Fence Cost Estimator

Price your fence before the first post hits the ground.

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.

Newly installed cedar wood privacy fence around a manicured backyard lawn at golden hour

Material

Dimensions

Pricing

Materials needed

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

Always call 811 before digging post holes — utility marking is free and takes ~3 business days.

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Frequently asked

How 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.