By FencingWise Editorial Team · Updated 3 November 2026.
Read the direction as well as the numbers
On the enquiry drawing, label the horizontal and vertical dimensions in the installed orientation and identify the wires that bound each opening. Ask the manufacturer to return the same convention on its offer rather than reverse the numbers without explanation. Include any rebound zone, paired-wire row or formed section as a separate detail where the regular grid does not describe the actual opening.
The wire direction matters too. The horizontal opening is bounded by vertical wires; the vertical opening is bounded by horizontal wires. In twin-wire construction, examine the actual section rather than simply adding both horizontal wire diameters to a single-wire formula.
A clear-opening example
For equally sized, straight wires in one plane:
Clear opening = wire-centre spacing − finished wire diameter.
Suppose a drawing specifies 50 mm between vertical-wire centres and a finished diameter of 5 mm. The calculated horizontal clear opening is 45 mm. If horizontal-wire centres are 200 mm apart with the same diameter, the vertical clear opening is 195 mm.
This is an explanatory example, not a standard FencingWise product size. It assumes parallel, round wires with the stated finished dimensions. Coating, weld geometry and shaped or paired wires require attention at the actual measuring position.
Let the intended use narrow the options
Tell us what the opening must achieve, then compare candidate mesh constructions against the project’s accepted criteria. A smaller nominal aperture can alter material content, visibility and fabrication requirements, but it does not by itself establish a tested security level or safe containment. Keep the required wire sizes, edge openings and support arrangement with the aperture choice so a lower-price substitution cannot change the rest of the assembly unnoticed.
For ball containment, the sport and ball size matter alongside the configuration and evidence for the enclosure. For security, close spacing can restrict handholds without establishing a tested resistance level. For visibility, consider wire thickness and viewing angle as well as the nominal aperture.
No general mesh-size chart can establish suitability for every safety or containment application. The project requirements need to identify what the opening must achieve.
Record enough to repeat the measurement
A useful inspection record includes:
- The two aperture dimensions and whether they are centres or clear gaps.
- The direction of each measurement on the installed panel.
- Wire diameters and whether those include coating.
- The measuring location, including any profile or rebound zone.
- The drawing revision and permitted tolerances.
Measure several relevant positions according to the agreed inspection plan rather than treating one opening as proof of the whole panel. See pre-shipment inspection for recording observations.
The 358 explanation shows why the measurement convention matters for close mesh. The 3D and double wire comparison explains why a panel's shape needs a separate description.