What is the standard pedestrian gate width?

Standard pedestrian gates are 900mm to 1000mm wide. For Part M (accessibility) compliance, the minimum clear opening width is 850mm — meaning the gate itself should be at least 900mm to allow for hinge projections. Side access gates are typically 900mm-1200mm wide, while single driveway gates are 2.4m-3.6m.

What hinge type should I use for my gate?

Hinge selection depends on gate weight: Tee hinges suit light gates up to 20kg; Hook & Band hinges handle 20-50kg; Heavy-duty cranked hinges suit 50-100kg; Ball bearing hinges are needed for gates over 100kg. Use 3 hinges instead of 2 for gates over 1.5m tall or over 30kg to prevent sagging.

Where should the gate latch be positioned?

Standard latch height is 900-1050mm from ground level. For Part M (accessibility) compliance, the operating mechanism should be between 900mm and 1050mm high, operable with one hand, and not require tight grasping. A lever-action thumb latch or ring latch at 1000mm is ideal.

What are the Part M requirements for gates?

Building Regulations Part M requires: minimum 850mm clear opening width, latch/lock operable between 900-1050mm height, self-closing mechanism (auto-closer), level threshold (max 15mm upstand), and contrasting colour to surroundings. These apply to gates on accessible routes to buildings.

What clearance gaps should I leave around a gate?

Allow 3-6mm clearance on the hinge side (depending on hinge type) and 2-3mm on the latch side. Leave at least 50mm ground clearance to allow for ground movement and prevent the gate dragging. For double gates, allow 6-10mm gap between the two leaves. These clearances accommodate swelling in timber gates.

Gate Sizing Calculator — Free Fencing & Boundaries Tool

Gate Sizing Calculator

Calculate gate dimensions, hinge type by weight, latch position and Part M accessibility requirements. UK Building Regulations compliant.

Opening Width

Clear opening between posts/pillars

Opening Height

Height of opening

Gate Type

Pedestrian, side access or driveway

Hinge Type

Select based on estimated gate weight

Gate Material

Affects weight and hinge selection

Part M compliant (accessibility)

Requires auto-closer, accessible latch height

Include drop bolt (double gates)

Holds one leaf fixed on double gates

Price Per Gate Leaf (optional)

Price Per Hinge (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines gate dimensions from the opening size, recommends hinge type based on gate weight, and checks Part M accessibility compliance for latch height and auto-closer requirements.

The formula

Gate width = Opening width - Hinge clearance - Latch clearance
Gate height = Opening height - 50mm (ground clearance)
Leaf width (double) = Gate width ÷ 2
Hinges = 2 (light) or 3 (tall/heavy gates) × Leaves

For a 1000mm opening with 6mm hinge clearance and 3mm latch clearance: gate width = 991mm, height = 1750mm (from 1800mm opening). Hook & Band hinges with 2 per leaf.

Hinge weight guide

Tee hinges: up to 20kg — small pedestrian gates
Hook & Band: 20-50kg — standard timber gates
Heavy duty cranked: 50-100kg — large solid timber gates
Ball bearing: 100kg+ — hardwood, steel, or very large gates

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Gate Sizing Calculator

How We Calculate This

The formula

Hinge weight guide

Frequently Asked Questions

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