Practical guide

How to measure a fence with several runs

Create a layout that can support a realistic material estimate.

Short answer: Measure each straight run between fixed ends and corners. Mark gates by width and distance from the run start; a single total fence length cannot determine the post layout.

Adjustable exampleChange the quantities that matter here
Two runs, one shared corner40 ft first run32 ft second run10 distinct posts · 9 bays · 8 ft maximum

Swipe the diagram sideways to see every label. The full calculation is written below it.

Two runs of 40 ft and 32 ft, meeting at one shared corner, create 9 bays with a maximum spacing of 8 ft and 10 distinct post positions. Count the common corner once.

Walk the proposed line

Mark each start, end, corner, and gate on a sketch. Measure every run separately. Do not rely only on a property listing’s lot dimensions; the actual fence line can be shorter or have offsets.

Record openings

For each run, mark every gate width and its distance from the run start. Enter up to six nonoverlapping gates on one straight run. Mark changes in elevation and fence style separately.

Count shared corners once

Adjacent runs can share a corner post. Enter the number of shared corners in the fence planner, then compare its post count with the sketch. Confirm property boundaries and local rules before building.

Hypothetical worked example

Suppose one straight run is 40 ft and a second 32 ft run meets it at a corner. At an 8 ft maximum, they need five and four bays. Their six and five drawn post positions share one physical corner, leaving ten distinct posts before gates or other adjustments.

Which situation matches your project?

One gate is on a measured runEnter its starting distance and width, then compare every post in the diagram with the site sketch.Check the run layout →More than one gate is on one straight lineEnter the number of gates on that run, then give every opening a measured start and width. Compare the resulting solid spans and posts with your sketch.Place the gates →Post locations are ready to markVerify the boundary and local rules, and request buried-utility marking before digging.Check 811 instructions →

Limit to check: One run supports up to six nonoverlapping gates. More openings or a change in direction requires another run and a physical check of shared posts.

Further reading

YardSetup prepared this guide from the stated geometry and the linked references where provided. The adjustable example runs in your browser. See our formulas and limits or report an error.

Put it into practice: Open the Fence Material Planner and enter your own project measurements.