Fence material planning
Count bays, posts, rails and palings from measured runs
Back to calculator ↑Separate runs and gate
Measure total length and gate opening. Enter the actual left run; the right run is calculated and the gate need not be central.
Measure the whole fence along its actual line, not a map straight line across bends. Measure the gate opening between its intended support posts. The left-run field is the fenced length on that side; the right run is the total less gate and left run. For multiple gates or corners, calculate separate runs and combine material lists.
Count bays and posts
Round bays up for each run; each run needs one more post than bays, including gate ends.
The maximum post interval is supplied by you or the project design. The tool rounds bays up on each run, then adds one end post per run, so both gate-side posts are counted. Splitting matters: 8 m of fencing arranged as 2 m and 6 m with a 2 m maximum needs one plus three bays and six posts, not four bays with only one extra post.
Count palings
The default 12 m line less a 1 m gate and 5.5 m left run leaves 5.5 m on the right. Each run needs three bays at a chosen 2 m maximum, giving six bays and eight posts. Palings 100 mm wide with 10 mm gaps require 51 on each side: 102 before the 5% allowance, or 108 to buy. Two rails per bay means 12 rails.
Check fence details
Rails follow the entered count per bay. Posts and footings depend on soil, height and wind. This quantity plan does not design footings or a gate leaf.
Post and rail outputs are piece counts, not retail rail lengths or footing sizes. Rails cut to actual bays may need a separate stock-board plan. Gate leaf, hinges, latch and gate-post connections are excluded. Wind, fence height, ground conditions and local requirements affect structure; have the appropriate professional check those details before construction.
Common questions
Can a gate be off-centre?
Yes. Measure from the start post to the left gate post. The tool derives the right run from total length less gate and left run; both fenced runs must remain positive.
Are gate posts counted?
Both posts beside the gate are counted as run end posts. Their size and gate connections may differ from ordinary fence posts and need a separate specification.
Is the gate leaf included?
The gate leaf, hinges, latch, stops and safety fittings are excluded. Rails are counted per bay but still need cut lengths and stock sizes before purchase.
Sources and calculation guidance
Check these against your chosen product’s label and instructions.