How to Measure for a Fence: Runs, Corners and Gates

Confirm boundary location and any easements or setbacks through the appropriate local process. Mark a sketch with a named start point, changes in direction, existing structures and planned gates. Measure each straight run consistently in the supplier’s required convention. Do not infer a property boundary from an existing fence alone.

Record slope and access separately. A horizontal plan length, an along-slope length and a stepped panel layout are different inputs. The current topology tool treats runs as straight lengths; it does not design slope transitions.

A 40 ft run with a 4 ft gate at offset 12 ft contains two infill spans: 12 ft before the gate and 24 ft after it. Its net infill is 36 ft. At an 8 ft maximum spacing those spans have two and three bays. Gate posts replace the infill endpoints; the graph preserves one physical identity per location.

Use offset from the start of the named run, not from the preceding gate. Measure the clear opening specified for the gate system, then check hinge and latch clearances with the manufacturer. A gate at a run boundary can share the corner or terminal location.

Number the runs and gates, show connection types, and list finished height, selected system, module convention and footing specification. Include narrow cut sections and obstructions on the sketch. Compare the calculator’s per-span breakdown against the drawing before buying. A sum of boundary lengths cannot reveal a missing gate, an accidental detached connection or a shared corner counted twice.