What does HT8/80/15 mean for stock fencing wire?

HT8/80/15 means: HT = High Tensile wire, 8 = number of horizontal wires, 80 = height in centimetres (800mm), 15 = spacing of vertical stays in centimetres (150mm). This is the most common stock fence specification for cattle and horses. For sheep, use HT13/100/15 which has 13 wires at 1m height with tighter vertical spacing.

How far apart should strainer posts be for stock fencing?

Strainer posts should be placed at a maximum of 75m intervals for high-tensile wire, with additional strainers at every end, corner and change of direction. Strainer posts are typically 125-150mm diameter round or 100×100mm sawn timber, set 750mm deep in concrete or rammed earth. Each strainer needs 1-2 diagonal struts.

What spacing for intermediate posts on stock fencing?

Intermediate posts are typically spaced at 3m intervals for standard stock fencing. For high-tensile wire, spacing can be extended to 3.6m on flat ground. On hilly terrain, reduce to 2.4m. Intermediate posts are lighter (75mm diameter or 50×75mm sawn) and are driven into the ground 450-600mm.

How many staples per post for stock fencing?

Use one staple per horizontal wire at each intermediate post — so 8 staples for HT8 wire, 13 for HT13. Staples should be 40mm long and driven at an angle to avoid splitting. Do not drive staples fully home on high-tensile wire — leave 2-3mm clearance to allow the wire to move under tension. Use barbed staples for added grip.

What length do stock fence wire rolls come in?

Standard stock fence rolls in the UK come in 50m lengths. Some suppliers also offer 100m rolls which are more economical but heavier to handle (approximately 30-40kg for a 50m roll). Always check the roll length when comparing prices, as some budget suppliers use shorter rolls.

TradeCalculator

Wire Stock Fence Calculator

Calculate HT wire rolls, strainer posts, intermediate posts and staples for agricultural stock fencing. UK standard wire specifications.

Total Fence Length

Total boundary run

Wire Type

HT = High Tensile, number = wire rows

Number of Corners

Each corner needs a strainer post

Number of Ends

Usually 2 (start and finish)

Price Per Wire Roll (optional)

Price Per Strainer Post (optional)

Price Per Intermediate Post (optional)

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines wire rolls, strainer posts, intermediate posts, struts and staples for agricultural stock fencing. It accounts for strainer positions at ends, corners and regular intervals.

The formula

Wire rolls = Fence length ÷ Roll length (rounded up)
Strainer posts = Ends + Corners + (Length ÷ Max strainer spacing)
Intermediate posts = (Length ÷ Post spacing) - Strainer posts
Staples = Total posts × Wire rows

For a 200m boundary with 4 corners: 4 wire rolls (50m each), ~8 strainer posts, ~60 intermediate posts at 3m spacing, 16 struts, and ~544 staples.

Installation tips

Always install and brace strainer posts first
Tension wire from strainer to strainer, not end to end
Drive intermediate posts after wire is tensioned
Add a strand of barbed wire along the top for stock deterrent

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.