Calculated result
14panels
Panels to order
Formula
FEN-ALUM-001panels = ceil((run − gates × gate width) ÷ section × (1 + waste)); posts = panels + 1 + gates
16 posts
Posts to set
42 rails
Rails to order
76 ft
Panel run after gates
Fencing calculator
Aluminum fence calculator
an 80 ft run of 6 ft sections with one 4 ft gate and 5% waste rounds to 14 panels and 16 posts. In metric, panel run after gates is 23.16 m.
Formula. panels = ceil((run − gates × gate width) ÷ section × (1 + waste)); posts = panels + 1 + gates
Aluminum panels, posts and rails from run length, section width and a measured gate opening.
By Feroz Sheikh · Formula FEN-ALUM-001 v1.0.0 · Tested formula
Formula
FEN-ALUM-001v1.0.0Project inputs
Enter your measurements. Switching units converts the same project, including coverage and unit rates. Package yields keep the unit printed beside each field.
Refine measurements and rates at any time. Your current values are included in the material-list PDF.
Planning estimate, not engineering advice. Confirm site measurements and product specifications. Calculation limits.
Panel run is total length minus gate openings at the width you type, divided by section width after waste. Posts equal panels plus one plus gates.
- Measure the centreline including gate openings, then enter gate width so panels are not ordered through the opening.
- Section width must match the aluminum system you will buy.
- Rails are panels × rails per section. Concrete bags stay the post-hole tool.
Add your project costs
Enter supplier prices and any labour, equipment or delivery costs. Pick a currency — badges, inputs, and totals follow.
Costs use the post, panel, fabric, stain or cap rate you type. Construclytic does not fetch fence-yard prices. Gates and slope racks stay extras. For GCC projects, select QAR, AED, SAR, KWD, OMR or BHD and enter local supplier rates.
How this calculator works
A transparent aluminum fence takeoff.
Feroz SheikhWritten and reviewed by Feroz Sheikh · founder
Panel run is total length minus gate openings at the width you type, divided by section width after waste. Posts equal panels plus one plus gates.
FEN-ALUM-001 orders aluminum panels from run minus a measured gate opening, then posts = panels + 1 + gates, plus rails per section. Vinyl fence still uses a 4 ft gate stand-in. This page asks for the opening you actually taped.
Worked example. Example: an 80 ft run of 6 ft sections with one 4 ft gate and 5% waste rounds to 14 panels and 16 posts.
See the example inputs and calculated result
This separate example uses the calculator's starting values in imperial units. It stays unchanged when you edit the tool above. Example rates, yields and dimensions are assumptions, not recommendations for your project.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Run length | 80 ft |
| Fence height | 4 ft |
| Section width | 6 ft |
| Gates | 1 count |
| Gate width | 4 ft |
| Horizontal rails | 3 count |
| Panel waste | 5 % |
Example result: Panels to order — 14 panels.
panels = ceil((run − gates × gate width) ÷ section × (1 + waste)); posts = panels + 1 + gates
Use the labelled units above when reproducing this example. To work in metric, switch the calculator to Metric; applicable measurements are converted, while product-specific units remain labelled.
- 1. Measure the centreline including gate openings, then enter gate width so panels are not ordered through the opening.
- 2. Section width must match the aluminum system you will buy.
- 3. Rails are panels × rails per section. Concrete bags stay the post-hole tool.
Field notes that change the number
- Section width must match the aluminum system you will buy, not a wood-bay spacing.
- Gate width is the measured clear opening, not a hidden 4 ft default.
- Racking for slope, post caps and concrete bags stay companion lines.
Common mistakes
- Using the vinyl-fence calculator for an aluminum system.
- Ordering panels through the gate opening.
- Treating this as a structural wind design.
Need the broader workflow? Read the fencing planning guide.
Questions
Questions about aluminum fence
Is this vinyl?
No. Vinyl fence uses a 4 ft gate stand-in. This page asks for the measured gate width and counts rails.
Are racks for slope included?
No. Racking, gates and post caps are extras.
What is the formula ID?
This aluminum fence calculator publishes formula FEN-ALUM-001, version 1.0.0. The ID stays on the result and on the estimate line.