Fence Calculator
Calculate fence materials including posts, rails, pickets, gates, and concrete. Supports wood privacy, vinyl, chain link, and metal fencing with cost estimates.
Fence Length
Fence Posts
15 posts (6' 4×4)
Fence Building Reference
- 4' fence: 18-24" deep
- 6' fence: 24-30" deep
- 8' fence: 30-36" deep
- 4' fence: 2 bags (80 lb)
- 6' fence: 3 bags (80 lb)
- 8' fence: 3-4 bags (80 lb)
- Call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities
- Use pressure-treated posts for ground contact
- Set corner and gate posts first, then string line for others
- Check local codes for height restrictions and setbacks
- Add 10% extra materials for cutting waste and repairs
About This Calculator
Calculate all the materials needed for your fence project including posts, rails, pickets, gates, concrete, and hardware. This fence calculator covers wood privacy fences, vinyl panels, chain link, and metal fencing with accurate cost estimates for DIY or contractor quotes.
2026 fence costs: Wood privacy fencing runs $25-$45 per linear foot installed, with cedar at the higher end ($35-$45/LF) and pressure-treated pine at the lower end. Vinyl fencing costs $36-$65 per linear foot installed—more expensive upfront but virtually maintenance-free for 20-30 years. Chain link remains the budget option at $12-$25 per linear foot installed for 4-6 foot heights.
For a typical 150-foot backyard fence, expect to pay:
- Wood privacy (6'): $3,750-$6,750 installed, $1,800-$3,000 DIY materials
- Vinyl privacy (6'): $5,400-$9,750 installed, $3,000-$5,000 DIY materials
- Chain link (4'): $1,800-$3,750 installed, $750-$1,500 DIY materials
Labor costs have increased 8-12% since 2024 due to skilled labor shortages. DIY installation can save 40-50% but requires proper planning—always call 811 before digging to locate underground utilities, check local setback requirements, and verify you don't need a permit. Many jurisdictions require permits for fences over 6 feet or near property lines.
How to Use the Fence Calculator
- 1Enter the total linear feet of fencing needed (measure perimeter or single run accurately).
- 2Specify the number of walk gates (3-4 feet wide) and drive gates (10-16 feet) required.
- 3Select your fence type: wood privacy, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, or split rail.
- 4Choose fence height: 4', 6', or 8' (check local codes for height restrictions).
- 5Select post spacing: 6 feet (stronger) or 8 feet (standard) between posts.
- 6Review the materials list: posts, rails, pickets/panels, concrete, and hardware.
- 7Toggle pricing mode to compare DIY materials cost vs. professional installation.
Formula
Posts = (Linear Feet ÷ Post Spacing) + 1 + (Gates × 2)Divide total fence length by post spacing (6 or 8 feet), add 1 for the end post. Each gate requires 2 additional posts (one on each side). Corner posts are already counted in the linear calculation. Add 1 extra post per inside corner for proper bracing.
2026 Fence Cost Comparison by Type
Current pricing reflects 8-12% labor cost increases since 2024:
Privacy Fencing (6 feet tall):
| Fence Type | Materials/LF | Installed/LF | 150 ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $12-$18 | $25-$35 | $3,750-$5,250 |
| Cedar (standard) | $15-$22 | $35-$45 | $5,250-$6,750 |
| Western red cedar | $20-$35 | $45-$65 | $6,750-$9,750 |
| Vinyl/PVC | $25-$40 | $36-$65 | $5,400-$9,750 |
| Composite | $30-$50 | $50-$80 | $7,500-$12,000 |
Chain Link Fencing:
| Height | Materials/LF | Installed/LF | 150 ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 feet galvanized | $5-$10 | $12-$20 | $1,800-$3,000 |
| 5 feet galvanized | $7-$12 | $15-$25 | $2,250-$3,750 |
| 6 feet galvanized | $8-$15 | $18-$30 | $2,700-$4,500 |
| Vinyl-coated (any) | +$3-$8/LF | +$5-$10/LF | +$750-$1,500 |
Decorative/Specialty Fencing:
