Fence Cost Calculator – U.S. Pricing
Use this free fence cost calculator to estimate material cost per linear foot, labor, and gate costs. Enter your fence length, choose a material, add gates, and select whether to include labor. Results show both DIY and professionally installed totals, plus a clear per-foot breakdown.
Typical Cost Ranges (Installed)
| Material | Installed ($/ft) | DIY Materials ($/ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $10–$20 | $6–$12 |
| Wood – PT Pine | $15–$30 | $10–$20 |
| Wood – Cedar | $20–$35 | $14–$25 |
| Vinyl | $20–$40 | $15–$30 |
| Composite | $25–$45 | $18–$35 |
| Aluminum | $30–$50 | $22–$38 |
How We Estimate
Total materials = length × (material $/ft) × (1 + waste%). Gates are added as a fixed cost per gate. Installed cost = materials + gates + (length × labor $/ft) if “Include Labor” is selected. Optional post & concrete helper approximates post count and concrete by hole volume.
Related Fencing Calculators
Fence Cost Calculator FAQs
How much does it cost to build a fence per foot in the U.S.?
Fence cost per foot depends on material, height, terrain, and local labor rates. Typical installed ranges are roughly $10–$20/ft for chain link, $15–$35/ft for wood, $20–$40/ft for vinyl, and $30–$50/ft for aluminum. Use the calculator to budget DIY vs installed totals based on your specific inputs.
Does fence height affect cost?
Yes. Taller fences usually require more material and sometimes more labor. This calculator assumes your $/ft inputs are for a typical 6 ft fence. If you choose 4 ft or 8 ft, adjust the Material Cost ($/ft) and Labor Cost ($/ft) fields to match pricing for that height.
What is included in material cost per foot?
Material cost per foot is an average allowance for panels/pickets, posts, rails (if applicable), and hardware averaged across the fence run. It typically does not include permits, old fence removal, staining/painting, grading, or retaining walls.
How do you estimate installed fence cost?
Installed cost is estimated as (materials × (1 + waste)) + gates + (length × labor $/ft) when “Include Labor” is selected. This is a simplified model intended for planning and comparison.
How many fence posts do I need?
A common estimate is posts ≈ ceil(length ÷ spacing) + 1 for a straight run. Gates and corners often require additional posts. Use the optional Posts & Concrete section as a quick approximation.
How much concrete do I need for fence posts?
Concrete depends on hole diameter and depth. This calculator estimates hole volume using a cylinder model and converts total volume into approximate bag counts based on typical yields for 50 lb, 60 lb, or 80 lb bags.
Should I include waste/overage for fencing materials?
Yes. Waste accounts for cuts, damaged boards/panels, and small layout changes. 5–15% is common depending on material type, complexity, and site conditions.
Important Estimate Disclaimer
These estimates are intended for planning purposes only and do not replace site-specific evaluation. Material requirements may vary due to terrain, soil conditions, frost depth, and wind exposure.
See our Methodology and Data Sources for calculation details.
Post depth, structural bracing, and local permitting requirements may affect final quantities.