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Fence Calculator

Posts, rails, pickets, gates, concrete, and total cost for wood, vinyl, chain link, and aluminum fencing.

Estimated total
$2,058–$4,397
Length
100 lf · 19 posts
Project details
Fence runs
Run 1

Linear feet, not perimeter

Standard: 4, 5, 6, 8 ft

13 sections, 14 line posts234 pickets
Total100 linear feet · 13 sections
Gates

$150–$400 each

$300–$600 each

$500–$1200 each

Posts & concrete

Count of corner/end posts (rectangular yard = 4)

80 lb bags. 1 for ≤6', 2 for 8'+

Total: 14 line posts + 4 corner posts + 1 gate posts = 19 posts · 38 bags concrete
Site & finishing
Pricing override

Optional — leave blank to use estimate

Terrain & labor

Cost breakdown

All materials, gates, hardware, and labor.
Run 1 · Wood privacy 100 lf @ $18/lf$1,200 – $2,500
Posts · 19 (14 line + 4 corner + 1 gate)$228 – $475
Concrete · 38 × 80 lb bags$228 – $342
Hardware · 19 × $5–$12$95 – $228
Post caps · 19$57 – $152
Gates · 1 walk + 0 single + 0 double$150 – $400
Initial stain / sealer$100 – $300
Total project cost$2,058 – $4,397
💡 Per-linear-foot all-in: $21–$44/lf. Compare against contractor quotes (which should be quoted the same way).

Shopping list

Major fence materials.
  • Wood Privacy Fence (6') — Run 1100 lf · 6' tall
  • 4×4 PT posts (8 ft)19
  • 80 lb pre-mix concrete38 bags
  • 2×4 rails (8 ft)26
  • Fence pickets234
  • Post caps19
  • Galvanized exterior screws20 lbs
  • Gate hardware kits (hinges, latch)1
  • Walk gate (3.5')1
  • Stain / sealer~1 gallons
  • Post hole digger or auger rental1
  • String line, level, mason lineSet
  • Wheelbarrow & mixing tools1 set
Ready to start?
Compare wood privacyoptions at Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local lumberyard.
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How to use this calculator

Enter the total length of fencing you need (in linear feet — that's the distance walking along the fence, not the perimeter of your yard) and pick a fence type and height. The calculator gives you a complete material list: posts, rails, pickets, concrete, hardware, and gates.

Use the "+ Add fence run" option if you have multiple runs at different heights or types (e.g., a 6' privacy fence on the back yard and 4' picket on the front). The math handles each separately.

Pro tips

Always confirm linear vs. total feet.Most fence quotes are per-linear-foot. A 100' long fence is 100 linear feet, regardless of height. Sometimes contractors quote "per square foot of fence panel" (length × height) which inflates the comparison — make sure all bids are quoted the same way.

Check property lines and setbacks.Most jurisdictions require fences to be 2–6" inside your property line. Get a survey if your line isn't clearly marked — a few inches on the wrong side becomes a neighbor lawsuit.

Concrete every post. 1–2 bags of 80 lb pre-mix per post. Skipping concrete on wood posts is the #1 reason fences fail — they wobble, rot at the base, and lean within 5 years. Concrete adds $5–$10 per post.

Vinyl and aluminum win long-term. Wood needs staining every 2–3 years and replacement every 15–20 years. Vinyl and aluminum cost 1.5–2× upfront but require zero maintenance and last 30+ years.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 100-foot fence cost?▾
Wood privacy 6 ft: $1,200–$2,500 (DIY) or $2,500–$5,000 (pro). Vinyl: $2,000–$4,000 DIY / $4,000–$7,000 pro. Chain link 4 ft: $500–$1,500 DIY / $1,500–$3,000 pro. Aluminum: $2,500–$4,500 DIY / $5,000–$8,000 pro.
What's the difference between linear feet and total feet?▾
Linear feet = the distance walking along the fence. A 100' long fence is 100 linear feet, regardless of height. Some quotes inflate by quoting square footage (length × height), which makes a 6' fence look 50% more expensive than it should.
Do I need a permit for a fence?▾
Most jurisdictions require permits for fences over 6 feet, fences in front yards, or fences along major streets. Permits run $50–$200. Always check with your local building department — and your HOA, which may have stricter rules than the city.
How far apart should fence posts be?▾
8 feet on center is standard for wood. 10 feet for chain link. 6 feet for tall (8'+) wood privacy fences for stiffness. Closer post spacing means fewer pickets per section but more posts and concrete.
How many bags of concrete per fence post?▾
1 × 80 lb bag for posts up to 6 ft. 2 × 80 lb bags for 8'+ posts or in soft/sandy soil. Set posts in a 8"-diameter hole, ~30" deep (below frost line in cold climates).
Can I install a fence myself?▾
Yes — straight runs of chain link, panel-style vinyl/wood, and pre-made gates are doable for most homeowners. Plan on 1–2 weekends for ~100 ft of fence with one helper. Skip DIY for: complex terrain, concrete drilling needed, multiple gates, or property-line disputes.
How long do different fence types last?▾
Wood (treated): 15–20 years (with regular staining). Cedar: 20–30 years. Vinyl: 30+ years. Chain link: 20–30 years. Aluminum: 50+ years. Wrought iron: 60+ years (with rust prevention).
Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual fence costs vary based on terrain, soil conditions, local material pricing, and labor rates. Check your local code and HOA requirements for permitted fence heights, materials, and setback rules.