| Fence Type | Materials/LF | Installed/LF | 150 ft Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum ornamental | $20-$35 | $40-$70 | $6,000-$10,500 |
| Wrought iron | $35-$60 | $60-$120 | $9,000-$18,000 |
| Split rail (3-rail) | $8-$15 | $15-$25 | $2,250-$3,750 |
| Picket (4 ft) | $10-$18 | $20-$40 | $3,000-$6,000 |
Labor Costs (Professional Installation):
| Task | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Standard installation | $10-$20/LF |
| Difficult terrain/slope | $15-$30/LF |
| Old fence removal | $3-$5/LF |
| Gate installation | $150-$500 each |
| Post hole digging (rocky soil) | +$10-$25/post |
Wood Fence Materials Guide
Understanding wood fence components and quantities:
Posts (4×4 or 6×6 Pressure-Treated):
| Post Spacing | Posts per 100 LF | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 6 feet OC | 18 posts | High wind, heavy pickets |
| 8 feet OC | 14 posts | Standard residential |
| 10 feet OC | 11 posts | Light-duty, temporary |
Post Sizing:
| Fence Height | Post Length | Buried Depth | Post Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 feet | 6 feet | 24" minimum | 4×4 |
| 6 feet | 8 feet | 28-32" | 4×4 standard |
| 6 feet | 8 feet | 28-32" | 6×6 (gates, corners) |
| 8 feet | 10-12 feet | 36"+ | 6×6 required |
Rails (2×4 Horizontal):
| Fence Height | Rails per Section | Rails per 100 LF (8' spacing) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 feet | 2 rails | 26 boards |
| 6 feet | 3 rails | 39 boards |
| 8 feet | 4 rails | 52 boards |
Pickets (Dog-ear or Flat-top):
| Picket Width | Pickets per 8' Section | Per 100 LF |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5" (tight privacy) | 28 pickets | 350 |
| 5.5" (standard) | 18 pickets | 225 |
| 5.5" (1" gap) | 15 pickets | 188 |
Concrete per Post:
| Post Size | Hole Diameter | Hole Depth | 80-lb Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×4 | 8-10" | 24" | 2 bags |
| 4×4 | 10-12" | 30" | 3 bags |
| 6×6 | 12" | 32" | 3-4 bags |
| 6×6 | 12" | 36" | 4 bags |
Wood Species Comparison:
| Species | Cost/Picket | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $2-$4 | 15-20 years | Stain every 2-3 years |
| White cedar | $4-$6 | 15-20 years | Seal every 3-5 years |
| Western red cedar | $6-$10 | 25+ years | Optional sealing |
| Redwood | $8-$15 | 25-30 years | Optional sealing |
Vinyl Fence Specifications
Vinyl/PVC fencing comes in pre-made panels with posts:
Standard Vinyl Panel Sizes:
| Style | Width | Height | Price per Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | 6-8 feet | 6 feet | $80-$150 |
| Privacy | 6-8 feet | 8 feet | $120-$200 |
| Semi-privacy | 6-8 feet | 6 feet | $60-$120 |
| Picket | 6-8 feet | 4 feet | $40-$80 |
Vinyl Post Requirements:
| Application | Post Size | Post Spacing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard line | 5"×5" | Panel width (6-8') |
| Corner/End | 5"×5" | At corners |
| Gate | 5"×5" or 6"×6" | Each gate side |
Vinyl vs. Wood Lifetime Cost (150 LF):
| Factor | Wood (20 years) | Vinyl (25 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | $4,500 | $7,500 |
| Staining (7×) | $2,100 | $0 |
| Repairs | $500 | $200 |
| Replacement | $4,500 (year 15) | $0 |
| Total 20-year cost | $11,600 | $7,700 |
Vinyl Grades:
| Grade | Wall Thickness | Warranty | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Builder | 0.080-0.100" | 10-15 years | Budget |
| Residential | 0.100-0.135" | 20-25 years | Standard |
| Commercial | 0.135-0.150"+ | Lifetime | Heavy use |
Installation Notes:
- Vinyl posts require concrete or gravel backfill
- Panels slide into routed posts (no nails/screws visible)
- UV inhibitors prevent yellowing—verify before purchase
- Won't accept paint or stain—choose color carefully
Chain Link Fence Components
Chain link is the most economical fencing option:
Chain Link Fabric Specifications:
| Gauge | Wire Diameter | Use | Cost/LF |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 gauge | 0.148" | Commercial, security | $3-$5 |
