Fence Cost Estimator
Pick a material, enter your linear feet, and get post counts, concrete bags, and installed cost in seconds — with DIY vs hired side-by-side so you always know what labor is really costing you.

Posts
21
Rails
57
Pickets
—
Concrete bags
42
Total installed
$6,700
$44.67/ft for 150 ft of wood privacy
Material
$4,200
Labor
$2,250
Gates
$250
DIY would save $2,250 in labor.
DIY could save $2,250.
Labor is the biggest line item at $2,250 ($15.00/ft). Materials alone run $4,200.
Plan on a long weekend per ~50 ft of fence with two people, or hire it out if posts hit rock or roots.
Pro tip
Premium
Unlock saved fence projects, mixed-material runs (privacy + chain-link), and a printable material list with hardware store SKU mapping.
Unlock PremiumHow much does a fence cost per linear foot?
Installed cost runs about $18–$25/ft for chain-link, $25–$40/ft for wood, and $35–$55/ft for vinyl. DIY drops the price 30–50% but adds a long weekend per ~50 ft.
How many fence posts do I need?
Divide your total length by the post spacing (6 or 8 ft), add 1 for the end post, and add 1 extra for each gate. A 150-ft fence with 8-ft spacing and one gate needs about 21 posts.
How much concrete per fence post?
Two 60-lb bags of fast-setting concrete per post is the standard rule for a 6-ft fence with a 3-ft deep hole. Bump to three bags for 8-ft fences or sandy soil.
Wood vs vinyl fence — which is cheaper long-term?
Wood is cheaper up front but needs stain or paint every 2–3 years. Vinyl costs 50% more installed but is essentially maintenance-free for 20+ years.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most cities require a permit for fences over 6 ft tall, and many HOAs require approval at any height. Always call 811 for free utility-line marking before digging posts.
Is the Fence Calculator free?
Yes — post count, materials, concrete, and installed cost are all free. Premium unlocks saved layouts, multi-section runs, and printable material lists.