Cost estimate · Fencing
Fence Cost Calculator
Free fence calculator for installed cost by the linear foot — wood privacy, chain link, vinyl, or aluminum — with gates, terrain uplift, and optional tear-out. No signup.
Fence details
Board-on-board or dog-ear panels; cedar and pressure-treated differ.
Estimated fence cost
$3,200–$7,550
Typical ~$5,375 · $21–$50/lf
- Posts
- 22
- Sections
- 19
- Rails
- 57
- Pickets*
- 330
*Picket count assumes wood/vinyl board spacing (5.5" + 0.5" gap) with 10% waste. Chain link and aluminum use panels/mesh instead — post counts still apply. Concrete for posts ≈ 22–44 × 50 lb bags.
Cost breakdown
- Wood privacy, 6 ft (installed)150 lf × $20–$45/lf · 6 ft tall$3,000–$6,750
- Gates (1)1 × $200–$800 each$200–$800
Not included
- Survey, permits, and HOA approvals
- Utility locating beyond a basic call
- Major grading, retaining walls, and drainage
- Staining / sealing after wood install
- Electric gates, operators, and keypad hardware
Price data updated . National US ranges from published supplier and contractor averages. Not a bid. Local quotes vary.
How fence cost is calculated
Most residential bids price the run by the linear foot installed, then add gates and site factors. Post counts help you sanity-check material, even when the price is sold as a turnkey rate.
sections = ceil(length_ft ÷ post_spacing_ft) posts = sections + 1 + extra_corners fence $ = length_ft × installed_rate_per_lf gates $ = gate_count × gate_price_each total = (fence + gates + tear-out) × (1 + terrain_uplift)
Worked example. A 150 ft wood privacy fence at $20–$45/lf with one gate is roughly $3,200–$7,550 before slope uplift or tear-out. At 8 ft spacing with 2 corners that run needs about 22 posts (20 on a straight line alone).
Fence cost per foot by style (US installed)
National turnkey ranges. DIY material-only is lower; rocky digs push high.
| Style | Typical height | Installed $/lf |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | 4 ft | $10–$20 |
| Wood privacy | 6 ft | $20–$45 |
| Vinyl privacy | 6 ft | $25–$60 |
| Aluminum ornamental | 4 ft | $30–$70 |
- Gates $200–$800 each.
- Tear-out $3–$8/lf when replacing.
Fence Cost calculator FAQ
- Is this a free fence calculator?
- Yes. No signup and no email gate. Enter length, style, gates, and terrain to get a low / typical / high installed cost range in US dollars — usable on a phone in the yard.
- How much does a fence cost per foot?
- National installed ranges run about $10–$20/lf for 4 ft chain link, $20–$45/lf for 6 ft wood privacy, $25–$60/lf for vinyl privacy, and $30–$70/lf for aluminum ornamental. Gates, tear-out, and sloped ground sit on top of those line rates.
- Does the fence cost calculator include gates?
- Yes when you set a gate count. Each gate is estimated at $200–$800 installed depending on width and material. Operators, keypads, and electric openers are not included.
- How many fence posts do I need?
- For a straight run: posts ≈ ceil(length ÷ spacing) + 1. Default spacing is 8 ft on center (10 ft is common for chain link). Add corner posts for turns. This cost page shows the post count; the fence material calculator expands rails, pickets, mesh, or panels by style.
- Is this a quote I can hire from?
- No. It is a planning estimate from national US installed ranges. Local labor, soil, HOA rules, and material grade move the number. Use the range to budget and compare bids.
- What about wood fence vs chain link cost?
- Wood privacy usually costs more per foot than chain link but blocks view. Chain link is cheaper and faster on flat ground — use the dedicated chain link fence cost calculator for height, mesh grade, and privacy slats.
Other cost tools
Fence materials by style → · Chain link cost (height & mesh) · Wood fence cost calculator · All fence calculators