Vinyl fence calculator

Panels = run length ÷ the post centers (panel width + post width), rounded up: a 48 ft vinyl run with 91 in panels and 5 in posts has posts 96 in apart, so 6 panels and 7 posts.

Your measurements

Example

Use the unit shown for each box, or type another one: 12 ft 6 in, 150 in, 3.8 m and 600 mm all work, as do the marks on a tape measure.

Fence section 1

Section name Horizontal section length (ft) Grade rise over this section (ft) Start at previous section’s end Distance to first gate post (ft) Distance between gate post centers (ft) Use zero for no gate. Take the gate post spacing from the gate kit instructions.

Panel layout Full panels leave one shortened bay at the end of each stretch. Equal bays shorten every panel a little instead. Panel width, as made The actual width printed on the panel kit, not the nominal 8 ft. Post width On a slope Racked panels follow the ground and are counted along the slope; stepped panels stay level and are counted on the level length. Veranda’s assembly kits with routed posts rack, up to 1 inch per foot; its pre-built panels on brackets step.

Details Package sizes, prices and materials

Your price per panel ($) Your price per post ($)

Example: replace these measurements

Your material list

6 vinyl fence panels+ 1 more item on the list

48 ft measured run

Your measured layout

Post layout for the selected section. A dashed opening is the gate. Rise is listed separately; this is not a sloped elevation. On a very long run the drawing shows only the end and gate posts; the list counts every post.

Your shopping list

6 vinyl fence panels
7 total posts

Quantities and package details

Post centers: 96 in
Full panels: 6
Shortened panels: 0
Total posts: 7
End posts: 2
Corner posts: 0
Gate or stair posts: 0
Grade-change posts: 0
Line posts: 5
Gates: 0
Fence length along the slope: 48 ft
Same runs as a wood picket fence: 119 pickets with 10% extra, 18 rails and 7 posts, with bays up to 8 ft

Panels are set post center to post center. Gate kits, brackets and caps come from the system’s parts list.

The calculation

Post centers: 91 + 5 = 96 in
Fence section, 0 to 48 ft: 576 in ÷ 96 = 6 → 6 full panels

Common questions

How far apart are vinyl fence posts?

The panel width plus the post width, center to center. Veranda’s 6 × 8 ft Linden kit is 91 inches wide as made, with 5-inch posts, so the posts are 96 inches apart.

Source: Barrette Outdoor Living: Veranda Vinyl Fence special order catalog. Listed on the Sources page.

Can vinyl fence panels be cut?

Veranda’s prebuilt panels can be cut down for a short bay. The calculator gives the cut width for each short bay, or spreads the difference over equal bays if you choose.

Source: Barrette Outdoor Living: Veranda Vinyl Fence special order catalog. Listed on the Sources page.

How is vinyl fence installed on a slope?

Either racked or stepped, depending on the panels. Veranda’s assembly kits with routed posts rack to follow the ground, up to 1 inch per foot; its pre-built panels on brackets step down in level sections. Choose the one your panels allow under On a slope, and check the gap under each panel.

How to plan the quantity

Enter each straight section between fixed posts, measured flat. Place a gate by its first post’s distance from the start and the distance between the two gate posts. Start a new section at each corner or change of grade, and choose how it joins the previous one so shared posts are counted once.

Veranda’s instructions put post centers at the panel width plus the post width. Each stretch between fixed posts gets as many full panels as fit; the leftover bay takes one cut-down panel, and its width is listed.

Choose how the panels meet a slope. Racked panels follow the ground, so a grade rise lengthens the section and can add a panel; stepped panels stay level, so the count follows the level length and each panel sits a little lower than the last. Check the gap under each panel either way.

The list ends with the same runs as a wood picket fence, so you can weigh panels against pickets on your own layout.

Before you order

Gate kits, hinges, latches, post caps and brackets come from the fence system’s own parts list. This counts gates and gate posts only.
Post depth, footing size, frost depth and utility locating are site decisions; no hole size is assumed.

Before ordering, read the guide: How much tile do I need? Layout, cuts and boxes. Or choose another calculator.