Fence Calculator

How much does a fence cost?

Enter your fence length, height, and material type. Get a material cost range, post count, rail quantity, and pickets or panels — for wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and split rail.

Fence Cost Calculator

Material cost ranges based on 2025 national pricing data.

linear feet (total fence run)
feet
adds extra posts per gate opening
2025 national pricing data
5 fence types
Posts, rails, pickets, and panels

Fence Cost by Material Type

Fence cost is almost entirely driven by two variables: material type and total linear footage. The figures below reflect materials only — not installation labour, which typically doubles the cost and varies widely by region and contractor.

What Drives the Difference Within Each Range

The low end of each range assumes standard dimensions, pressure-treated pine posts, and basic hardware. The high end reflects premium materials — cedar or redwood for wood fences, thicker vinyl with steel reinforcement, heavy-gauge chain link, or premium powder-coat finishes on aluminum. Geographic pricing also shifts the range significantly; the same materials cost more in the Pacific Northwest and Northeast than in the mid-South or Midwest.

How Posts Are Calculated

Wood and vinyl fences use posts every 8 feet. Chain link uses posts every 10 feet. Aluminum ornamental panels are typically 6 feet wide, requiring posts at 6-foot centres. The calculator adds two extra posts per gate opening — gates require their own dedicated posts on each side, separate from the line posts.

Rails: Two or Three

A fence up to 5 feet tall typically uses two horizontal rails — one near the top and one near the bottom. A 6-foot or taller fence adds a middle rail for stability. Vinyl and aluminum panels are typically sold as complete pre-assembled panels, so individual rail counts are less relevant for those types, but they're shown for planning purposes.

What Isn't in This Estimate

Labour, permit fees, concrete for post footings, gate hardware, hinges, and latches are not included. A standard 6-foot wood privacy fence with professional installation runs $25–$45 per linear foot all-in. Call local contractors with your linear footage for accurate quotes — prices vary more by region than by any other factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard 6-foot wood privacy fence, expect $7–$15 per linear foot in materials only. A typical residential backyard perimeter of 150 linear feet runs $1,050–$2,250 in materials. Add professional installation and the total rises to $2,250–$4,500 for the same project. Vinyl at 6 feet runs $1,500–$3,300 in materials for the same 150 lf, or $3,000–$6,000 installed. Enter your exact dimensions above for a more precise estimate.

For wood or vinyl fencing at standard 8-foot post spacing: divide your total linear footage by 8 and add 1 for the end post. A 150-foot fence needs 19–20 posts (150 ÷ 8 = 18.75, round up to 19, plus 1 end post = 20). Add 2 extra posts per gate opening. The calculator handles this automatically — just enter your total length, height, and number of gates.

Wood is cheaper upfront — typically 30–50% less per linear foot than vinyl in materials. Vinyl is cheaper over a 15–20 year lifespan because it requires no painting, staining, or rot repair. Wood needs staining or sealing every 2–3 years and individual boards replaced as they rot or warp, typically around year 7–10. If you're planning to stay in the house long-term, vinyl usually wins on total cost of ownership.

Most municipalities require a permit for fences over a certain height — typically 6 feet — or for fences in the front yard. Some require permits for any permanent fence regardless of height. Permit costs run $25–$150 in most areas. Call your local building department before starting work. HOA rules are a separate matter — they often restrict height, material, and colour regardless of what the city allows.

A professional crew of two can typically install 150–200 linear feet of wood privacy fencing in one day, including digging and setting posts. That assumes no major grade changes, no rock, and no obstacles. DIY installation is slower — plan on a day just for posts (letting concrete set overnight), then a second day for rails and pickets. Vinyl and aluminum panel fences go faster because panels come pre-assembled.

Fence Post Depth Calculator

Burial depth, total post length, and concrete per hole.

Concrete Calculator

Bags and yards for post footings, slabs, and more.

Gravel Tons Calculator

Gravel for the fence base, drainage, and pathways.