Calculate Your Fence Cost
Enter your fence dimensions and your own material and labor prices. The calculator provides a basic project cost estimate.
Fence Dimensions
Material Prices
Additional Costs
Estimated Fence Cost
How the Fence Cost Calculator Works
This calculator estimates fence project costs by first determining approximate material quantities and then applying the prices you enter. Because material and labor prices vary significantly by location, using your own prices can provide a more flexible estimate.
1. Calculate Fence Posts
The additional post accounts for the end of a straight fence run. Corners, gates, and changes in direction may require additional posts.
2. Calculate Fence Panels
Panel quantity is rounded up because a partial panel still requires material. Actual layouts may change the quantity.
3. Calculate Fence Pickets
Picket width and spacing are converted to feet before the calculation. This provides a basic estimate for a straight fence run.
4. Add Waste
A waste allowance can account for cuts, damaged materials, measurement differences, and installation adjustments.
5. Calculate Material Cost
6. Add Labor and Gates
Enter zero for labor or gate cost when those costs do not apply.
What Affects Fence Installation Cost?
Fence cost depends on more than just the length of the fence. The following factors can have a significant effect on the final project price.
- Fence material such as wood, vinyl, or chain link
- Fence height and design
- Total fence length
- Number and type of gates
- Post spacing and installation requirements
- Terrain and soil conditions
- Number of corners and changes in direction
- Local labor rates
- Material prices in your area
- Permits or other project requirements
For a preliminary budget, it is useful to calculate material quantities separately from installation costs. This makes it easier to adjust the estimate when you receive actual supplier or contractor prices.
Fence Cost by Material
Wood Fence
Wood fencing can use individual pickets, rails, and posts. Material costs depend heavily on wood species, fence height, picket dimensions, and design.
Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fencing commonly uses prefabricated panels and posts. The number of panels, post spacing, gates, and the specific product system can affect the total material requirement.
Chain Link Fence
Chain link fencing uses different components from wood or vinyl systems, including mesh, posts, fittings, and framework. This calculator provides a general planning estimate and may not represent every chain link system.
Fence Cost Calculator FAQ
How much does a fence cost per linear foot?
Fence cost per linear foot varies depending on material, height, labor, gates, terrain, and local prices. Instead of using a single national price, this calculator lets you enter your own material and labor costs.
Does this calculator include labor?
Yes. Enter your estimated labor cost per linear foot. If you are installing the fence yourself, enter zero.
Does the calculator include gates?
Yes. Enter the combined cost of your gates in the Gate Cost field. The amount is added to the estimated project total.
How much extra fence material should I buy?
A waste allowance can help account for cuts, damaged pieces, measurement differences, and installation adjustments. The default setting is 10%, but you can change it to suit your project.
Does fence length include gates?
Enter the total fence run that you want to estimate. If a gate replaces part of the fence run, the exact material quantities may differ from this simplified calculation.
Is this calculator accurate for every fence project?
No. It is intended for preliminary planning. Real projects may require additional posts, hardware, rails, concrete, fittings, corner components, gate hardware, or other materials.
More Fence Calculators
More dedicated fence calculators can be added as separate tools, including wood fence, vinyl fence, chain link fence, fence spacing, gate, and concrete calculators.