Fencing Cost Calculator

What is the Fencing Cost Calculator?

A fencing cost calculator works out how many fence panels and posts you need for a given run length, and the total material cost based on the unit prices you enter. It works by dividing the total fence length by the panel width to get the number of panels (rounded up), adding one extra post beyond the panel count (since a run of N panels needs N+1 posts to support both ends of every panel), then multiplying panels and posts by their respective unit prices. To calculate it manually: divide your fence length by panel width and round up for panel count, add one for posts, then multiply each by its price and sum — this excludes concrete/postcrete, gravel boards, fixings and labour, so check current prices with your local merchant.

How it works

The number of fence panels needed is your total fence length divided by the width of a single panel, rounded up — you can't buy a fraction of a panel. The number of posts is always one more than the number of panels, since each panel needs a post on both sides, and adjacent panels share a post.

UK context

Standard UK fence panels are commonly sold in a width of around 1.83m (6 feet), though sizes vary by manufacturer and style, so it's worth checking the specific panel you're buying rather than assuming the standard width.

Tips

• This calculation excludes concrete (or postcrete) for setting posts, gravel boards, fixings and labour — factor these in separately for a complete budget.
• Check ground conditions before finalising your post plan — very hard, rocky or waterlogged ground can significantly affect post-setting time and cost.
• If your fence run isn't a neat multiple of your panel width, you may need a cut-down panel at one end — budget for a little extra material to allow for this.

A quick note

Uses the unit prices you enter and excludes concrete, gravel boards, fixings and labour. Check current prices with your local merchant for an accurate total.