| 11 gauge | 0.120" | Residential standard | $2-$3 |
| 11.5 gauge | 0.113" | Light residential | $1.50-$2.50 |
Mesh Size:
- 2" diamond: Standard residential
- 1" diamond: Pool code, pet containment
Coating Options:
| Type | Cost Premium | Lifespan | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galvanized | Baseline | 15-20 years | Silver |
| Vinyl-coated | +50-80% | 20-30 years | Black, green, brown |
| Aluminized | +30-50% | 25+ years | Silver |
Post Requirements:
| Post Type | Location | Spacing | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line post | Between terminals | 10 feet | 1-5/8" to 2" |
| Terminal (end) | Ends | Each end | 2-3/8" |
| Terminal (corner) | Corners | Each corner | 2-3/8" |
| Terminal (gate) | Gates | Each side | 2-3/8" to 3" |
Top Rail:
- Standard: 1-3/8" diameter, 21' lengths
- Cut to fit between terminal posts
- Joins with sleeve fittings
Hardware per 100 LF:
| Component | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Post caps | 11-12 | Protect post tops |
| Tension bands | 3-4 per terminal | Secure fabric |
| Brace bands | 2-3 per terminal | Attach rail |
| Tension bar | 1 per terminal | Stretch fabric |
| Tie wires | 150-200 | Secure fabric to posts |
| Top rail sleeves | 4-5 | Join rail sections |
Gate Sizing and Costs
Gates are the most expensive per-foot component:
Standard Gate Sizes:
| Gate Type | Width | Height | Materials | Installed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walk gate (wood) | 3-4 feet | 6 feet | $100-$250 | $200-$400 |
| Walk gate (vinyl) | 3-4 feet | 6 feet | $200-$400 | $350-$600 |
| Walk gate (chain link) | 3-4 feet | 4-6 feet | $75-$150 | $150-$300 |
| Double drive (wood) | 10-12 feet | 6 feet | $400-$800 | $600-$1,200 |
| Double drive (vinyl) | 10-12 feet | 6 feet | $600-$1,200 | $900-$1,800 |
| Double drive (chain link) | 10-12 feet | 4-6 feet | $300-$600 | $500-$900 |
| RV/Wide drive | 14-16 feet | 6 feet | $600-$1,500 | $1,000-$2,500 |
Gate Hardware Costs:
| Component | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy-duty hinges (pair) | $30-$60 | Self-closing available |
| Gate latch | $15-$50 | Keyed locks $40-$100 |
| Drop rod (double gates) | $25-$50 | Prevents sagging |
| Spring closure | $20-$40 | Auto-close for pools |
| Gate wheel | $30-$60 | Prevents drag |
Gate Post Requirements:
- Use posts one size larger than line posts
- 6×6 posts for wood gates over 4 feet wide
- 4" steel posts for chain link drive gates
- Set gate posts extra deep (6-12" more than line posts)
- Concrete gate posts in cold climates
Common Gate Mistakes:
- Posts too small—gates sag within months
- Posts not deep enough—lean inward over time
- No diagonal brace—gates rack and won't latch
- Wrong hinge type—hinges fail under weight
Permits, Codes, and Property Lines
Legal requirements vary by jurisdiction—always verify locally:
Typical Permit Requirements:
| Situation | Permit Usually Required? |
|---|---|
| Fence under 6 feet, interior lot | Often no |
| Fence 6+ feet tall | Usually yes |
| Front yard fence | Usually yes |
| Corner lot (any fence) | Usually yes |
| Near property line (<2 feet) | Sometimes |
| Pool fence | Always |
| Historic district | Always |
Permit Costs:
- Residential fence permit: $50-$200
- Plan review: $25-$75 (if required)
- Inspection fee: Often included
- Expedited processing: +$50-$100
Common Height Restrictions:
| Location | Typical Max Height |
|---|---|
| Front yard | 3-4 feet |
| Side yard (front portion) | 4 feet |
| Side yard (rear portion) | 6-8 feet |
| Rear yard | 6-8 feet |
| Corner lot (visibility triangle) | 30-42 inches |
Property Line Setbacks:
| Jurisdiction Type | Typical Setback |
|---|---|
| Urban residential | 0-6 inches |
| Suburban | 2-12 inches |
| Rural | 0-24 inches |
| HOA communities | Varies (check CC&Rs) |
Before Building:
- Survey: Get property survey or locate pins ($300-$800)
