How Many Fence Panels for a 5m Fence?

A 5 m fence needs 3 panels and 4 posts using standard 1.83 m (6 ft) panels. With one 0.9 m gate it is 3 panels and 5 posts. For a 1.8 m fence use 2.4 m posts.

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Example job shown. Change the numbers to match yours.

Fence panels

3 panels

The run between the gates, in whole panels

What to buy

Fence posts4 posts
Gravel boards3 boards

Fence postsOne more than the panels, plus one for each gate: 4 posts
Post length neededFence height plus about 0.6 m in the ground: 2.4 m
Gravel boardsOne under each panel, if you use them: 3 boards
Post caps: 4 caps

Assumptions used: 1.83 m panels; 0.9 m gate openings; posts set about a third of the height into the ground (at least 0.6 m).
Posts are normally 100 × 100 mm. The last panel is often cut to fit: any gap shorter than a panel needs a cut panel and a post. On a slope, step the panels or let them follow the ground. Gate posts are bigger and more deeply set than normal posts.

Before you buy: round up to whole packs, check the size printed on the label, and add a little spare. Your supplier has the final say.

Fence panels for 5 m

Counts are for standard 1.83 m (6 ft) wide panels at 1.8 m high, with a post between each panel. Measure the fence line, including any gate, and decide where the gate goes before you buy.

Gates	Panels	Posts	Gravel boards
No gate	3	4	3
1 gate (0.9 m)	3	5	3
2 gates (0.9 m)	2	5	2

Post length by fence height

Posts go about a third of the fence height into the ground, and never less than 0.6 m.

Fence height	Panels	Posts	Post length
0.9 m	3	4	1.5 m
1.2 m	3	4	1.8 m
1.5 m	3	4	2.1 m
1.8 m	3	4	2.4 m

Use the UK fence panel calculator to enter your own length, height, panel width and gates. A fence over 2 m high, or over 1 m next to a highway, usually needs planning permission in England, so check with your council. See also the fence materials calculator for postcrete, fixings and rails.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Fence Panel Calculator (UK): edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Fence posts (100 × 100 mm, 2.4 m)Fence panel (6 ft x 6 ft)Gravel boards Postcrete (20 kg)Fence post cap

Frequently asked questions

How many fence panels for a 5 m fence?

3 standard 1.83 m (6 ft) panels and 4 posts for 5 m with no gate. The run is 2.73 panels, rounded up, so the last panel is cut to fit.

How many panels if there is a gate?

With one 0.9 m gate you need 3 panels and 5 posts, because the gate takes 0.9 m out of the run and adds a post. Gate posts are bigger and more deeply set than normal posts.

What length of post do I need?

For a 1.8 m (6 ft) fence use a 2.4 m post, which puts about 0.6 m in the ground. Lower fences use shorter posts, as the table shows.

Related sizes and guides

Related sizes

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.

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