Fence Gate Sizes: A Guide to Standard Dimensions

An average fence gate ranges from 3 to 12 feet. A 3-foot gate is the standard size that’s sufficient for foot traffic. However, 4-foot gates are more common since they are large enough for walking and small equipment like a lawnmower. It also leaves enough clearance for mobility devices. Meanwhile, homes with a driveway leading up to the front door usually have a 10-foot gate to allow vehicles to pass through.

What Size Gate Do I Need?

To figure out what size gate you need, think about why you built or plan to build a fence in the first place. Many homeowners install fences for privacy, to designate their property line, or to keep children and pets safe in the yard. In these cases, a small gate that allows a person to walk through should work. If your fence blocks access to your garage, you’ll want a driveway gate big enough for your vehicle to pass through with plenty of space. 

Then, there are times when people have fences for more specific uses. Some people fence in vegetable gardens. If so, they might need a slightly larger gate to bring certain items through, like a wheelbarrow. Others own livestock or have expansive properties that they traverse with golf carts or UTVs. They would also benefit from a large gate.

Standard Gate Sizes by Use Case

Buying a prefabricated gate is easiest when you stick to the conventional sizes. Here are the most common gate widths.

3 Feet

A 3-foot-wide gate is generally the smallest size you can install. It provides enough space for people to pass through, as well as some push mowers, but it isn’t large enough for much else.

4 Feet

This is the most common gate size, as it’s wide enough to accommodate people, push mowers, and some compact riding mowers. 4-foot gates are easy to find for most fence styles, including picket, chain-link, and privacy fences.

5 or 6 Feet

This range is ideal if you intend to bring a riding mower in and out of the yard. 5 to 6 feet tends to be the largest size you’ll find for single doors. In fact, 6-foot-wide gates are often made from two 3-foot-wide gate doors attached, so you can decide if you prefer the single or double look before installing.

10 Feet

Moving into the larger gate sizes, a 10-foot gate allows vehicles, including trucks and SUVs, to pass through. 

12 Feet

Twelve feet is, by and large, the widest gate you’ll find for a fence. Some driveway gates get up to 18 feet wide, but increasing the size will also increase the cost of your gate, and most won’t need an entrance that large. A 12-foot gate easily accommodates vehicles, farming equipment, hauling trailers, and more.

How to Measure for a Gate

When measuring for a fence gate, begin by getting the height and width measurements of the gate opening. Determine the width by measuring the distance between the two posts where the gate will be installed, accounting for any obstacles or unevenness in the surrounding terrain. Measure the height from the ground level up to the top of the opening while considering the necessary clearance for uneven surfaces at the bottom.

Remember to factor in the space required to swing open without anything getting in the way. Record these measurements in both inches and feet for precision. Measuring at multiple points will help you account for variations in the opening's dimensions, ensuring a well-fitted gate.

Other Factors That Influence Gate Size

Other factors also influence the gate size you’d need:

• Single/double gate: You need a larger size if you want a single gate than you would if you’d prefer a double gate to cover the same area. Single and double gates also have different clearance requirements.

• Swinging/sliding: A swinging gate requires much more clearance than a sliding gate but often takes up much less space in the horizontal direction. Meanwhile, sliding gates are best for wide openings with less lateral spaces. 

• Opening direction: Sometimes, your fence may have different clearances on the inside and outside. As a result, which way your gate opens can affect the size that can be installed.

• Post size: Bigger gates need bigger posts. A gate between 3 and 6 feet wide needs 4-by-4 posts. A 10-foot gate needs 6-by-6 posts, and a 12-foot gate needs 8-by-8 posts.

• HOA restriction: Some HOAs have strict requirements on the maximum gate size allowed in the neighborhood. Check with your HOA before purchasing a gate to ensure you stay within that limit.

As you're choosing between fence gate sizes, there are a few other things to consider besides measurements. Selecting the right fence material and deciding between a manual or automatic gate will ensure it functions well and looks great.

Single vs. Double

Choosing between a single or double gate for your fence system may not apply to every homeowner's situation. Single gates, traditionally more common, consist of one panel and swing open in a single direction, while double gates comprise two panels that swing open in opposite directions, meeting at the center when closed. The choice between these two types of gates primarily depends on the width of the opening and the specific requirements of the property.

A single gate is a practical and cost-effective solution for smaller driveways or pedestrian entrances. Double gates are ideal for wider driveways and can create a more symmetrical and grand entrance. Double gates can also enhance the overall visual appeal of the property.

Swinging vs. Sliding

You can also decide between a swinging or a sliding gate. Swinging gates open inward or outward on hinges, much like a traditional door, while sliding gates move horizontally along a track, parallel to the fence line. Swinging gates are commonly used for smaller openings and can be more visually appealing, providing a classic and elegant entrance. Sliding gates are best for larger openings and where space is limited since they require less clearance. This makes them particularly suitable for very wide entrances, driveways on an incline, or areas with limited lateral space. 

Inward vs. Outward Opening

The choice of whether to have an inward or outward opening fence gate depends on the direction in which the gate swings when opened. An inward-opening gate swings towards the property, while an outward-opening gate moves away from it. The decision between the two is based on several factors, including the characteristics of the driveway or entrance. For sloped driveways, an outward-opening gate may be more suitable to prevent ground scraping during the swing, especially if the incline is significant. Short driveways may also benefit from an outward-opening gate, which allows ample space for parked cars without the risk of the gate hitting them upon closure.

If you choose an automatic gate that opens with a keypad, you'll need to consider the space you have for an outward or inward gate. A shorter driveway where the keypad is close to the gate would require an inward opening, but if there is ample space, the keypad can be situated further from the gate opening to allow enough clearance for an outward opening.

Post Size

For smaller gates, around 3 to 6 feet wide, it’s best to use gate posts that are 4 feet by 4 feet. A 10-foot gate requires 6-by-6 posts, while a 12-foot gate needs 8-by-8 posts.

HOA Restrictions

Before installing a fence gate, homeowners must consider both HOA restrictions, if applicable, and local building codes by reviewing guidelines. HOAs often have strict regulations regarding gate design, size, and materials, which aim to keep a beautiful and cohesive neighborhood look. Violating these guidelines could result in fines or requests for modifications. Similarly, local building codes may have restrictions based on your property and the location of the gate.

What to Do if You Buy the Wrong Size Gate

Buying the wrong size gate can significantly delay your project. However, mistakes do happen sometimes. If you’ve bought the wrong size gate, don’t panic. Call the store and see if they’re willing to exchange the gate. If you’ve recently made the purchase, most manufacturers will either issue a refund or help you exchange for the correct gate size. Do not attempt to remove more fence panels to make the gate fit.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Gate?

The cost to install a gate is about $2,340, with an average range of $880 to $3,830. The price mainly depends on its size, material, and any high-end features. A simple 3- or 4-foot gate costs $200 to $400 for the materials if you install it yourself. If you hire a local gate installation pro, the cost will increase by about $80 per hour in labor fees.

These are ballpark figures, however. The price can be significantly higher depending on the complexity of the gate. For instance, installing an automatic driveway gate can reach $8,500 or more.

As a general rule, wire fences and gates tend to be the least expensive, and chain-link fences, vinyl, and wood gates are similarly priced. Wrought-iron and aluminum gates are on the expensive end for manual gates, and automatic or electrical components will always drive the price up.