Fence Panel Calculator
Panels, posts and brackets for pre-built panel fencing.
Buying pre-assembled panels instead of building section by section? Enter your run and panel width to see the panel count, the post count, bracket count and whether you'll be left cutting an odd end panel.
6 ft and 8 ft are the common sizes
3–4 ft walk gate, 10–12 ft drive gate
Calculation Results
Planning estimate — actual quotes vary
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🛠️ How This Calculator Works
Subtracts the gate openings from your total run, divides what's left by the panel width and rounds up, then adds one post per panel plus a closing post and two posts per gate.
📐 Formula
Panels = ⌈(length − gate openings) ÷ panel width⌉ · Posts = panels + 1 + (gates × 2)📝 Example Calculation
150 ft run · 8 ft panels · one 4 ft gate Panel run = 146 ft → 19 panels (2 ft cut) Posts = 19 + 1 + 2 = 22
💡 Pro Tips from Fence Builders
- Vinyl and aluminum panels are sold in fixed widths — 6 ft and 8 ft dominate. Plan your post layout around the panel, never the other way around.
- Put the cut panel at a back corner where nobody looks, not beside the gate.
- Order 1 extra panel on any run over 100 ft. Shipping damage on panel fencing is common and a replacement can take weeks.
- Routed vinyl posts must be set as you go — you can't slide a panel into two already-set posts.
- On slopes, racking panels works up to about 15 degrees; beyond that you step the panels and accept the triangle gaps.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many fence panels do I need for 150 feet?
With 8 ft panels and one 4 ft gate, 19 panels and 22 posts. With 6 ft panels, 25 panels and 28 posts.
Are panels cheaper than building stick-built?
Materials cost slightly more, but install time drops by roughly half — which is why panels usually win on total cost when you're paying labor.
Can I cut a vinyl panel?
Yes, with a fine-tooth blade, but you must re-cap or re-route the cut end so it doesn't take on water and look unfinished.
What if my run doesn't divide evenly?
Either cut one panel or shift your post spacing slightly across all sections. The calculator shows the exact size of the leftover so you can decide.
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