Does this calculator include gates?
Yes. You can choose 0, 1 or 2 gates and select an approximate gate width. The calculator removes the gate width from the fence panel run and adds two gate posts per gate.
Which fence panel style should I choose?
Closeboard fence panels are a strong all round choice for most gardens. Waney lap panels are a cost effective option for standard boundaries. Picket panels suit front gardens and lower boundaries. Decorative panels are best where appearance is the main priority.