Fence Cost Calculator
This fence cost calculator estimates the total cost of a new fence from its length, material and labor cost per linear foot, gates, and removal of the old fence. Enter your prices and the fence cost calculator returns the total, the cost per linear foot, and the split between materials, labor, gates, and removal.
Results
The Fence Cost Calculator is part of our Materials Estimating collection. Browse more materials estimating to size, convert, and check your work alongside this tool.
What the fence cost calculator does
Fence quotes are built from a few numbers: the length, a material price per linear foot, a labor price per linear foot, a price per gate, and often a charge to pull out the old fence. The fence cost calculator puts those together, adds a waste allowance on materials, and shows the total and the real cost per foot. Use it to compare quotes, test different materials, or set a budget before you call contractors.
Fence cost formula
The fence cost calculator adds four parts:
Cost per linear foot is the total divided by the length, so it includes gates and removal, which is the figure to compare between quotes.
Fence cost calculator example
A 150 ft fence with material at $15 per foot, labor at $10 per foot, one $300 gate, and 10% waste:
That works out to $28.50 per linear foot. Use your own local prices; they change a lot with region, material, height, and ground conditions.
How to use the fence cost calculator
Measure the fence line in feet, leaving out the gate openings. Enter the material cost per foot for your fence style, from a supplier price or a quote, and the labor cost per foot. Add the number of gates and the price of each, the removal cost per foot if an old fence comes out, and a waste allowance. Press Calculate to see the total and the cost per linear foot.
Reading the fence estimate
The total is a budget figure; the cost per linear foot is the number to compare between contractors. If one quote is much lower, check what it leaves out: removal, gates, post concrete, permits, or hauling. Materials usually make up the larger share for privacy styles and labor the larger share for simple ones. Hard digging in rock or roots, slopes, and tall fences push labor up.
When to use a fence price estimator
- Setting a budget for a new fence
- Comparing contractor quotes on the same basis
- Testing wood, vinyl, chain link, or metal prices
- Pricing a fence replacement with removal
- Checking a DIY build against an installed price
Common fence cost calculator mistakes
- Including gate openings in the length. Price gates separately.
- No waste allowance. Cuts and damaged boards use 5 to 10% more material.
- Forgetting removal. Old fence removal and hauling add real cost.
- Comparing per-foot prices with different scopes. Check what each quote includes.
Tips for a lower fence cost
- Get three quotes with the same height, material, and gate count.
- Ask neighbors about sharing a boundary fence cost.
- Book installers outside the spring rush when possible.
How much does a fence cost: what drives the price
Material is the first lever. Chain link is cheap to buy and fast to install. Pressure treated wood privacy fences need more posts, rails, and pickets per foot, and cedar costs more again. Vinyl costs more up front but needs little upkeep, and aluminum or steel ornamental fences sit near the top. Height is the second lever: going from 4 ft to 6 ft adds material and wind load, which can mean deeper posts. Site conditions make up the rest. Rocky soil, tree roots, slopes that need stepped panels, and long gates with drive hardware all add labor. Count posts, panels, and rails first with the fence calculator, price them at your supplier, and divide by the length to get a real material price per foot for this tool.
Fence installation cost calculator for DIY versus pro
Labor can be half or more of a fence price, so a DIY build saves money but takes time and tools: a post hole auger, a level, string lines, and concrete. Each post usually takes one to two bags of concrete, which you can work out with the concrete bag calculator. Set the labor field to zero for a DIY estimate and add tool rental as a gate-sized line item. Before digging any fence, call the utility locate service and check property lines and local height rules.
Fence cost chart by length
Total fence cost at three all-in prices per linear foot:
| Fence length | $20 per ft | $30 per ft | $45 per ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,500 |
| 150 ft | $3,000 | $4,500 | $6,750 |
| 200 ft | $4,000 | $6,000 | $9,000 |
| 300 ft | $6,000 | $9,000 | $13,500 |
Fence Cost Calculator FAQ
How much does a fence cost per linear foot?
It depends on the material, height, and region. Chain link usually costs the least per foot, wood privacy sits in the middle, and vinyl and ornamental metal cost more. Enter local quotes in the fence cost calculator to compare them.
How do I estimate fence cost?
Multiply the length by the material and labor prices per foot, add gates and removal, and allow about 10% extra material. 150 ft with $15 material and $10 labor per foot, 10% waste, and one $300 gate comes to $4,275.
Should I include the gate opening in the length?
No. Measure the fence sections only and price gates separately, since a gate costs more than the same width of fence.
What costs are often left out of a quote?
Removal and hauling of the old fence, permits, surveys, and extra charges for rock or slopes. Ask for each in writing.