How to measure for a fence: posts, gates, corners and slopes
Measure each straight run, place the gates and corners first, then space line posts no more than 8 ft apart between them. Count posts per run, corner and gate, then pickets or panels per section.
A 48 ft run with a 4 ft gate 16 ft from the start splits into sections of 16 ft and 28 ft. At up to 8 ft spacing that is 8 posts: 2 ends, 2 gate posts and 4 line posts.
Worked example
Example: a 48 ft run with a 4 ft gate starting 16 ft from the first post, and line posts no more than 8 ft apart.
This example gives 8 posts on the plan.
- North boundary: Δx = 48 × cos(0°); Δy = length × sin(direction).
Other calculators for this job
Every step of a fence project: measure, the list, what it costs and the quotes.
What changes the order?
A gate takes out a stretch of fence and fixes two posts, which changes the spacing on either side. Use the post-to-post width your gate maker gives.
| Calculator input | Result from those inputs |
|---|---|
| No gate | 7 posts on the plan |
| Distance between gate posts: 4 | 8 posts on the plan |
| Distance between gate posts: 8 | 7 posts on the plan |
Try your own measurements in the fence layout planner.
Measure each straight run
Measure along the ground where the fence will stand, one straight section at a time, and give each a name. Take the property line from your survey or plat; a drawing is not a survey.
Place gates first
Mark where each gate starts and how wide it is from post center to post center, with the hinge and latch gaps the gate maker gives. A gate fixes two posts, so the sections on either side are spaced on their own.
Corners and slopes
Two runs that meet at a corner share its post. On a slope, a fence that follows the ground is longer than the flat distance; enter the rise and the calculator measures along the slope. A stepped fence needs its own cutting plan.
Posts, then everything else
Line posts are usually set no more than 8 ft apart; ends, corners and gates take heavier posts. Dig below the frost line in your area, and call 811 before you dig so buried lines are marked.