One of the most common questions we get from customers across South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and North Nottinghamshire is simply: how many posts do I actually need? It is easy to under-order and have to arrange a second delivery, or over-order and have posts left over. This guide gives you a simple formula to get it right first time.
The Basic Rule
For a straight run of fencing, the formula is simple:
So if you are fitting six fence panels in a straight line, you need seven concrete fence posts. You need one post at each end, and one between every pair of panels. That extra post at the end is easy to forget when you are planning on paper.
How to Work Out Your Panel Count
Standard fence panels are 1.83 metres wide (6 feet). To work out how many panels you need, measure the total length of your fence run in metres and divide by 1.83. Round up to the nearest whole number.
For example: a 12-metre fence run divided by 1.83 gives 6.55, which rounds up to 7 panels. That means you need 8 posts.
If you are not sure of your total run, pace it out, or measure it in sections. Getting this right before you order saves time and money.
Corners and Changes of Direction
Each corner where your fence changes direction needs an extra post. A corner post sits at the turning point and supports panels running at different angles. So if your fence has two corners (for example, running along the back of a garden and turning down each side), add two posts to your total.
A straight run of 7 panels with one corner would need 9 posts: 8 for the panels, plus 1 for the corner.
What About Gravel Boards?
If you are using concrete gravel boards, the calculation for posts stays the same. Gravel boards sit horizontally at the base of each fence bay, slotting into the same posts as your panels. You will need one gravel board per fence bay (so the same count as your panels), not per post.
Gravel boards are highly recommended in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire where ground moisture can be high. They protect your fence panels from soil contact and significantly extend the life of your fence.
End Posts vs. Inter Posts
It is worth noting the difference between end posts and inter posts (sometimes called intermediate posts). End posts sit at the very end of a fence run or at a corner, and they only have slots on one or two sides. Inter posts sit in the middle of a run and have slots on both sides to hold panels either side of them.
When ordering, confirm with us how many end posts and inter posts you need. For a straight run of 7 panels, you would typically need 2 end posts (one at each end) and 6 inter posts - a total of 8.
A Quick Reference
Here are some common fence lengths and the posts you need for a straight run with standard 1.83m panels:
- 5 metres: 3 panels, 4 posts
- 10 metres: 6 panels, 7 posts
- 15 metres: 9 panels, 10 posts
- 20 metres: 11 panels, 12 posts
- 30 metres: 17 panels, 18 posts
Add one extra post for each corner or change of direction.
Just Give Us a Ring
If you would rather not do the maths yourself, just give us a call on 07989 192742 or send us a WhatsApp. Tell us your fence length and we will work out exactly what you need, including posts, gravel boards, and concrete slabs if required. We deliver across South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and North Nottinghamshire from our yard near Gainsborough, and we will make sure your order arrives complete so your project is not delayed.
Ready to order your concrete fence posts?
Call or WhatsApp us on 07989 192742 and we will work out exactly what you need. Delivery across South Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North Nottinghamshire from our yard near Gainsborough.
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