- Call 811: Locate underground utilities (free, required)
- Check codes: Height, setback, material restrictions
- Notify neighbors: Required in some states for line fences
- HOA approval: Get written approval if applicable
- Permit: Apply if required (2-4 week approval typical)
Pool Fence Requirements (IRC):
- Minimum 48" height
- No openings >4" (can't pass 4" sphere)
- Self-closing, self-latching gates
- Latch 54" above grade (or key/combination)
- No climbable features
DIY vs Professional Installation
Evaluate whether DIY makes sense for your project:
DIY Savings Estimate:
| Project Size | Professional Cost | DIY Materials | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 LF wood | $1,500-$2,250 | $750-$1,000 | $500-$1,250 |
| 100 LF wood | $2,500-$4,500 | $1,400-$2,000 | $1,000-$2,500 |
| 150 LF wood | $3,750-$6,750 | $2,000-$3,000 | $1,500-$3,750 |
| 200 LF wood | $5,000-$9,000 | $2,500-$4,000 | $2,000-$5,000 |
DIY Time Investment:
| Task | Time per Section | 150 LF Total |
|---|---|---|
| Layout and string lines | — | 2-3 hours |
| Digging post holes | 15-30 min/hole | 6-12 hours |
| Setting posts | 20-30 min/post | 6-10 hours |
| Concrete curing | — | 24-48 hours wait |
| Installing rails | 15-20 min/section | 4-6 hours |
| Installing pickets | 30-45 min/section | 8-12 hours |
| Total active time | — | 26-43 hours |
When to Hire a Pro:
- Rocky or clay soil (post hole nightmare)
- Significant slope (requires stepping/racking)
- Property line uncertainty
- Pool fence (code compliance critical)
- Timeline under 1 week
- You don't own or want to rent equipment
When DIY Makes Sense:
- Flat, workable soil
- Simple rectangular layout
- No permit required
- Flexible timeline (weekend project)
- You enjoy physical work
- Budget is primary concern
Essential DIY Tools:
| Tool | Own/Rent | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Post hole digger (manual) | Own | $40-$80 |
| Auger (power) | Rent | $50-$100/day |
| Level (4 ft) | Own | $25-$50 |
| String line | Own | $10-$20 |
| Circular saw | Own | $80-$200 |
| Drill/driver | Own | $80-$200 |
| Safety gear | Own | $30-$60 |
Pro Tips
- 💡Call 811 at least 3 days before digging—it's free, required by law, and locates all underground utilities.
- 💡Set corner and end posts first, then string a line between them for perfectly straight intermediate posts.
- 💡Use pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant posts (cedar, redwood) for ground contact—regular lumber rots within 3-5 years.
- 💡Apply post preservative to cut ends before setting—the cut exposes untreated wood to moisture.
- 💡Check local codes for height restrictions, setbacks, and permit requirements before purchasing materials.
- 💡Add 10% extra pickets for cutting waste, defects, and future repairs—matching wood later is difficult.
- 💡Install pickets with a gap (1/4"-1/2") to allow for wood expansion—tight-fit pickets buckle in humidity.
- 💡Consider "good neighbor" (shadowbox) style if neighbors will share costs—alternating pickets look finished on both sides.
- 💡Set gate posts deeper (6-12" extra) and in oversized concrete footings—gates create leverage that loosens shallow posts.
- 💡Pre-stain or seal all wood components before installation—once assembled, end grain is inaccessible.
- 💡For sloped yards, decide between stepped panels (level sections) or racked panels (follow slope)—both are acceptable.
- 💡Get at least 3 quotes from contractors and verify they're licensed and insured—fence quality varies dramatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
With standard 8-foot post spacing: 100 ÷ 8 = 12.5 sections, requiring 14 posts (13 + 1 end post). For 6-foot spacing: 100 ÷ 6 = 16.7 sections = 18 posts. Add 2 extra posts per gate (walk gates need 2 posts, drive gates need 2). Add 1 extra post per inside corner for proper bracing. For a typical 100 LF fence with one walk gate: 14 + 2 = 16 posts at 8' spacing.
