How Do I Calculate How Many Fence Panels I Need?

Successful temporary fence installation can only happen when you know how many fence panels to install. If you're a temporary fence rental business, the following fencing calculator can help you determine how many panels and fence feet you'll need to fulfill orders. Having the right number of panels is essential to meet customer expectations and perform an efficient installation.

Although the following calculations are relatively simple, it's important to get them right. If you don't calculate the number of fence panels correctly, you may have to install fence panels in shifts, or even purchase more fence panels after beginning installation. Failure to bring sufficient fence panels to the jobsite can cause frustration for your customers and even loss of business.

In this article, we'll go over the calculations that you'll need to complete when trying to determine how many panels in a perimeter. Here's what you need to know to ensure you have the right number panels for the job.

How to Measure a Property Line or Perimeter?

Measuring a basic property line is relatively easy. If the ground is perfectly level and straight, you can use a measuring wheel to gauge the perimeter where the fence will be installed. Simply roll the measuring wheel along the ground, measuring each side of the perimeter, and clear the wheel between each measurement. Record the numbers on your phone or a sheet of paper. It’s helpful to draw a diagram and indicate the length of each side.

If the ground is not perfectly level or perfectly straight, you can also measure it by inserting stakes in the ground in locations where each corner post will be installed. Next, run string from one stake to another. Measure the string when the stakes are installed. Keep in mind that you'll need to know the length of each side.

The total perimeter is less important. Knowing the length of each side is important for calculating the number of panels each side needs.

How to Measure a Curve

The string and stake method described above works well for measuring curved areas. Your fence panels aren't going to be curved, so you'll use progressive placement of corner posts to round a curve or an uneven shape. Install stakes in locations where each corner will be located. This may mean that your perimeter will have more than four sides.

Measure the string on each side, then calculate the number of panels that will fit into each length of string.

How to Measure on a Hill

If the ground is sloped, place a tall post at the low point on the ground, and a short post at the tall point on the ground. Run string straight between the two posts, then measure the string.

Fence Measuring Tips

Measuring a fence may not be that difficult, but the following best practice can help you be successful.

• Measure twice and double check your calculations twice to ensure they're correct.
• If you're not taking measurements for your customer, supply the customer with very clear instructions on how to measure on their own. 

Which Panel Size Is Best?

Temporary fence panels typically come in lengths of 10 ft or 12 ft. Determining which panel sizes are best can be a challenge. Start by measuring the sides. Divide the side measurements first by 10 and then by 12 to determine if one length of fence panels fits better than the other.

In some cases, you may need to vary panel sizes on each side, depending on the dimensions. Be sure to keep track of which panel sizes are intended for each side of your perimeter.

Formula to Calculate the Amount of Panels

The calculation for panel fencing is simple. Measure the side and divide the measurement by the length of the fence panel. If the equation does not produce a whole number, round up to the next full number to determine the number of panels needed for this side.

Each side must have a whole number of panels, because you can't bend a fence panel around a corner.

• How many clamps? The number of clamps needed is the exact same number as the panels required.
• How many fence feet? When selecting the number of fence feet, calculate the number of panels and add one - this is how many fence feet you'll need.

Always Bring Extra Panels

Always bring extra panels to the jobsite, just in case. Panels can become damaged in transit, and clients don't always provide accurate measurements.

Having extra panels helps ensure you can complete the job without going back for more materials if something unexpected happens.  

Save Up on Temp Panels by Buying in Bulk

Buying panels in bulk saves money, which boosts your ROI to ensure that you can start making a profit on your fence paneling as quickly as possible.

Here's why buying in bulk is usually cheaper:

• Economies of Scale: Manufacturers and suppliers often experience lower per-unit costs when producing and selling larger quantities of a product. These savings can be passed on to the consumer.
• Reduced Packaging and Shipping Costs: Bulk purchases often mean less packaging and fewer shipments, reducing the overall costs associated with these processes.
• Inventory Management: Bulk buying allows suppliers to manage their inventory more efficiently, reducing the costs associated with storage and handling.

Imagine you are renting fences for a large outdoor event and need to set up a temporary fence. You have two options: buying the fence components individually or purchasing them as a bundled kit.

In this hypothetical scenario, if you opt to buy the components separately, the costs could break down like this:

• Stand: $30
• Panel: $105
• Clamp/Bolt: $5

This would total $140 per fence section. However, if you decide to purchase the kit, which includes a chain-link fence panel, a tube stand, and a clamp, the cost would be only $109. This bundled price represents nearly a 30% savings compared to buying each part individually. Plus, if you buy in even larger quantities, you might qualify for further discounts.

Fence Maintenance

Starting a fence rental business requires an investment, even with bulk discounts. To protect this investment, it's important to keep your fence panels in good condition so they can be rented out repeatedly.

One way to do this is by explaining to your customers how to properly care for the fences during their rental period.

We've created a guide on fence cleaning and maintenance to help. You can use this guide to care for your panels and also share it with your customers!