How to Measure Your Pitch for Perimeter Fencing
An accurate measurement is the foundation of an accurate quote — and of a fence that fits first time. Get the setback and perimeter right and everything downstream (post count, panel count, gates, price, grant figures) follows cleanly. This guide shows you exactly how to measure your pitch for fencing, including the setback rules and a simple way to estimate your total run.
Measure the playing area (the turf edge, not the line markings), add the required setback to every side, and the result is your fence line. For a standard 105×68m football pitch at a 2,250mm setback, the fence line is roughly 109.5m × 72.5m, giving a perimeter of about 364m. Round up for gates and tolerance to around 380m. Always measure from the playing-surface edge.
Step 1: Measure the Playing Area
Start with the pitch itself. Measure the length and width of the actual playing surface — the edge of the turf or playing area, not the painted touchlines, which sit inside it. A long surveyor's tape and a helper make this far easier than a short builder's tape.
A full-size football pitch is commonly 105m × 68m, but pitches vary — always measure your own rather than assuming the standard.
Step 2: Add the Setback
The fence does not sit on the touchline — it sits a set distance back from the edge of the playing area. This setback (also called the run-off) is defined by your sport and level.
| Level | Minimum setback |
|---|---|
| FA Step 1 | 2,250mm (ideally 2,750mm) |
| FA Steps 2–6 | 1,830mm |
| Rugby union | 5m ideal, 3.5m/3.0m min |
Add the setback to every side. A 2,250mm setback adds 4,500mm to both the length and the width of the fenced rectangle (2,250mm at each end). For rugby, remember to include the in-goal areas when working out the ends. See our ground grading guide and RFU requirements for the detail.
The single most common measuring error is taking the setback from the painted touchline rather than the edge of the playing surface. The line sits inside the playing area, so measuring from it puts your fence too close and risks a grading failure.
Step 3: Calculate the Perimeter
Once you have the fence-line length and width, the perimeter is simply: (length + width) × 2.
- Pitch: 105m × 68m
- Add 2,250mm setback each side: fence line ≈ 109.5m × 72.5m
- Perimeter: (109.5 + 72.5) × 2 = 364m
- Round up for gates and tolerance: ≈ 380m
Step 4: Plan Posts, Panels and Gates
With the perimeter known, the rest follows. Posts sit at 2,500mm centres, so divide your perimeter by 2.5 for an approximate post count, then add corner and gate posts. Planning post positions so bays divide evenly avoids cutting panels — our installation guide covers this, and the cost guide turns your metre figure into a price.
Decide gate positions now too: typically a pedestrian gate on a long side and a double gate for machinery access.
Send Us Your Measurements for an Exact Quote
Measured your pitch? Send us the dimensions and your step, and we will return a fixed written quote within 24 hours — with the post and panel schedule and grant-ready specification included. Not sure? We can survey for you.
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