How Many Fence Posts Do I Need?
Quick Answer
One more post than panels — 6 panels = 7 posts
Based on: each panel sits between two posts, so you always need N+1 posts for N panels (unless starting from an existing wall/post)
How We Calculated This
Each fence panel needs a post on either side. The panels share intermediate posts:
- Number of panels: 6
- Posts needed: 6 + 1 = 7 posts
- If starting from an existing wall: 6 posts (the wall acts as the first support)
- Add extra posts for corners and changes of direction
Post Sizes for Panel Fencing
- 75 × 75mm (3″ × 3″): Lightweight panels up to 1.5m high
- 100 × 100mm (4″ × 4″): Standard for 1.8m (6ft) panels — most common
- Concrete posts: Longer lasting alternative, slotted to accept panels
Post Length
Posts should be buried to a depth of at least one-third of their total length, or a minimum of 600mm (2ft) into the ground:
- 1.2m fence: Use 1.8m posts (600mm in ground)
- 1.5m fence: Use 2.4m posts (750mm in ground)
- 1.8m fence: Use 2.4m posts (600mm in ground) or 2.7m (900mm in ground for exposed sites)
Quick Reference Table
- 3 panels: 4 posts
- 5 panels: 6 posts
- 6 panels: 7 posts
- 8 panels: 9 posts
- 10 panels: 11 posts
Tips
Use pressure-treated (tanalised) timber posts rated for ground contact (Use Class 4). Set posts in postcrete or concrete for stability. Check posts are plumb with a spirit level before the concrete sets. In windy or exposed sites, use longer posts with deeper foundations. Metal post spikes are a quicker alternative but less stable in soft ground.