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Fence Cost Calculator

Estimate what a new fence should cost — by length, material, height, gates, and region. You get a low-to-high price range with the fence run, gates, and cost per linear foot broken out.

Inputs

Total run of fence — measure each side and add them up.

Result

Adjust the inputs to see your result.

How the estimate works

Fence contractors price by the linear foot of fence run — a single per-foot number that already blends posts, panels, rails, hardware, and labor. The calculator takes your total length (typed directly, or worked out from your yard's length and width), multiplies it by a national per-foot range for your material, then scales for height: a 4-foot fence is lighter and cheaper to set than an 8-foot privacy wall.

Each material has its own installed range — from about $10–$25 per foot for chain-link up to $35–$70 for composite. Gates are added separately (roughly $150–$600 each) because they need hinges, a latch, and a wider, reinforced opening. Finally your region scales the whole job up or down. The result is an honest low-to-high range, because real fence bids vary that much by terrain and crew.

What drives the price

  • Material is the biggest lever — composite or ornamental aluminum can cost 3× a chain-link fence of the same length.
  • Height adds material and labor: an 8-foot fence needs deeper posts and more panel per foot than a 4-foot one.
  • Gates are pricey per unit — a single drive gate can cost as much as 30–50 feet of fence.
  • Terrain and region swing labor sharply: sloped, rocky, or root-filled ground and high-cost metros push you toward the top of the range.

Common mistakes

  • Not calling 811 first. The free utility locate is mandatory; hitting a gas or power line is dangerous and, in some states, a felony.
  • Skipping the survey. Building inches over the property line is the #1 neighbor lawsuit — and you may have to tear it out.
  • Forgetting the permit. Most cities require one over 6 feet or in the front yard; an HOA may also dictate style and color.
  • Taking one bid. Fence bids for the same run routinely vary 30–40%. Always get three.

When this calculator is the wrong tool

Use a pro quote for: steep or rocky terrain needing rock drilling, retaining-wall or grade work, automated/electric driveway gates, custom welded steel, or commercial security fencing. This tool estimates a standard residential fence on reasonably flat ground.

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FAQ

Questions, answered

How much does it cost to install a fence?
Most homeowners pay roughly $15–$45 per linear foot installed, so a typical 150-foot wood privacy fence runs about $3,000–$7,500 with one gate. Chain-link is cheapest at $10–$25 per foot; composite and ornamental aluminum top the range. Your final price depends on material, height, number of gates, terrain, and local labor rates.
What's the cheapest fence material?
Chain-link is the cheapest at roughly $10–$25 per linear foot installed, followed by wood picket at $15–$35. Chain-link gives you the most enclosed yard per dollar, which is why it's the go-to for dog runs and back boundaries. The trade-off is curb appeal and privacy.
Vinyl vs wood fence — which costs more?
Vinyl costs more up front (about $25–$55 per foot vs $20–$45 for a wood privacy fence), but it never needs staining, sealing, or painting and won't rot or warp. Over 15–20 years vinyl often costs less than wood once you count the repainting and board replacement a wood fence needs.
Do I need a permit or a survey to build a fence?
Usually yes to a permit for anything over about 6 feet, and often for any fence in the front yard — check your city or HOA rules first. A property survey is strongly recommended: building even a few inches over the line is the single most common neighbor lawsuit, and you may be forced to tear it down.
How is fence cost calculated per linear foot?
Contractors price by the linear foot of fence run, which already blends posts, panels, hardware, and labor. This calculator multiplies your fence length by a per-foot material rate, scales it for height (a 4-foot fence is cheaper than an 8-foot one), adds a per-gate cost, then adjusts for your region. Gates are priced separately because they need hardware and a wider opening.