Fence Calculator

Calculate fencing materials and cost by linear feet, height, and material (wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum).

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated September 2026 · Source: HomeAdvisor

ft
Fence Height
Fence Material

Total Linear Feet

150 ft

Posts Needed

20

19 panels

Total Est. Cost

$2,550.00

Fence Estimate

Linear Feet150 ft
Posts (every 8 ft)20
Panels19
Material Cost (Wood @ $15/ft)$2,250.00
Gate Cost (1 gate)$300.00
Total Estimated Cost$2,550.00

Use the Fence Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results are estimates from the numbers you enter and the assumptions described on this page; check them against local building codes, product specifications and current prices, and have structural, electrical or gas work designed or checked by a licensed professional.

How It Works

Pricing out a fence means reconciling two moving targets: the material itself and the labor to put it up. A solid estimate tells you how much wood, vinyl, chain link, or aluminum to buy and roughly what it will run, which is what stands between a smooth install and a project that stalls over a shortage or a blown budget.

Calculation starts from the total linear feet you enter and a material rate per foot for a 6-foot fence: $15 for wood, $25 for vinyl, $10 for chain link and $30 for aluminum. Height scales that rate in proportion, so a 4-foot fence costs two-thirds as much per foot and an 8-foot fence a third more. Each gate is a separate line at $300 for wood, $400 for vinyl, $200 for chain link or $500 for aluminum. The calculator also counts posts at one every 8 feet plus one, and 8-foot panels.

Build in another 10 to 15% beyond the bare estimate so cuts, scrap, and the inevitable surprise don't leave you short. Labor is its own budget line and isn't part of this material total; it depends on the job's difficulty and your region. One more step before you buy: confirm local zoning rules and any HOA restrictions on fence height and material, since those can override whatever you had planned.

Example: 150 Linear Feet Wood Privacy Fence, 6 Feet High

  1. 1 Input: Total Linear Feet = 150, Fence Height = 6 ft, Material = Wood, Number of Gates = 1.
  2. 2 Material: 150 × $15 per foot = $2,250. Gate: 1 × $300 = $300. Total Estimated Cost = $2,550.
  3. 3 Posts: 150 ÷ 8 = 18.75, rounded up to 19, plus 1 = 20 posts; panels: 19.
  4. 4 Add 10-15% for cuts and scrap, plus permits, debris removal and installation labor, which the calculator does not include.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: September 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a fence?
This calculator's material rates for a 6-foot fence are $15 per linear foot for wood, $25 for vinyl, $10 for chain link and $30 for aluminum, scaled in proportion for 4- or 8-foot heights, plus $200-$500 per gate. For 200 linear feet of 6-foot wood fence with one gate that is $3,300 in materials; installation labor is extra.
How many fence posts do I need?
Space fence posts 6-8 feet apart for most materials. For 200 linear feet at 8-foot spacing, you need 26 posts (200/8 + 1). Add extra posts for corners and gate locations. Use 4x4 posts for fences up to 6 feet tall.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
The International Residential Code exempts fences up to 7 feet high from a building permit (R105.2), but local zoning rules can still require a permit and set lower height limits. Always check local building codes, HOA rules, and property line surveys before building. Many areas require a setback from the property line.

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