What is the standard fence panel width?

Standard UK fence panels are 1.83m (6ft) wide. Some manufacturers also offer 1.5m and 1.2m panels.

How many posts do I need?

You need one more post than the number of panels. For example, 5 panels need 6 posts.

What height fence can I build without planning permission?

Fences up to 2m high generally do not need planning permission unless adjacent to a highway (1m limit). Always check local regulations.

What height fence panels are available?

Standard UK fence panels come in 0.9m (3ft), 1.2m (4ft), 1.5m (5ft), and 1.8m (6ft) heights. Heights over 2m may need planning permission.

Should I use closeboard or lap panels?

Closeboard fencing is stronger, lasts longer, and can follow sloping ground. Lap panels are cheaper and quicker to install but less durable in exposed locations.

GardenCalcs.uk

Fence Panel Calculator — How Many Fence Panels

Calculate how many fence panels you need for your boundary.

Fence Length

Total length of the boundary run to be fenced, in metres

Panel WidthStandard UK panel is 1.83 m (6 ft); pick 1.5 m / 1.2 m or enter a custom width

Price per Panel (optional)

Cost of one panel — used to estimate total panel spend (posts and fixings not included)

Add a spare panel

Adds one extra panel as an allowance for breakages or cuts (optional)

How We Calculate This

Panels = Fence Length ÷ Panel Width, rounded up to the next whole panel (you cannot buy part of a rigid panel). The base post count is Panels + 1 — one post at each end plus one between every panel.

The result then adjusts for your layout: each gate opening shortens the run by about 1 m and adds 2 gate posts, and each corner you specify adds 1 corner post. Ticking the spare-panel option adds a single panel for breakages or cuts. So the posts figure can legitimately exceed the simple Panels + 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates based on standard gardening guidelines. Results may vary with soil conditions, climate, and plant varieties.