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  3. Gate Weight Estimator

 

Gate Weight Estimator

Choosing the correct electric gate motor starts with one critical factor: gate weight. If the motor is undersized, it can struggle, wear out quickly, or fail entirely. If it’s oversized, you may be overpaying for performance you don’t need.

Our Gate Weight Estimator helps you quickly calculate an approximate weight based on your gate dimensions and construction type. This gives you a more realistic starting point when selecting an automation system for swing gates, sliding gates, and custom installations.

Gate weight is influenced by more than just size. Materials, frame thickness, cladding, and hardware all play a role. This tool provides a practical estimate to help guide motor selection, but for critical or commercial installations, we always recommend confirming with a professional.

Use the calculator below to get an instant estimate.

 

Wooden 5 Bar Farm Style GateBARRED GATE (FIELD/FARM GATE) - WEIGHT (kg)

GATE LEAF LENGTH (mm)

GATE HEIGHT

(mm)

   1500175020002250250027503000325035003750400045005000
1100 37 43 50 57 65 74 83 94 105 118 132 153 178
1300 39 46 53 60 68 77 87 98 110 123 137 159 183
1500 42 48 55 63 72 81 91 102 114 127 142 164 189
1750 45 52 59 67 76 86 96 107 120 133 148 171 196
2000 48 55 63 71 80 90 101 112 125 139 154 178 203

 

SPECIFICATION:                                                                               

Pressure treated softwood 510kg/m³ (kg/cu.m.)                                                 

ASSUMPTIONS:

  1. 100mm x 100mm frame
  2. 100mm x 20mm bars (4) and cross-members (2)
  3. 100mm x 5mm x (gate length) reinforcing metal brace 

 

CLOSED BOARDED GATE (WOODEN) - WEIGHT (kg)

GATE LEAF LENGTH (mm)

GATE HEIGHT
(mm)

   1500175020002250250027503000325035003750400045005000
1100 58 78 90 102 115 129 144 159 176 194 212 244 279
1300 66 87 100 114 128 143 159 175 193 212 232 266 303
1500 74 97 111 125 140 157 174 192 210 231 252 288 327
1750 84 108 123 139 156 174 192 212 232 254 276 315 357
2000 94 119 136 154 172 191 211 232 254 277 301 343 387

 

SPECIFICATION:

Pressure treated softwood 510kg/m³ (kg/cu.m.) 

ASSUMPTIONS:

  1. 100mm x 100mm frame
  2. 100mm x 50mm central support
  3. 100mm x 20mm close boards rebated into frame
  4. 100mm x 5mm x (gate length) reinforcing metal brace

 

METAL GATE (B0X STEEL/SHEET CLADDING ) - WEIGHT (kg)

GATE LEAF LENGTH (mm)


GATE HEIGHT
(mm)

   15001750200022502500300032503500375040005000600070008000900010000110001200013000
1100 74 85 101 112 124 147 168 180 192 204 253 301 370 421 473 524 576 627 752
1300 85 97 115 128 141 167 190 203 217 231 286 341 415 473 531 589 647 704 836
1500 96 110 130 144 159 188 212 227 242 258 319 380 461 525 589 653 717 781 919
1750 110 126 147 164 180 214 239 257 274 291 360 429 518 590 662 734 806 878 1023
2000 124 142 165 184 202 239 267 286 305 325 402 479 575 655 735 815 894 974 1127
2250 138 158 183 203 224 265 295 316 337 358 443 528 632 720 808 895 983 1070 1231
2500 152 173 201 223 246 291 322 345 369 392 484 577 689 785 880 976 1071 1167 1336
2750 166 189 219 243 267 316 350 375 400 425 526 626 746 850 953 1056 1160 1263 1440
3000 179 205 236 263 289 342 378 405 432 459 567 675 804 915 1026 1137 1248 1359 1544

 

SPECIFICATION:

Steel at 7850kg/m³ (kg/cu.m.)

ASSUMPTIONS:

  1. 30mm x 30mm x 3mm box steel frame
  2. Upright 30mm box support approx every 2.5 metres
  3. 2mm steel sheet cladding

 

METAL GATE (ORNAMENTAL/RAILING) - WEIGHT (kg)

GATE LEAF LENGTH (mm)


GATE HEIGHT
(mm)

   15001750200022502500300032503500375040005000600070008000900010000110001200013000
1100 80 99 120 143 167 212 242 274 308 344 451 567 691 825 969 1122 1286 1461 1646
1300 89 111 134 159 187 237 270 306 344 385 504 633 772 922 1083 1254 1437 1632 1839
1500 99 122 148 176 207 262 298 338 380 425 557 700 854 1019 1197 1386 1589 1804 2033
1750 111 137 166 197 231 293 334 378 425 476 624 783 955 1141 1339 1551 1778 2019 2275
2000 122  152 183 218 256 324 369 418 471 527 690 866 1057 1262 1482 1716 1967 2234 2517
2250 134 166 201 239 281 355 405 459 516 577 756 950 1159 1383 1624 1882 2156 2449 2759
2500 146 181 219 260 305 386 440 499 561 628 823 1033 1260 1505 1766 2047 2345 2663 3001
2750 158 195 236 281 330 417 476 539 607 679 889 1116 1362 1626 1909 2212 2534 2878 3243
3000 170  210 254 302 354 448 512 579 652 729 955 1200 1464 1747 2051 2377 2724 3093 3485

