Guides
Fence runs and system post spacing
Separate fence runs and copy bay spacing from the current selected-system manual.
The shop's panel length, bay width and post-centre distance may be different dimensions. Choose the exact system, mark gates and corners, then count independent runs. A material estimate does not determine how posts should be founded.
Key points
- Use the selected system's bay width rather than an unrelated nominal panel dimension.
- Each independent run has a start and an end.
- Corner, gate and shared posts need a separate sketch check.
In this guide
Prepare your inputs
- An alignment sketch with lengths, corners and openings.
- Documentation for the exact panel, post and fixing.
- Separate runs for different heights, slopes or systems.
1. Distinguish panel dimensions from bay geometry
Check which points define spacing in the instructions: post centres, profile edges or another installation dimension. Using nominal panel width directly may omit fixings or clearances.
Betafence E-Lox illustrates a system with its own installation geometry. Its spacing does not apply to another panel family. Record the system, variant and unit, and obtain clarification from the manufacturer when the dimension is ambiguous.
Source: [2] Betafence — E-Lox system
2. Split independent fence runs
For a positive continuous run and bay width b, the simplified panel count is planned length divided by b, rounded upward; post count is one greater. Planned length is net length after openings, increased by entered allowance. Zero net length gives zero panels and posts. The final panel may need adaptation that the calculator does not design.
At a gate, count left and right runs separately if they have independent terminations. The form can deduct total opening width, but that length deduction neither adds special posts nor models every interruption. Combining everything into one run can lose information needed for a post list.
Planned length = net length × (1 + allowance / 100); panels = ceil(planned length / bay width); posts = panels > 0 ? panels + 1 : 0
3. Mesh rolls: account for joints
Read roll length and the planned overlap. When multiple rolls are needed, each later roll adds its length minus overlap to usable coverage. Overlap must be smaller than roll length.
List corners, terminations, gates and system accessories separately. The roll calculator does not select posts, tensioning, foundations or fixings. Purchased mesh length does not verify installation suitability for the terrain.
- Apply length contingency once.
- Check rounded purchasing against the joint arrangement.
- Reconcile shared posts using the actual project detail.
A gate splits a 20 m fence
Our example has a 20 m alignment with a 4 m gate, leaving independent 6 m and 10 m runs. The illustrative bay width is 2.5 m and allowance is 0%.
- 16 m run
- 3 panels · 4 posts
- 2Gate opening
- 4 m — no panels
- 310 m run
- 4 panels · 5 posts
| Run | Panels | Model posts |
|---|---|---|
| Left: 6 m | ceil(6 / 2.5) = 3 | 4 |
| Right: 10 m | ceil(10 / 2.5) = 4 | 5 |
| Total runs | 7 | 9 |
The independent runs produce 7 panels and 9 model posts. The gate detail determines whether any ends can use gate posts and what additional components are required.
Combining 16 m into one run would produce 8 posts and lose the interruption.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Using panel width as spacing without checking. | Read the bay dimension for the selected connection. |
| Combining a gate and the fence into one run. | Split continuous runs and verify their ends on the sketch. |
| Automatically deducting one post at every corner. | Verify shared components in the detail; two terminations do not always share a post. |
Check before using the result
- Each straight run has its own entry.
- Bay geometry, fixings and system variant agree.
- Gates, corners, cuts and special components have a separate list.
Method limits
- The model does not select foundations, fixings or wind resistance.
- At zero net length the result is 0 panels and 0 posts; gate components need a separate specification.
Questions and answers
Can an offcut from one run be reused on another?
The calculator does not optimize cuts. Reuse depends on permitted cutting, edge protection and attachment in the selected system. Confirm this before reducing an order.
Does allowance change post spacing?
No. Allowance increases planned quantities in the purchase model. Permitted spacing remains a system parameter and should not be adjusted to fit the purchased panel count.
Sources and verification scope
- NIST — SI Units: Length
Length units and the exact inch-to-millimetre relationship. The measuring workflow below is our own practical procedure.
Access checked: - Betafence — E-Lox system
An example of system-specific panel/post installation geometry. Do not transfer its dimensions to another fence.
Access checked: