Practical guide
Fence Posts, Panels, Gates and Shared Endpoints
Gates and corners change the post schedule. Start from separate fenced runs and identify which endpoints genuinely share one physical post.
Updated 16 October 2026
Reviewed by the 99Tools team. Editorial and corrections policy.
How to measure fence runs and gate openings
Enter separate straight fenced runs between defined end, corner or gate-post positions, measured on the planned post-centre basis. Gate openings are excluded from these run lengths; do not subtract them again. Split at corners, gates and changes of system rather than entering one perimeter with a single total gate deduction. A repeat count means identical independent runs. Confirm the boundary, levels, access and layout before ordering. The tool does not locate a legal boundary or resolve a sloping site from a plan length.
Fence bays, posts and shared endpoints
For each straight run, bays = ceil(run length ÷ specified maximum post-centre interval), and independent post positions = bays + 1. The calculator divides that run into equal estimated bays; actual module and fixing details still govern. Independent runs count their own endpoints. If two endpoints use the very same physical post, deduct one duplicate; three runs sharing one post produce two duplicates. Enter only duplicates verified on the plan. A gate opening does not make its two gate posts one shared endpoint.
Gate posts, corners and additional posts
Count gate or corner posts already serving as run endpoints once, not again as additional posts. Use additional scheduled posts only for positions outside the calculated runs, such as separately detailed gate or bracing posts. Position count does not specify the post type: terminals, corners, line posts, gate supports and braces can differ. Post costs therefore use a separately quoted total for the actual post schedule rather than multiplying every position by one assumed standard-post price. No gate support, wind load or foundation design is generated.
Panel and palisade fence material calculator
Panel mode estimates one full panel per planned bay, followed by an explicitly entered spare allowance. The post-centre interval must correspond to the selected panel system, clamps and post geometry; it is not automatically the panel face width. A short final bay may require an approved cut, a special module or a revised layout. A quantity result does not establish that a panel can be cut or a connection adjusted. Palisade sections, welded panels and vinyl panel products have different details, so use the exact system specification.
Footing concrete and horizontal wire
Optional concrete is a take-off for the entered count of posts receiving one already specified net footing volume. It does not assign that volume to every post or design hole dimensions. Net concrete litres must account for the actual occupied post volume and footing detail. A separate concrete allowance is explicit. Optional horizontal wire is fenced run length × entered strand count, with its own allowance. Terminations, tensioning and reel-cutting plans remain separate; gate gaps are not automatically bridged by that quantity.
Fence material prices and supplier comparisons
Infill prices use purchased full panels, mesh rolls or picket packs according to the selected mode. Enter separate quoted totals for the actual post types, gate assemblies, optional wire, other rails or fixings, installation and delivery. Concrete pricing uses its allowance-adjusted scheduled m³. Use one VAT basis and avoid repeating included components. Zero cost lines remain unpriced, and no current supplier prices or nearby stock are invented. Compare like specifications and complete scope when requesting quotes from a fence material supplier.
Use the related calculators
Apply the explanation above with your own figures. Open a calculator below, check every input and review the result assumptions before making a decision.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate fence material?
Split the layout into straight fenced runs, use the selected system’s post-centre interval, then estimate posts and the chosen panel, roll or picket infill.
Should gate widths be subtracted?
Enter run lengths that already exclude gate openings. Do not deduct them again. Gate posts and shared endpoints need the actual plan checked.
How do I avoid counting corner posts twice?
Independent runs include their own endpoints. Deduct one verified duplicate for each extra reference to the same physical endpoint post.
Does every post use the same concrete?
Not necessarily. Enter only the count of posts assigned the specified net footing volume; the calculator does not design foundations.
Does the calculator include live fence prices?
No. Costs use entered quotes. Zero price lines remain unpriced and no extra VAT is added.