 

SPECIFICATION:

Steel at 7850kg m³ (kg/cu.m)

ASSUMPTIONS:

  1. 10mm x 30mm steel bar frame
  2. Four cross members (10mm x 30mm steel bars)
  3. 10mm diameter steel rod railing every 90mm

 

Undesrstanding Your Gate Weight Result

 

Once you've calculated your estimated gate weight, the next step is understanding what it means for automation.

Electric gate motors are rated by maximum gate weight and duty cycle. Choosing the right category ensures smooth operation, long lifespan, and reliable performance in all weather conditions.

General guide to interpreting results:

If your gate is close to the upper limit of a category, it's usually best to size up for reliability and reduced strain on the motor.

 

What Affects Gate Weight?

Even two gates with identical dimensions can weigh very differently.

Key factors include:

If you're unsure about your gate construction, it's better to treat the estimate as a baseline rather than an exact figure.

 

How Accurate Is The Estimator?

This tool provides a calculated estimate, not a physical measurement.

It is designed for:

It is less suitbale for:

For precise sizing, a site survey is recommended.

 

Not Sure Which Motor You Need?

If your result is boderline or you're unsure how to interpret it, our team can help.

We can recommend the correct system based on:

Contact Us for a recommendation today!

 

Related Guides

Gate Automation Need To Know

Swing Gate Buying Guide

Sliding Gate Buying Guide

Swing Gate Site Assessment Form

Sliding Gate Site Assessment Form

Aftersales & Technical Support

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

How do I estimate the weight of my gate?

Gate weight is based on size, material, frame construction, and cladding. This tool provides a quick estimate using those factors.

Is this calculator accurate?

It provides a reliable estimate for planning purposes, but actual gate weight can vary depending on construction and hardware.

What happens if I choose the wrong motor size?

An undersized motor may struggle, overheat, or fail early. An oversized motor may cost more but provide smoother, longer-lasting operation.

Can I use this for sliding gates?

Yes, but sliding gates often require additional consideration due to track friction and ground resistance.

  

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Gate Automation

Please select what type of automation you require for your gate/s. Double & Single Swing refer to motors which attach to the gate and pillar of a swing motion gate. Double & Single Underground refer to motors which lay beneath the ground which attach to the hinge end of swing motion gates. Choose Sliding if you require lateral moving gate automation and Wheeled if you require a motor which utilises a wheeled motor to drive your gate/s.

Motor Voltage

There are two types of power outputs to consider - 24v & 230v. If you need a higher number of operations (opened/closed more than 5-6 times in an hour) during peak periods such as the morning and evening, then you may wish to consider a 24v system.

24v systems are more suitable for higher operation levels as they tend to run cooler than 230v gate motors. However, they do cost more in relative terms, so if you only need to open or close the gate 1-5 times an hour then a 230v system might prove more cost-efficient.

24v motors tend to be used on commercial premises, whereas 230v tend to be used on standard domestic properties. The exception to this rule is sliding gate motors where the reverse is true - 24v sliding gate automation systems tend to be for domestic use, 230v for more intense use (commercial/communal).

24v systems can draw power from battery backup systems meaning they can still operate during any mains power cut (a 230v or 3 phase system would need to be opened with a manual release key).

24v systems can also utilise solar power units as a means of charging batteries, allowing you to site gate automation in rural and remote locations where mains power is unavailable.

Specifications can be found for each product from their datasheet. Each datasheet is downloadable from each product page on this website.

Weight of Gate

All electric gate motors operate up to a maximum weight. This is so the gate will operate in a reliable and safe manner. It is essential to know the weight of each gate leaf in order to choose the correct motor for you installation. If you do not know the weight of your gate/s, send us a photo along with the gate/s dimensions and we can advise.

Gate Width

As with weight, gate motors are designed for gates within certain dimensions. The most important dimension is the width of the gate. To ensure you select the right motor to operate your gate you must know the width of each gate that requires automation.

Opening Angle

Each motor has a maximum angle to which it can operate to. Therefore it is important to note how far the gate needs to open in order for a vehicle to enter/exit safely.

Daily Use

The amount of times your gate is used per day is a determining factor when deciding on the right motor for your usage. Motors are designed to operate within a certain capacity (operations per day) so choosing a motor compatible with your desired use is essential for its durability. Select from the options below the number of times (open & closure = 1 x operation) the gate/s will be operated on an average day.